Dhaka //

The Local Government Reform Commission formed by the interim government said in its initial report that there are practically no local government institutions in the country after the July uprising. Therefore, elections for all local government institutions can be held simultaneously at this time.

The commission also believes that it is possible to hold elections for all union councils, upazila councils, municipalities, city corporations and district councils in all plains and hills by June this year.

The Office of the Chief Advisor published the report on Saturday (February 22).

The report said that it is now possible to paint a new picture on a new, transparent canvas. Otherwise, legal complications may arise regarding the expiration of the term of many institutions before the elections.

Although the discussion of introducing a parliamentary system in the local government system has been in the public domain for a long time, no opportunity has arisen. Now that opportunity has arisen.

Two consolidated local government laws for five institutions can be enacted through an ordinance between March and April, and elections for all the union councils, upazila councils, municipalities, city corporations and district councils in the plains and hills can be held by June.

The Reform Commission said that the proposed ‘Local Government Commission’ can complete the detailed work on this issue before April. However, this will be possible only if a consensus is established between the government, political parties and the Election Commission on the national election.

The Local Government Reform Commission’s recommendation said that the elections for the three district councils in the hills can also be completed by June 2025 by amending the law and incorporating the Hill District Council and Regional Council Act into the parliamentary structure.

The interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus formed an eight-member Local Government Reform Commission headed by Professor Tofail Ahmed, former chairman of the Department of Public Administration of Chittagong University.

The other members of the commission are – Professor Dr. Ferdous Arfina Osman, former secretary AMM Nasir Uddin, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Abdur Rahman, BISS Director Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Executive Director of Nari Udyog Kendra Masuda Khatun Shefali, Professor of Government and Politics Department of Jahangirnagar University Dr. Tariqul Islam and a student representative.

Expressed their opinions.