The Local Government Reform Commission has stated that local government elections can be held simultaneously and at this time. If delayed, there may be legal complications due to the expiration of the terms of several institutions before the elections. Since the July revolution, the country has effectively lacked functioning local government institutions.
The commission submitted a summary of its recommendations to the interim government on Wednesday, February 19. The summary includes the proposal for holding local government elections soon.
According to the commission, it is now possible to create a new framework for local governance. Discussions about implementing a parliamentary system for local government have been ongoing for a long time, but no opportunity was created.
However, the commission believes that now is the right time. By issuing an ordinance in March or April, two unified local government laws could be introduced for five institutions, and elections for all unions, upazilas, municipalities, city corporations, and district councils could be held by June.
The proposed Local Government Commission could complete the detailed work before April. However, the commission believes this will be feasible only if the government, political parties, and the Election Commission reach a consensus regarding national elections.
The Reform Commission noted that holding these elections would require a maximum of one and a half to two months every five years. This would make the election process more cost-effective and time-efficient. The commission has proposed two draft local government laws that could be enacted by the interim government as an ordinance or later by an elected government as legislation.
The commission also pointed out that the functions and services of these local government institutions would vary according to their needs. It will be necessary to review current rules on the functions, legislative and executive activities of the councils, standing committee activities, manpower management, and other areas to create new rules in alignment with the new laws.
A Local Government Commission, consisting of experts, could play an effective role and assist the ministry in this process.
The Local Government Reform Commission had already submitted its preliminary recommendations. On November 18, the interim government formed an 8-member Local Government Reform Commission, led by Professor Tofail Ahmed, former chairman of the Department of Public Administration at Chittagong University.
The other members include Professor Dr Ferdous Arfina Osman, former chair of the Department of Public Administration at Dhaka University, former Secretary AMM Nasir Uddin, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Abdur Rahman, Director of BISS Dr Mahfuz Kabir, Executive Director of the Women`s Initiative Center Masuda Khatun Shefali, Professor Dr Mohammad Tariqul Islam from Jahangirnagar University`s Department of Government and Politics, and a student representative.
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