TBD town hall highlights decentralisation and stronger local governance beyond Dhaka
The Bangladesh Dialogue called for stronger and more autonomous local government institutions, highlighting decentralisation, women’s participation, and reduced Dhaka-centric governance as key priorities for Bangladesh’s future reforms
The fourth town hall discussion of the organisation was held on Thursday, 24 May, at The Daily Star Centre under the theme "Beyond Dhaka: Rebuilding Local Government Structure."
The event brought together representatives from civil society, academia, politics and the media, including Members of Parliament, researchers and journalists.
Speakers at a town hall discussion organised by The Bangladesh Dialogue emphasised the need for greater autonomy of local government institutions, decentralisation of media and administration, and increased participation of women in local governance.
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The session was chaired by Aslam Beg, while Kazi Rakib Hossain moderated the discussion. The keynote address was delivered by S.M. Saif Kader Rubab.
Among the participants were Bithika Binte Hossain, Dr Sansila Jebrin Priyanka, Alauddin Mohammad, Manabendra Dev, Aliur San, Fayazuddin Ahmed, Akib Md. Shatil, Dr Bulbul Siddiqi, Dr Nurul Huda Sakib, Dr Tanvir Ahmed, Sumaiya Binte Sajjad and Sakib Ahmed Siam.
During the discussion, participants highlighted the importance of empowering local government bodies through greater taxation and revenue collection authority. Speakers also highlighted the need to reduce excessive pressure on Dhaka by developing and utilising other major cities more effectively.
The role of village courts was another major focus of the discussion, with participants calling for reforms to improve their effectiveness and accessibility at the grassroots level.
Speakers further argued that decentralisation of the media sector was necessary to support broader decentralisation efforts in governance and policymaking.
Concerns were also raised over the interference of Members of Parliament in the activities of locally elected representatives, which participants said weakens local government institutions and undermines accountability.
The discussion additionally placed special emphasis on ensuring greater participation of women in local government structures.
In his keynote speech, S M Saif Kader Rubab said discussions on Bangladesh's future often remain centred on national elections, the economy, investment and foreign relations, while governance realities outside Dhaka receive far less attention.
"When we discuss the future of Bangladesh, we usually focus on national elections, the economy, investment, foreign relations, or broader Dhaka-centric issues. However, we rarely ask a fundamental question: how is Bangladesh beyond Dhaka actually governed, and to what extent do people outside Dhaka feel that the state truly belongs to them?" he said.
He added that the political developments after 2024 had created a renewed opportunity to rethink decentralisation and institutional reform in Bangladesh.
