MPs should not be advisers of UZ parishads

Speakers at a press conference yesterday called for self-governing of all local government institutions including upazila parishads to strengthen democracy at grassroots level.
They said strong local government is a prerequisite for strengthening democratic process and good governance.
They also demanded that the lawmakers should not be kept as advisers in upazila parishads to ensure authorities of locally elected representatives and cut bureaucratic control.
The press conference was organised by Governance Advocacy Forum at the National Press Club in the city demanding establishment of self-governing and truly powerful local government system for the sake of a change.
Dr Salahuddin M Aminuzzaman, professor of public administration at Dhaka University, said despite having specific direction from the Constitution the local government of the country is yet to be strengthened owing to controlling by the central government, bureaucracy and lawmakers.
It is found in a research that the country with a strong local government system has sound economic growth, he said, adding, "We want a strong local government capable of running independently."
"There will be a conflict in leadership if the members of the parliament (MPs) are allowed to have their previous controlling authority over the elected local representatives," he feared.
Dr Salahuddin suggested that Local Government Commission (LGC) should be approved with some amendments as an effective LGC is a must for a strong local government system.
Justice Ghulam Rabbani said the outline of the local government has been stated in the articles 59 and 60 of the Constitution and it has to run as per the Constitution.
"We achieved independence and democracy through liberation war and democracy doesn't mean only exercise of franchise. Peoples' participation is also necessary which is possible through strengthening the local government," he said.
In his keynote paper, Mohsin Ali, coordinator of the forum, said the ruling party in its electoral manifesto pledged for a strong local government before the parliament election.
So it would be a backtrack from its pledge if the government adds new provisions including restoration of MPs' authority over the local governments in the ordinances, he said.
He also demanded that the LGC should be kept intact.
The forum will form human chain in front of the National Press Club and other district headquarters on February 23 to press home their demands, he announced.
Ranjan Karmakar of Steps Towards Development and Numan Ahmed Khan of IED, also spoke at the press conference.