Dear Alochoks:
In spite of the large in flow of aid to Bangladesh there are constant reports that it is not being distributed equitably. Certain local leaders are disbursing aid to their political base first and there has been at least one reported instance where a Union Chairman was caught red handed trying to steal aid (http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#e). Obviously damage and infrastructure challenges make it hard to reach some of these remote areas. But on a fundamental level this is a failure of local government and local leadership, which in turn is a result of mismanagement and politicization from central government during the last last 15 years. Although both the BNP and AL governments set up commissions to investigate the issue, none followed up on any of the recommendations. According to several commissions and civil discussions the problems of local governance seems to be caused by the following three issues:
1. Undue control and interference in local issues by central government (LGRD) and MPs
2. Politicization and corruption of local government
3. Lack of local taxation and resources
SIDR has shown how crucial it is to have a strong and empowered local government. In the short term, it helps in emergency situations and in the long run, a strong local government can help with development. If you are interested in learning more about this issue, follow the below links:
http://www.newagebd.com/2007/sep/23/nat.html (Scroll down and look for "Ex-lawmakers want end to local govt ministry" )
Strong local government imperative for development (Great ideas for local governance reform based on the Swedish model)
Authorise local govt bodies to realise taxes
- M. Raheem
New York
In spite of the large in flow of aid to Bangladesh there are constant reports that it is not being distributed equitably. Certain local leaders are disbursing aid to their political base first and there has been at least one reported instance where a Union Chairman was caught red handed trying to steal aid (http://www.newagebd.com/front.html#e). Obviously damage and infrastructure challenges make it hard to reach some of these remote areas. But on a fundamental level this is a failure of local government and local leadership, which in turn is a result of mismanagement and politicization from central government during the last last 15 years. Although both the BNP and AL governments set up commissions to investigate the issue, none followed up on any of the recommendations. According to several commissions and civil discussions the problems of local governance seems to be caused by the following three issues:
1. Undue control and interference in local issues by central government (LGRD) and MPs
2. Politicization and corruption of local government
3. Lack of local taxation and resources
SIDR has shown how crucial it is to have a strong and empowered local government. In the short term, it helps in emergency situations and in the long run, a strong local government can help with development. If you are interested in learning more about this issue, follow the below links:
http://www.newagebd.com/2007/sep/23/nat.html (Scroll down and look for "Ex-lawmakers want end to local govt ministry" )
Strong local government imperative for development (Great ideas for local governance reform based on the Swedish model)
Authorise local govt bodies to realise taxes
- M. Raheem
New York
[Disclaimer: ALOCHONA Management is not liable for information contained in this message. The author takes full responsibility.]
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