By Rita Bhowmik (Dhaka Bureau)
A new debate has emerged regarding the balance of power between the center and the periphery in Bangladesh’s local governance system. Urban and regional planners have expressed deep concern over the government’s initiative to establish ‘Inspection Rooms’ or offices for Members of Parliament (MPs) within the Upazila Parishad premises. They warned that this move would create a ‘dual leadership’ in the local government system, potentially leading to a long-term lack of coordination in development activities and the deprivation of the general public.
These issues were highlighted at a press conference organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) on Tuesday (April 28) at the Planners’ Tower in the capital.
Scene from a press conference organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) at Planners Tower in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday (April 28). Photo: BIP.
In the keynote paper, BIP Vice-President Planner Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan noted that the primary role of an MP is legislation and policy-making. Conversely, the planning and implementation of local development is the responsibility of the local government. The direct presence of an MP within the Upazila Parishad would blur the constitutional and administrative boundaries between these two divisions.
He stated- ‘We are not for or against any individual or party; rather, we are raising a fundamental policy question regarding the state structure and the quality of democracy. If planning remains under central control, local realities are not reflected, and development projects often remain confined to paper.’
According to planners, if the Upazila Chairman and the Member of Parliament belong to different political ideologies, the establishment of such an office could create a conflict-prone environment. This would question administrative neutrality and cause delays in development work. It is feared that the direct involvement of the MP will further intensify the existing power struggle between the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Upazila Chairman.
BIP General Secretary Professor Dr. Md. Musleh Uddin Hasan said, “The solution to local problems like safe cities, drainage congestion, or quality public transport depends on the effective role of local government. We propose the formation of a ‘Local Parliament’ at the divisional level, where solutions can be sought through integrated coordination.”
To strengthen local government and ensure planned development, BIP presented a series of proposals:
1. Alternative Proposals for Offices: MP offices should not be located within local government institutions but could be established at separate locations or on virtual platforms. Their role should be limited to policy-making and oversight.
2. Appointment of Professional Planners: Making it mandatory to appoint professional planners in every Upazila to ensure integrated and scientific land use.
3. Financial Autonomy: Ensuring an independent budget for the Upazila Parishad and increasing the power to collect revenue locally.
4. Administrative Reform: Reducing central control and limiting the role of the UNO to coordination only.
5. All-Party Parliamentary Committee: Forming a committee to re-evaluate the ‘Local Government Commission 2025’ report by including planners and subject matter experts to modernize the local government system.
Speakers at the press conference emphasized that to ensure the planned use of every inch of land in the country, the local government must be established as the true administrative authority. Institutionalizing central political influence would hinder the core spirit of decentralization. Following a strong institutional framework and clear constitutional boundaries to ensure democratic accountability is now the need of the hour.
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The Author:
Rita Bhowmick: Senior Journalist and Staff Correspondent, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
