Introduction

Upazilas were created through the promulgation of the Local Government (Upazila Parishad and
Upazila Administration) Ordinance on November 7, 1982, during the period Lt General Ershad was
in power. In essence the ordinance reconstituted Thana’s and upgraded Thanas as Upazilas. Each
Upazila was presided over by a Parishad, consisting of indirectly elected and appointed members,
and a directly elected Chairman. The Chairman would hold the executive authority of the Upazila,
while the Parishad members held regulatory and oversight roles. Upazila Parishads were formed in
1982, but elections for the post of Chairman were not held.The chief official in each Upazila by
default therefore assumed executive authority, alongside administrative authority. During this
period there was some de-concentration of services delivery functions to Upazilas that resulted in
the growth of staff at this level. The first election for Upazila Chairman was held in 1985, and was
perceived by many as part of a strategy by the military government to build a political base at local
government level. Considerable resources were channeled to Upazilas in this period, but without
the parallel developments of robust systems of financial, administrative and political accountability
are needed for their use. This created a culture of impunity in some Upazilas, where the Chairman
and senior staff literally “ran the show” without fear of oversight. Most disturbingly, Upazila’s
started to encroach on the powers and resources of Union Parishads and on each other (and to some
extent with the Zilla tier), as functional and geographic boundaries were not clearly demarcated.
This began to significantly weaken the system of local governance as a whole. Thus, in 1991, the
first elected national government after military rule abolished the Upazila Parishads, citing their
misuse of funds and assets. This move appeared to have bi-partisan support from MPs at the time,
who felt it encroached on their role and functions within their constituencies. In 1991, with the
abolition of the Upazilas, the government established a Local Government Commission. Its 1997
report stated that the existing Upazila system (as introduced in 1982) had an adequate description
of their functions and adequate provision human and financial resources. In 1998, a revised Upazila
Act was published, which developed slightly more robust (though still very rudimentary) rules and
procedures and demarcated boundaries for election. It retained the provision for the direct election
of the Upazila Chairman, with all UP chairpersons as members and 3 women from UP as members
as well. However, in April 2001, a new Government Order (GO) was issued. The GO states that if,
for any unforeseen reason, Upazila elections do not take place in some areas, the Government
(instead of Election Commission) will declare the election date within the stipulated time and hold
elections. This has fundamentally altered the operation of the Act, and introduced perceptions that
this provision may be used to avoid elections in areas where an opposition party may win or in
marginal constituencies where MPs may feel their electoral base will be undermined. This GO is
now subject to public interest litigation that is ongoing.The Upazila system was introduced in 1982,
but the first Upazila parishad elections were held in May 1985. In the absence of parliament,
Upazila chairmen enjoyed the power, prestige and status of MPs during the martial law regime of
Ershad. Later, the presence of MPs gradually reduced the power of the Upazila chairmen. And
finally, it was the then BNP government that dissolved the system in 1991. The AL-led government
reintroduced the Upazila system through enactment of the Upazila law in 1998. And the long over-
due polls were held finally in January 2009 at the beginning of the AL-led government regime, but
it could not cash the huge potential of the Upazila parishads.

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Legal basis of Upazila Parishad
The 1972 constitution (chapter 3) provided the legal basis and powers of local government bodies
in independent Bangladesh. After many amendment of constitution legal basis of local government
bodies establish in present condition. After 15th amendment of constitution present legal sight are
as follows:

 Article 11 of the constitution states: Effective participation by people through the elected
representatives in administration at all levels.
 Article 59 of the constitution states:

1. Local Government in every administrative unit of the Republic shall be entrusted to bodies
composed of persons elected in accordance with the law.

2. Everybody such as is referred to in clause shall, Subject to this constitution and any other law,
perform within the appropriate administrative unit, such functions as shall be prescribed by acts of
parliament, which may include functions relating to :

i. Administration and the work of public offices;

ii. The maintenance of public order; and
iii. The preparation and implementation of plans relating to public services and economic
development.
 Article 60 of the constitution states:
Parliament to give effect to Article 59, confer power to local government bodies including
power to impose taxes for local purposes, prepare budgets and maintain funds.

Source: Constitution of Bangladesh,2011

Upazila parishad at present

A Upazilla Parishad consists of a chairman, two vice-chairman (one of them a woman), chairmen
of all union Parishad under the Upazila concerned, mayors of all municipalities, if there are any,
and women members of the reserved seat. The chairman and vice-chairman are going to be elected
today. One-third of the total women members from reserved seats of union Parishad under an
Upazila will be the Upazila Parishad members. The women members of the reserved seat of the
union Parishad will elect them. The Upazila Parishad chairman and Vice-chairman will have to
resign from their party posts if they hold any. The vice-chairpersons will elect a two-member
chairman panel will serve as the chairman if the elected chairman fails to carry out their duty for
absence, illness or any other reason. Upon suggestion of the Local Government Commission, the
government can suspend any chairmen, vice-chairpersons and women members temporarily if their
work goes against the parishad has interest or seems “unexpected” from administrative point of
view.

The Ordinance of 2008 did not have any role for the Member of Parliaments in the Upazila
Parishad. However, the reinstatement of Upazila Parishad Act, 1998 in 2009 changed the scenario.
Member of Parliaments, who represent the total or part of the area of any Upazila, will act as the
Adviser to the Upazila Parishad as stipulated in section 25 of the Act. The advice is mandatory for
2
Upazila Parishad. Moreover, the concerned Member of Parliament (s) has/have to be made aware
of any communication with the government by the Upazila Parishad. (GOB, 2010).

Figure: Structure of the Parishad according to Upazila Parishad Act 2009

Functions of the Upazila Parishad

When Upazila Parishad was formed then many important functions are transferred by the Central
Government. To decentralize administration these function are very necessary for the Upazila
Parishad. These functions are:

Planning, Budgeting, Implementation and Coordination:

1. Preparation of development plans, including Five-Years Plans, to be implemented by different

periods of time.

2. Implementation of the programmes of different Government agencies that may be transferred by

the Government to the Parishad, and supervision and coordination of the activities of any such
agencies.

3. Coordination and assessment of the development programs undertaken by the union Parishads
are providing them with necessary cooperation.

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Law and Order:

4. Review of the activities of the police department along with the development of law and order
situation in the Upazila and sending reports regularly to the higher authorities.

5. Organizing public opinion and taking other preventive measures to resist the crimes of
hooliganism, theft, robbery, smuggling, abuse of drugs etc.

Service Delivery:

6. Providing motivation and aid for the extension of education at Upazila level, and provide
supervision and aid to the concerned institutions for the purpose of further development of the
secondary and madrasah education systems.

7. Ensuring the services of public health, nutrition and family planning

8. Development of sanitation and sewerage system and adaptation of proper measures for
supplying drinking water.

9. Adopting and implementing programs for the development of agriculture, livestock, fisheries
and forest resources.

10. Adaptation and implementation of small-scale irrigation projects, in accordance with the
directions of the Government, for the purpose of the best utilization of the surface water.

11. Adopting social forestry and other programs with the aim of preservation and development of
environment.

12. Construction, repair and maintenance of inter-union link-roads.

13. Providing support and coordination to the cooperative societies and Non-Government voluntary
organizations.

14. Adopting programmes for establishment and extension of small and cottage industries.

15. Adopting and implementing own programmes for generating self-employment and for
reduction of poverty, and providing necessary assistances to the Government in the implementation
of the Government programmes in this relation.

Welfare:

16. Implementing and aiding the programmes of women, children, social welfare, youth, sports and
cultural activities.

17. Organizing public opinion, and taking other preventive measures, to resist the crimes of
repressions against women and children etc.

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Other:

18. Performing such other functions as the Government may assign from time to time.

Source: GOB (2010: 25); Steffense, Land & Monem (2011)

Source of income

Every upazila parishad will have a fund. Government grants, income from local sources, grants
from other parishads or local authorities, loans granted by the government, money collected from
taxes and fees, and incomes and benefits from schools, hospitals, dispensaries, buildings and
organisations run by the parishad will be deposited in the fund.The government-fixed portions of
income from local markets, jal mahals and ferry ghats under the upazila will go to the fund. Taxes
and fees on cinemas, drama and jatra, fair, business and occupation will also go to it.Every
parishad will prepare its budget two months before the start of a fiscal year and hang its copy for at
least 15 days to inform people about it and receive suggestion and comments from the people.After
considering their suggestion, the parishad will approve the budget 30 days before the start of a
fiscal year and send a copy to the deputy commissioner (DC).If a parishad fails to approve its
budget in time, the DC will prepare a list of income and expenditure, which will be approved as the
budget of that upazila for the year.The accounts of the parishad will be examined by an appointed
auditor in a specific process. Upon suggestion of the commission the government will formulate
the audit related rules for inconsistency or irregularities of accounts, damage or waste of assets and
other aspects. All members will be bound to give information to the auditor, who will inform the
DC if anybody defies.

Structure of Upazila Parishad

After a long journey of its experimentation, abolition and reintroduction from 1982, the Upazila
Parishad system is still alive. After two terms election for Upazila Parishad in 1985 and 1990, the
Upazila Parishads were abolished in 1991 by the parliament. At present there are 487 Upazilas in
the country.

Since 1991, the Upazila has been run by the Upazila Development Coordination Committee
(UDCC). The UDCC was formed instead of Upazila Parishad to continue the function of the
Parishad until the next election is held. In January 2009 an election for Upazila Parishads was held
under the new government, which introduced a new structure.

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The previous structure of Upazila Parishad, UDCC and the new structure can be compared in the
following table:

OLD SYSTEM (1982-1990) INTERIM SYSTEM (1991- NEW SYSTEM (2009--

2008)
Upazila parishad Upazila Development Upazila Parishad
Coordination Committee

Advisor Advisor
Local MP Local MP
Chairman Chairman Chairman
Upazila parishad Upazila parishad Upazila parishad
One union parishad
chairman by rotation
1 vice-chairman & 1 Female
vice-chairman
Members Union Parishad Members Rest Union Members All Union
chairmen + one selected elite Parishad chairmen + 3 Parishad chairmen + 3
+ Chairman of the Upazila Women members selected Women members selected
Cooperative Association + from the elected Women from the elected Women
Mayor of the municipality Members of the Union Members of the Union
within Upazila area Parishads + One freedom Parishads + One former
fighter + Chairman of the freedom fighter + Chairman
Cooperative Association + of the Cooperative
Mayor of the municipality Association + Mayor of the
within Upazila municipality within Upazila
Area Area

Non-voting Members Non-voting Members Non-voting Members

Officials working in Upazila Officials working in Upazila Officials working in Upazila

Source: Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (GOB 2009)

The duration of elected representatives in the Upazila Parishad is for five years. Apart from elected
representatives, the officials work in the Upazila Parishad, but belong to their respective line
services. Their parent departments design their job and place them with the local government
bodies for a specific period: usually for three years. These officials are officially barred from
belonging to any political party or openly supporting any political ideology.

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Planning and Funding System

Upazila Development Coordinating Committee (UDCC)

According to the Act Upazila Parishad (Reintroduction of the Repealed Act and Amendment) Act
2009 each Upazila Parishad coordinating committee consist a number of persons. Such as:

1. Chairman- President,
2. Vice Chairman (two)- Assistant President,
3. Member- Concerned Union Parishad Chairman or acting chairman,
4. Member- Concerned Paurashava (if stay) Mayor or acting Mayor,
5. Member- Reserved seats Woman.
6. UNO- Secretary.

Source: Bhangura Upazila Parishad UNO said (when I collected primary data).

Upazila Planning System in Bangladesh

Mainly, Upazila parishad planning is taking by the Upazila Development Coordination Committee
(UDCC). Upazila Parishad is taking to plan for short term, long term. Any plan is taken by the
UDCC majority vote. The Central government is also taken Upazila parishad plan. For any
government policy is needed to implement then central government impose to upazila parishad.
Then Upazila Parishad tries to implement to this order.Upazila Parishad plan is fully dependable on
government. Because without money, any plan cannot implement. Government gives grants for
implementing plan.

Upazila Funds collections System in Bangladesh

Government Grants:

The central government provides financial grants to Upazila Parishad, namely by three methods: 1)
Conditional grants, 2) Unconditional grants and 3) Revenue sharing. The Upazila Parishad had
constitutional basis and was created by an ordinance, the government of Bangladesh had obligation
to follow the methods two or three. Hence, its usual method of granting fund to the Upazila
Parishad was conditional one. One major argument of conditional method is that, by such grant the
central government took undue advantage to control the Upazila government through conditional
grant.Grants were made by the central government out of the ADP for financing development
activities of the Upazila Parishad. This grant was known as block development assistance/block
grant of ADP. Out of the ADP, grants were also made for physical infrastructure of the Upazila
Parishad.The other development grants were related to the centrally administered projects and were
entrusted to the Upazila Parishad only for executions. The block grant was the annual normal
allocation from the central government. After the guidelines issued by the planning commission in
1983, the distribution of this block grant were made in accordance with the following four criteria:

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1) Population 20%, 2) Area size 20%,

3) Backwardness 30%, 4) Performance 30%

Now the Upazila Parishad consists according to Upazila Parishad Act 2009. They work according
to this act. Upazila parishad funds are collected mainly by the central government. The Upazila
Parishad has a limited power to collect local taxes. The collect taxes on hat, bajar tax, found, khal
ejara, gat ejara, land tax 2% and land registration tax. (Source: Primary data)

Upazila Parishad in rural development

Upazila parishad plays a vital role in rural development. Rural local government has many
responsibilities in advancing the sectors like education, agriculture, health and infrastructure
development programs in rural areas.

Sectors Implementing Officials

Agricultural development 1. Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO)

2. Upazila Fisheries Officer (UFO)
3. Upazila Livestock Officer (ULO)
4. Upazila Engineer1

Educational development 1. Upazila Education Officer (UEO)

2. Upazila Secondary Education
Officer(USEO)

Health development 1. Upazila Health Officer

(UHO)
2. Upazila Family Planning Officer
(UFPO)

Infrastructure development 1. Upazila Engineer (UE)

2. Assistant Engineer (AE)

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 Figure: Rural development sectors, department and officials for responsible for
implementation

9
Problems Related to Present Upazila System
Upazila Parishad has a long history of its existence in this country. But unfortunately, far from
being a partner in the process of development and administration, Upazila Parishad developed as
adjuncts to central government. They were never tried to grow as autonomous institutions couple
with adequate rescuers and power. The rural local government institution today has become the
breeding ground of corruption and terrorism. Political factionalism and favoritism is prevalent at
all the levels of rural local government in the country.

a). As of the history of local government system of Bangladesh, grassroots were never
empowered in terms of financial control, administrative activities and project preparation and
implementation process; though these are more informed about local needs than other
institutions. And also these bodies have the potentials to be the best service providers in terms of
development that includes health to education, infrastructure managementto resource
mobilization and technology use to social motivation. But these bodies always run under the
supervision of central government representative, controlled by the bureaucracy. Presently those
local government bodies are going to be handled by the MPs in many ways. It seems that, in
center, government has the absolute majority in parliament and the parliament is in a process to
establish the MPs as powerful supervisors over the local government bodies under their
respective constituencies. By doing this, in fact, the government and the parliament are going to
establish 300 autocrats around the country.

b). Conflict between the Upazilla (sub-district) Council Chairmen (UCC) and the Members of
Parliament (MP) is a much talked about issue in Bangladesh now. It was expected that
government and the lawmakers would ensure the rights of local governments as per the directio
n of Constitution. But is has been observed that neither the government nor the lawmakers
empowered local government representative in a proper manner.

C). As Upazilla Council (UC) is concerned, it is the youngest in the local government family of
Bangladesh; Union Council known as UP is the eldest. Other members of local government
family are the City Corporation, the Municipalities and the half hearted district council. From the
very beginning of City Corporation the Mayor has been enjoying the ministerial status and
dignity, but municipality and UP chairmen have no clearly define status and their dignity is not
ensured to the bureaucracy. Rather they have to live under the kindness given by the central
government or the bureaucrats working in the locality. These people are also the dependable
tools for the national election and election runners as well. It could be said that this is a cultural
phenomenon of urban development under colonial rule.

10
Relationship between Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Upazila Chairman
(UC)

The elected Chairman of the Upazila Parishad is the main executive of the Parishad. Sometimes
he does his functions according to his own wish and self interest. It said that Upazila Chairman
would be non-political and would have no political identity. But in actual practice; they are
mandated by any political party. They make politicization in many sectors. On the one hand as
an employee of the republic, Upazila Nirbahi Officer is bound to hear the advice of the chairman
on the other hand he is liable to abide by the rules and regulation of the state. For an example,
certain incidents may be mentioned here.

1. Sometimes upazila Chairman demands to set Air Conditioner in his room illegally to the
Upazila Nirbahi Officer but he has no power to allot any AC for the chairman.
2. In the field of upazila development programme, most of the tender of the development
functions are given to the contractor who is in favor of Upazila Chairman.
3. Often Upazila Chairman goes to the outside area of the upazila with taking the car of the
upazila that is totally violation of law.
4. Beside this Upazila Chairman Make politicized the social security programs such as (TR,
KABIKHA, KABITA, VGD, and VGF), if Upazila Nirbahi Officer protest that then
conflict arise.
5. In most of the cases, As Union Parishad Chairmen participate in the Upazila elections so
their educational and administrative qualification is lower than Upazila Nirbahi Officer to
operate an Upazila Parishad. But in upazila system Upazila Nirbahi Officer is subordinate
to Upazila Chairman. As a result Upazila Nirbahi Officer has to abide by many wrong
decision of Upazila Chairman.
6. Every employees of the Upazila do their functions in a chain of command and all are
responsible to the Upazila chairman for their functions. But it is a matter of sorrow that
most of the employee doesn’t care their senior employee because they think that if
they keep good relation with the chairman they will be saved from any issues. So a
haphazard situation is created in the functions of the Upazila

Relationship between Upazila Chairman and Union Parishad Chairman

The Upazila Parishad is formed with the participation of the chairman of the every union
Parishad. Union Parishad chairmen have the voting right in the every cases of the decision of the
Upazila. But the voting power of the UP Chairmen cannot play any role to withdraw Upazila
Chairman from his post. As a result UP Chairmen are powerless in the most of the cases. Their
decision is not got priority in the development function of the Union. The decision of the Upazila
Chairmen is the main decision in the development function of the Upazila.

11
Workings of the Upazila Parishad: conflict and cooperation

Local government is based on community governance, and focused on citizen-centered local

governance. It is the primary agent for the citizens and leader and gatekeeper for shared rule, is
responsive and accountable to local voters. To identify the level of functioning and the degree of
people’s satisfaction, respondents were asked two questions ‘what is the present condition of
activities of your Upazila and are you satisfied with the existing Upazila system?’ Respondents'
data are shown in the following table.

Politicians and bureaucrats are an integral part of the governance and policy processes of the
administration. The degree of success or failure in governing processes depends on the relation
between politicians and bureaucrats. However, this relationship has not been without difficulties.
Tension occurs when conflict arises between two actors in the context of policy formulation and
implementation. In general, policies are chosen and implemented by both elected representatives
(politicians) and non elected bureaucrats. So, the effective function of administration depends on
the mode of interaction between the sets of actors − elected politicians and bureaucrats − and
they both need to be accountable to people. In this respect, to understand the process of
government, how it may be changing and how strategies for influencing policy are affected, we
need to know about the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats (Aberbach et al 1981).
The criteria that lead a society to allocate decision-making power between politicians or
bureaucrats is a major question. The starting point is the premise that politicians are motivated by
the goal of re-election goal, whereas bureaucrats are motivated by “career concerns”. So, while
politicians want to be re-elected, bureaucrats want to improve their professional prospects in the
public or private sector which motivates them to perform well whatever tasks they receive
(Wilson, 1989). As a result, conflict occurs in policy formulation and implementation process.

12
To identify the conflict between local politicians and bureaucrats in the Upazila administration
the respondents were asked the question, 'Do you think that there is a conflict between the MP,
Chairman and the UNO? If yes then why and what are the types?' Overall, 67% of respondents
thought that conflict existed, 8% held that there was no conflict, and 25% made no comment.
The respondents that were silent also assumed that the triangle of conflict existed in the Upazila,
but for special reason they did not wanted to disclose their opinion. Why do conflicts arise and
what are the grounds of this conflict? In this regards, the following types of conflicts have been
identified on the basis of respondents' opinions.

Upazila Chairman and MP Conflict

According to the Act Upazila Parishad Act 2009, the local MPs hold the advisory powers over
the chairman and make the lawmakers suggestions binding for the local governments bodies. The
controversy over the power of the Upazila Chairman (UP) and the Member of Parliament (MP)
has generated serious debate in the political and civil arenas, Meetings, seminars, symposia,
rallies, press conferences and even litigations in the court of law are taking place.

The enhancement of the power of the UC came because of awareness about the need for strong
local government for strengthening democracy at the grass-root level, and at the expense of the
powers previously exercised by the MP. This is the cause of the controversy. The MPs have got
some valid reasons for opposing the enhancement of the authority of the UC. The electoral
constituency of a UC and MP is almost the same in size. During the time of election, the

13
candidates for the post of UC approach the voters with different programmes of infrastructural
development in the concerned areas.

After the election, the UC tries to implement at least some of the programmes s/he promised to
his electorates. Previously, the MPs were entrusted with, besides law making, the
implementation of local development works. This commitment to local developments works
gave the election of MPs a local character. People used to vote for the candidates considering
their individual commitments to local development, and their personal honesty, integrity and
influence

For this reason, at present create a problem for specify duties between MP and UC and
sometimes create conflict. When UC can try to implement of his/her commitment then s/he does
not work independently. Because local MP is advisor of Upazila Parishad and taking advice is
mandatory. It is a vital barrier for effective decentralization. When MP and UC are opposite
party then the Upazila Parishad is no fully effective for MP’s advisory power. For this why
present Upazila Parishad is no fully effective. But government will give full decentralization in
future (Government perspective plan 2010-2021).

Recommendations:

On the basis of the above discussion on conflict and impediments, the following
recommendation can be suggested.

1. Power and functions of the Adviser and other members of the Upazila Parishad should be
classified a clearly defined by the rules.
2. Law should be modified in such a way that both local MP and Upazila Parishad can work
together for the welfare of the people.
3. Government Officials and Upazila Parishad activities should be clarified.
4. Citizen Charter should be made for the Upazila Parishad.
5. The function of the Vice chairmen should be clarified by the laws.
6. Upazila Parishad chairman must not give any unlawful pressure to any government
official.
7. Upazila Parishad should be accountable for their works.
8. Changes have to be brought in the legal system of the Upazila so that a sound functional
and legal environment existed between politicians and bureaucrats in the Upazila level.
9. The status of the elected incumbents should be higher than Upazila level officials. The
Upazila Parishad will take the decision about the development of the Upazila Parishad
and UNO and other officials only provide the secretarial support to the Upazila Parishad.
10. All upazila level officers would be given under the control of the Upazila Parishad.
Upazila Parishad chairman will coordinate and supervise the functions of the Upazila
level officials.

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 11. Upazila chairman would be main decision maker of the upazila administration an UNO
would only perform the secretarial role.
12. A balance has to be brought in the power of the every rival interest group. A check and
balance relationship has to be created for the every stakeholder of the Upazila Parishad.
13. Special training has to be arranged for the newly elected representatives so that they can
easily know the legal rules and regulation about Upazila administration.
14. The power and functions of the Upazila Vice Chairman has to be clear. As Upazila Vice
Chairman is a peoples representative so he should have special role in the Upazila
Parishad decision making.
15. The advisory role of the MPs has to be cut down for giving institutional structure of the
Upazila Parishad as an effective local government unit.

Conclusion

Bangladesh is a parliamentarian democratic government. It has a parliament where law is created

by national level people’s representatives (Parliament Member). They are makes laws for the
peoples. They create local level law. By parliament member the Upazila Parishad Act was
passed. Central government and local government are created for people developing.As
developing country, every government central-local has role for developing activities. For this
why the central government does not give fully power on rural local government. Because if
government gives full power on Upazila parishad then the role of MP’s become valueless or
have no power without making law. It is possible in developed country.

The MP-Upazila Chairman both is given promise for developing activities. If Upazila Parishad
takes full authority for developing works then the MP cannot fulfill their promises. For this,
reasons the MP are not want to give full authority in Upazila Parishad. It is the main debate
about present Upazila Parishad. In Upazila Parishad has also debate that the UNO is not
subordinate on upazila parishad. For this reason, UNO-Chairman creates conflict. UNO is BCS-
admin cadre government officials. UNO recruited by the Central government. For this why they
do not stay under the Upazila Peoples representatives. When I was talked Bhangura UNO he said
this.

For these conflicts I have recommend for solving that Central government can create a
Coordinating Committee. Which consist peoples representatives and government officials.
However, chairman or head for this coordinating committee central government will elect
persons, which always elected persons.

In my Term paper has known that the present central government is taking initiatives for
effective Upazila decentralization. Present government initiatives have not reached in field level.
It is ongoing. The present government has plan for giving fully power on Upazila level in
future. I also think that MP, chairman and UNO conflicts can solve if their power and duties are

15
made distribution and limit. For developing they may work by discuss with each other. Central
government especially local government ministry will control and coordinate. The main aim of
decentralization is local level developing. Therefore, they work for developing concerned areas
by combined. Moreover, for developing Upazila Parishad public-private partnership is needed.
The private sectors can invest money for giving service. For effective decentralization, money is
needed. When private sectors invest their money for business then Upazila parishad income will
increase. Upazila parishad will use this money for infrastructural developmental activities.

At last it can be said that for effective upazila decentralization is depend on Central government
willingness. Government can give fully power on Upazila Parishad. If my recommendation will
take, I think decentralization may be effective in Upazila Parishad. I hope in future also more
study will be created on this subject.

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Ahmed Nizam, Ahmed Tofail and Faizullah Mohammad, (2011). Working of Upazila Parishad
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GPRB (1982) The Upazila Ordinance of 1982, GPRB (Government of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh)
GPRB (1998) The Upazila Act of 1998, GPRB (Government of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh), http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/

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