Playing cat and mouse with DCC

AFTER having disregarded all criticisms of its policy regarding Dhaka City Corporation, of running it with nominated public servants, the government is now planning to extend the tenure of the administrators, which in all likelihood is going to be a year. The reason for the move is as illogical as was the bifurcation of the DCC into two. And in both instances it is brazen political consideration that was clearly the motivating factor.

Regrettably, the idea of local government has not only been turned on its head, the quality of service and the range of service provided by the DCCs to the city dwellers has greatly diminished.  The rationale now being proffered -- having an administrator for only six months is not helpful in the performance of the administrators' tasks -- is an odious argument that has reduced the entire issue to a farce.

If long term policies cannot be undertaken by short term administrators, as the argument made in support of extension of tenure of the administrators, then why not go for election and elect mayors for five years. Ad hoc administrators, whatever is their tenure, are unlikely to deliver since they are not accountable to the people.

We repeat what we have said many times; ideas that are politically motivated can never be of benefit to the people and in the long run may prove counterproductive for the ruling party. In the meanwhile it will be the city dwellers who will continue to suffer. The only rational thing for the government is to hold elections to the DCCs without further delay.