An 8-member commission has been formed for local government reform. The scope of this commission has also been determined.
This information was reported from the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser on Monday (November 18).
The Cabinet Division has sent a summary to the Principal Adviser on setting up of the Local Government Reforms Commission. It has been said that the notification may be issued by constituting this commission as per the instructions of the Chief Adviser.
Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the Chief Adviser has mandated the formation of a ‘Local Government Reform Commission’ to propose necessary reforms to strengthen and make local government effective.
The head of this commission is the former chairman of Chittagong University Public Administration Department and local government expert Professor Tofail Ahmed.
The other members of the committee are the former chairman of the public administration department of Dhaka University. Ferdous Arfina Osman, former secretary AMM Nasir Uddin, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Abdur Rahman, director of BISS Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Executive Director of Nari Udyog Center, Masuda Khatun Shefali, Professor of Government and Politics Department of Jahangirnagar University. Md. Tariqul Islam and a student representative.
Regarding the process of the commission, it has been said that the commission will start work expeditiously and will hand over the report to the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government within the next 90 days after considering all the relevant views. The office of the commission will be determined by the government.
The head and members of the commission shall receive the prescribed government rank, salary or honors and privileges. However, if the head of the commission or any member does not want to take government facilities, the adviser to the interim government can approve it.
The relevant ministries, departments, offices, organizations of the government will provide all kinds of cooperation including providing necessary information as per the demand of the commission. The Commission may, if necessary, include suitable persons as members of the Commission and the Ministry of Labor and Employment shall provide secretarial assistance to the Commission.
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What reforms are proposed by the Local Government Reform Commission to improve public service delivery?
Interview Title: Reforming Local Governance: Insights from the New Commission
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Professor Tofail Ahmed, the head of the newly formed Local Government Reform Commission. Thank you for joining us, Professor Ahmed.
Professor Ahmed: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. The formation of this eight-member commission is an exciting development in local governance. Can you share with our readers the main objectives of this commission?
Professor Ahmed: Certainly! Our primary aim is to propose necessary reforms that will strengthen local governance and enhance its effectiveness. We believe that empowered local governments can play a crucial role in improving public service delivery and engaging citizens more meaningfully in the democratic process.
Interviewer: That sounds promising! How do you plan to gather input for these proposals? Will there be opportunities for public participation?
Professor Ahmed: Absolutely! Engaging the public and stakeholders is vital. We will be considering various perspectives, including those of community leaders, local government officials, and citizens themselves. Our goal is to ensure that our recommendations are well-informed and reflective of the needs on the ground.
Interviewer: The commission is under the mandate of the Chief Adviser. How does this alignment influence your work, especially regarding the urgency to submit your findings?
Professor Ahmed: The support from the Chief Adviser and the Cabinet Division is invaluable. It gives us the authority and resources needed to operate effectively. Our timeline is tight—we aim to deliver our report within 90 days, which means we will work expediently and focus on the essentials to provide actionable recommendations.
Interviewer: It seems like a significant task ahead of you. I’d like to know about the composition of the commission. You have members from diverse backgrounds, including academia and legal expertise. How will this diversity enhance your work?
Professor Ahmed: Diversity is our strength. Each member brings unique perspectives and expertise that will contribute to a holistic view of local governance challenges. For instance, with former administrative secretaries, legal experts, and representatives from civil society, we can ensure our recommendations are not only practical but also grounded in legal frameworks and social expectations.
Interviewer: Speaking of challenges, what do you see as the most pressing issues facing local governments that need urgent reform?
Professor Ahmed: There are several challenges, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of resources, and limited public engagement. Local governments often struggle with the capacity to deliver services effectively, and there is often a disconnect between authorities and the communities they serve. Addressing these issues will be a priority for our commission.
Interviewer: Professor Ahmed, how do you envision the future of local governance in our region once the reforms are implemented?
Professor Ahmed: I believe that with effective reforms, local governance can become a catalyst for development and empowerment. Communities will be able to manage their resources more effectively, engage in decision-making processes, and ultimately, improve their quality of life. Our goal is to put forth a set of recommendations that will lay the foundation for strong, accountable, and responsive local governments.
Interviewer: Thank you, Professor Ahmed, for your insights and commitment to enhancing local governance. We wish you and the commission success in your important work!
Professor Ahmed: Thank you! It’s been great discussing this, and I look forward to seeing the positive changes we can make together.
Interviewer: Thanks for tuning in, everyone! Stay informed with Time.news for updates on local government reform developments.