The Public Administration Reform Commission has proposed a provincial governance system by dividing the country's four historical divisions into four provinces.
The commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (February 5).
Commission Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury handed over the report at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital.
The report underscored that the increasing population and expanded government functions have made the current administrative and local government structure inadequate. It suggests decentralizing services by forming four provinces to reduce the concentration of power in the central government and ease pressure on Dhaka.
Additionally, the report recommends establishing a "Capital City Government" for Dhaka, similar to New Delhi's federal government-controlled system. This governing body would have an elected assembly and local government to manage Dhaka, Tongi, Keraniganj, Savar, and Narayanganj.
The commission also proposed abolishing district councils, as they are not financially self-sufficient and their chairpersons are not directly elected by the people. Their assets could be transferred to the proposed provincial governments.
The report emphasizes strengthening municipal governance, with mayors elected by ward members to ensure accountability. It also suggests empowering upazila councils by removing the vice chairman position and rotating one-third of union council members into the upazila council. Upazila executive officers would focus only on law enforcement, land management, and administrative oversight to prevent political influence.
To improve land management, the commission recommends creating a new second-class land officer position at the upazila level. Promotions from the Kanungo cadre to assistant commissioners (land) should follow competitive exams under the Public Service Commission.
For union councils, the report suggests adjusting ward numbers based on population, ensuring 50% female representation, and electing chairpersons through ward member votes. The union councils could also be assigned responsibilities for informal education, agriculture, and healthcare committees. Strengthening village courts would help resolve disputes locally.
Public hearings should be held to form these committees, allowing community participation in decision-making.
BDST: 1624 HRS, FEB 05, 2025
MSK/SMS
