The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Democracy Watch, a human rights organisation working to promote transparency and accountability in local governance with assistance from the Human Rights and Good Governance Programme of DANIDA, organized a two-day experience sharing meeting with local activists here.

The meeting held at it's hall room from July 26 to 27 identified the existing problems and possible solutions to make local governments more responsive, transparent and accountable to the people.

A number of local government activists from Jessore, Nilphamari, Gazipur and Dinajpur were present at the meeting while Taleya Rehman, Executive Director of Democracy Watch inaugurated the meeting.

The activists identified some obstructions to local governments' performance that should be considered if LGs are to be efficient and effective.

These included but not limited to; poor knowledge of the Local Elected Bodies to handle LG institutions efficiently, non- existence of institutions to monitor union Parishad activities, poor commitment of representatives of LG, lack of communication and sharing of information among NGO's, government officials, LEB and other stakeholders.

The recommendations were emphasized on mobilization of target groups, local civil society organizations including the media and individuals, CBOs, citizens and other stakeholders to be able to monitor LG activities and local service delivery system.

The participants also recommended training of the UP representatives in order to build their capacity and quality so that they are able to mange the operation of union Parishad efficiently.

Among others Mostafa Sohel, Wazed Feroz, Shahdat Islam Chowdhury, Mujtoba Shamim, Shariful Haq, Golam Rabbi, Abdur Rahman, Feroze Nurun Nabi, Saiful Islam, Mahabubul Alam, Mohsin Kabir, Towfik Alahi, Nilufa Easmin were also present.

Taleya Rehman said, Democracy Watch is planning to conduct a huge national advocacy campaign to promote transparency and accountably in local governance soon.