The New Nation - Internet Edition

SPEAKERS at a roundtable organised by Free Thinkers Forum, Bangladesh in the city the other day urged for a balanced development of the local government bodies. Regarding the alleged problem of contradiction of the Members of Parliament or Ministers with the local administrations, the discussants underlined the need for strengthening local government institutions and devolving power at different tiers in such a way that the local administration is not hampered by such disputes.

In the past, allegations of undue and unwanted interference by MPs or Ministers in the day-to-day functions of the local bodies, especially at Upazila and Zilla Parishad levels, were brought. Very often priorities of the local bodies and the MPs or Ministers did not complement each other and gave rise to disputes. Such unwarranted interference hampered the development of the local bodies. These contradictions not only obstructed smooth running of administration but also delayed development activities.

As part of their suggestions, the speakers underscored the need for overcoming conceptual problems regarding the role of local governments. They also underlined the need for finding out the reasons behind the alleged frictions. Necessary amendments to local government laws and rules should be made to clearly define and demarcate powers and jurisdictions of all concerned to avoid conflicts. The discussants suggested reduction of excessive domination of administration over the local governments. All these are indispensable for decentralisation of administration. Elections to the local government should be held at regular intervals to bring out honest and capable leaders and make local administration more effective. Smooth functioning of the local bodies should be ensured for the overall development of the country.