A good start for transparency

An enthusiastic woman asking a question to Banshadah Union Parishad chairman about activities of the local body. PHOTO: STAR

They discussed the budget of Banshadah Union Parishad for the current financial year. UP Chairman Shaiduzzaman Helal replied to various questions at the 'budget session', held at Banshadah village.

The unique programme, first of its kind in the area, was organised by two NGOs, Manusher Janney and Agragati Sangsthan to ensure transparency and accountability of the local government body. The local attended the session with great enthusiasm.

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Shahiduzzaman Helal presented a budget of over Tk 6 lakh and urged the people to co-operate with local government leaders to implement development programmes. The local people asked how the money would be spent and also gave suggestions.

The session was presided over by the UP Chairman and attended also by local elite.

Besides representatives from villagers in the union, the speakers included Agragati Sangstha Director Abdus Sabur, headmaster Ezaz Ahmed, mardasasah teacher Manlana Jalaluddin, journalist Abdul Jalil, Nasima Khatun, Abu Abdullah and Shahidul Islam.

Project Co-ordinator of Agragati Sangstha Asit Kumar Bannerjee narrated various aspects of programme.

They said transparency and accountability is vital for good governance for implementing development programmes at the grassroots level.

Besides, such programmes will make the people aware of their rights, they said.

Addressing the session, the local people also urged the government to allocate more funds for local governments from the national budget so that Union Parishads can undertake more development projects independently.

The UP Chairman told the meeting that he would try his best to make his union a "model" for the country.