Decentralisation
In the process of decentralisation, upazila parishad has been a focal point of administration. As per the recommendation of CARR (Committee for Administrative Reform and Reorganization), formed in 1982, under the chairmanship of martial law administrator M. A. Khan, during the regime of H. M. Ershad, upazila parishad was entrusted with a broad range of functions. The activities included formulation of development plans, proper implementation of these plans, discharge of criminal and civilian cases, collection of revenue and maintenance of law and order. As an outcome of this initiative, we distinctively prioritise the flow of participation of local people in administration and development. The upazila chairman was provided with the authority to oversee and monitor the activities of civil servants in collaboration with the upazila parishad members. He was also authorised to write the ACR (Annual Confidential Report) of the officers concerned. But, now the ACR is usually written by UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer). Though the first upazila election was held in 1985, it was abolished in 1991 during the then BNP government. Later, almost nineteen years, in 2008, the military backed caretaker government wanted to revive the upazila parishad through holding "Upazila Election -2008." But our lawmakers intended to emerge as advisers to the upazila chairman. The intention and intervention of the lawmakers have almost kept the upazila parishad dysfunctional. Again the ruling party also pledged that they would strengthen local government to ensure good governance. In order to ensure decentralization of power, local development and people's participation, it is a must to empower upazila chairman.
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