The case for a local government commission

Local government systems play a critical role in ensuring grassroots development, public accountability, and democratic participation. However, without adequate oversight and coordination, these institutions often falter under legal, administrative, and financial pressures. 

In Bangladesh, the persistent inefficiencies in local governance demand urgent structural reform, most notably through the establishment of a strong, independent, and decentralised Local Government Commission.

It is indisputable that an efficient oversight body is essential to guaranteeing the effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of the local government system. Establishing Local Government Commissions has become a global trend aimed at strengthening local institutions vital for developing planning frameworks, reorganising administrative structures, and ensuring good governance at the grassroots level.

In Bangladesh, institutions of local administration are struggling to maintain efficient coordination with the national government while also being accountable to the public. Legal ambiguity, budgetary constraints, and administrative complexity often undermine the effectiveness of the current system. 

A permanent and functional Local Government Commission could facilitate decentralisation, enhance service delivery, and improve the overall quality of governance at the local level.

Countries such as New Zealand, England, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, New Brunswick in Canada, and the Indian state of Kerala have established Local Government Commissions suited to their own administrative contexts. These bodies serve diverse objectives: some focus on decentralisation, others on administrative restructuring, anti-corruption measures, or policy guidance. 

A similar model, adapted to Bangladesh's specific needs—particularly drawing from the examples of Kerala and New Zealand—can help make the local government system more effective, transparent, and people-oriented.

The local government system in Bangladesh has long been built on a contradictory foundation. While institutions are expected to cooperate effectively with the central government, they are also tasked with remaining accountable to their local constituencies.

This tension is exacerbated by excessive central control, limited financial autonomy, and overlapping legal frameworks. A permanent Local Government Commission could serve as a crucial intermediary, improving coordination and clarifying responsibilities within the system.

As an independent body, the Commission would be well-positioned to analyse, evaluate, and make strategic recommendations on various aspects of local governance. Despite functioning within defined frameworks, existing institutions often fall short of delivering meaningful development due to legal inconsistencies, administrative inefficiencies, and lack of transparency. The role of a strong and effective commission is therefore vital in improving the quality of local government services and ensuring public participation.

One of the most pressing issues is the lack of coordination between the central and local governments. At present, the central government exerts excessive control over local institutions, especially in matters of fund allocation, project approvals, and structural changes. This leaves local representatives with limited decision-making authority. An independent commission could establish a fair and transparent system for financing local institutions, thereby restoring a degree of autonomy.

Moreover, the Commission could play a critical role in resolving legal ambiguities and administrative disputes that frequently arise between local bodies. Although laws and regulations governing local government have been amended periodically, implementation remains unclear and inconsistent. If a strong commission is formed, it can play an effective role in harmonising local government laws and resolving disputes.

The development of skilled human resources is another area where the Commission could make a meaningful impact. Currently, training opportunities for local officials and elected representatives are limited. The Commission could spearhead efforts to provide training, enhance skills, and plan long-term capacity-building initiatives. It could also help coordinate the efforts of crucial bodies such as the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), and the Local Government Institute.

The Commission could also ensure impartial oversight, reducing political and bureaucratic interference in local government operations. While central government officials currently monitor local activities, their accountability is often compromised. An independent Local Government Commission can ensure public accountability by systematically evaluating the performance of local bodies.

Furthermore, the Commission could serve as a liaison between the central and local governments, streamlining communication and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Local institutions often encounter significant delays and confusion when dealing with various central ministries. A permanent Commission could act on their behalf, participating in policy formulation and development planning at the national level.

The case for forming a Local Government Commission in Bangladesh is not just compelling—it is urgent. Only a strong and autonomous body can address the systemic challenges plaguing the local governance structure. Through such a Commission, financial transparency, legal coherence, effective service delivery, and meaningful accountability can all be achieved.

Such a body could be modelled after the Local Government Ombudsman system in places like England and New Zealand. The Ombudsman, an independent authority, investigates complaints against local councils and recommends corrective actions such as apologies, compensation, or policy amendments. 

In Bangladesh, while Article 77 of the Constitution allows for the appointment of an ombudsman, no such independent authority currently exists specifically for local government. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) plays a limited role, mainly in cases involving graft, with complaints typically routed through the Ministry of Local Government.

Drawing on these global experiences and the proposals outlined by Professor Dr Tofail Ahmed, a respected authority on local governance in Bangladesh, it is imperative that a Local Government Commission be formed without delay. 

This could be the only effective means to solve various problems of the local government system and pave the way for a more democratic, accountable, and decentralised future.

Dr Mohammad Tarikul Islam is a professor at the Department of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University. He has been a visiting scholar and guest faculty at Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard Universities

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.