Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for the swift implementation of recommendations proposed by the Local Government Reform Commission, warning that further delays would only prolong corruption and inefficiency in the country’s local administrative systems.
Speaking at the official handover of the Commission’s final report at the State Guest House Jamuna, Prof Yunus stressed the urgency of moving the reform agenda “from paper to practice.”
“We must not delay. These reforms must be enacted immediately,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen participation. He also announced that the full report would be made public, allowing all stakeholders, including citizens and experts, to engage with the proposed changes.
The Reform Commission, led by governance expert Prof Tofail Ahmed, spent several months conducting consultations, research, and field visits before finalizing its report. It calls for sweeping changes aimed at eradicating entrenched corruption and strengthening the operational effectiveness of local bodies.
“We’ve focused on both structural reforms and practical frameworks for scalable implementation,” said Prof Ahmed. One chapter of the report emphasizes improving resource management and suggests giving the Local Government Division supervisory powers to ensure greater accountability.
Prof Ahmed also pointed out persistent issues within urban local governance, particularly in the Dhaka City Corporation. “Corruption runs deep, from infrastructure projects to routine services, affecting every layer of governance,” he warned.
In an innovative move, Prof Yunus suggested integrating the study of local government reforms into school curriculums to enhance civic awareness among young citizens.
The meeting was attended by all members of the eight-member Commission, including Prof Dr Ferdous Arfina Osman, Abdur Rahman, Dr Mahfuz Kabir, Mahshuda Khatun Shefali, Prof Dr Mohammad Tarikul Islam, Elira Dewan, Prof Dr Kazi Maruful Islam, AKM Tarikul Alam, Helena Parveen, and Mojbah Uddin Khan.
Established in November last year, the Commission also recommended reviewing current regulations that treat roles of local councillors and members as part-time, advocating for changes in line with international practices.
The report now awaits review by the Consensus Commission before moving toward formal implementation.
