Women's representation in UPs not effective

This was stated by 45.5 per cent of women respondents during an opinion poll on local government.

The opinion poll conducted by Local Government Initiative (LGI), an NGO, covered 3,000 households in the six divisions. The findings were presented at a seminar in Sylhet on Thursday, held in collaboration with FIVDB.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The respondents replied to 96 questions on local government and governance-related issues.

Poor women sharply criticised the role of female UP members in representing women's interest.

However, women of higher socio-economic status tended to be less critical.

Civil society members, politicians, journalists and representatives of local governments and NGOs also gave their opinions at the seminar.

Ninety-seven per cent of the respondents thought that members of parliament (MPs) were involved in securing funds for development projects in UPs while 95.9 per cent wanted MPs to be more involved in such activities.

Of the respondents, 70.7 per cent wanted a greater role of MPs in school management committees and 44.8 per cent wanted their greater role in UPs.

On health sector, the opinions were mixed. Only 34.6 per cent wanted a greater role of MPs in resolving problems in health services.

Around 58.8 per cent said UPs are the appropriate bodies for dealing with these problems.

Only 11.3 per cent said they had gone to UPs to resolve problems. According to them, functions of UPs are maintenance of roads, bridges and culverts; resolution of disputes; and ensuring law and order.

They also said UPs do not have important roles in delivering social services like in health and education sectors or in social welfare.

Around 87.7 per cent said UP chairmen are usually partisan. They are involved in party politics, according to 64.9 per cent of the respondents.

Of the respondents, 99.9 per cent identified party affiliations of former UP chairmen.

Most of the respondents support elected bodies at other levels. About 71.6 per cent wanted an elected local government at Upazila while 68.7 per cent wanted Gram Sarkar.