UZ chairmen need training on their jobs
Newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of upazila parishads should be provided training on their responsibilities so that they can play a vital role in running and strengthening the local bodies.
They will have to prepare five-year development plans for their respective areas, and the local government bodies have to be allowed to draw up their budgets for implementing these plans.
Local government experts expressed these views at a roundtable on 'Responsibilities in establishing effective and strong local government' in the capital yesterday.
They also said upazila chairmen and vice chairmen should maintain contact with the government, especially 12 ministries concerned.
Besides experts, many upazila chairmen and vice chairmen took part in the roundtable organised by Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik (Shujan) and held at the Jatiya Press Club.
Shujan President Prof Muzaffer Ahmed stressed special training for the chairmen and vice chairmen because most of them do not have clear knowledge about their responsibilities.
“The government, especially lawmakers, will not able to interfere in the activities of local government bodies including upazila parishads if they become self reliant in financing their budget,” Muzaffer said.
Revenue earning of upazila parishads can be raised by imposing fees on registration of marriage, birth and death, private schools, kindergartens, diagnostic centres and markets, and use of bridges and roads.
The renowned economist also suggested that the government provide computer training to upazila chairmen and vice chairmen to enable them to help establish digital Bangladesh.
Local Government Commission Member Hedayat Islam said the commission has already held talks with the government about the responsibilities of upazila chairmen and vice chairmen. And it will have talks with them very soon.
He also said upazila parishads' own funds will have to be increased.
Former deputy speaker Ali Ashraf said local governments can play a signifcant role in building young leadership from the grassroots level.
Others who spoke included Badiul Alam Majmder, Inam Ahmed Chowdhury, Syed Abul Maksud, Mahabubur Rahman, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Sanjida Khanam, Ruhin Hossain , Mostafizur Rahman and Nurul Huda.
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