3-day DC confce from Mar 3: DCs want to be free of political pressure

Special Correspondent :
Deputy Commissioners (DCs) from various districts are encountering a range of challenges, including political pressures, in executing government decisions. Several DCs, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have expressed their intention to seek intervention from the Prime Minister during the upcoming DCs conference to implement various projects devoid of political influence.
Field administrations, including DCs, now have the opportunity to directly communicate with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, despite submitting 237 proposals last year, a considerable number of them remain unaddressed.
The DCs have underscored the necessity to bolster their authority in market regulation nationwide, enhance their role in development projects, and address mounting issues within district and upazila councils. Out of nearly 400 proposals, including resolutions for the Rohingya crisis, forwarded by the DCs, over 245 have been prioritized.
The forthcoming conference on March 3rd will witness discussions among 55 participating ministries, divisions, ministers, state ministers, senior secretaries, and secretaries to deliberate on these proposals. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is slated to inaugurate the three-day conference in Dhaka.

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This time, the DCs have presented a larger portion of their previous proposals. Additionally, representatives from commissioners of 64 districts and commissioners from eight divisions will join the conference. The agenda includes 21 working sessions, all coordinated by the Ministry of Local Government Division.
Following the formation of the new government after the twelfth election, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will provide fresh directives to field administrations. These directives will address political, economic, and developmental challenges across the nation. DCs will have the opportunity to engage in open discussions in the Prime Minister’s presence, expressing their concerns and addressing ongoing challenges.
Moreover, discussions will focus on effectively managing crises in the districts and fostering collaborative efforts with local Members of Parliament and upazila council chairpersons.
Over the past years, DCs, along with MPs and upazila parishad chairpersons, have actively participated in implementing various development projects and initiatives, including those in land development and cooperation with UN agencies. This aspect will also be deliberated in the upcoming DC conference.
It has been reported that out of the 242 proposals approved during the 2022 DCs conference, only 72 were implemented. Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division, Amin-ul Ahsan, noted that the Prime Minister will issue new directives to field administrations during the conference. DCs will have the opportunity to share their experiences directly with the Prime Minister during the event.