Bangladesh News

Leaders of Bangladesh Upazila Parishad Association yesterday alleged that lawmakers have already started creating complexities in the functioning of upazila parishads across the country.

The association leaders at a press briefing demanded removal of the “controversial provisions” regarding lawmakers’ authority over the parishads.

They said a “conspiracy” is being hatched to cancel the upazila system.

They also urged all chairmen and vice-chairmen to be alert and requested the government to bring necessary amendments to make the Upazila Parishad Act, 2009 more acceptable.

The government yesterday issued the gazette of the Upazila Parishad Act, 2009. Earlier on April 6, the Upazila Parishad Bill 2009 was passed in parliament keeping some provisions to ensure lawmakers’ control over the activities of the parishads.

Referring to the recent threat of some chairmen to declare lawmakers unwanted at the parishad complexes and a comment of LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, the association leaders said such activities of a vested quarter and unexpected comment from a responsible minister made the people frustrated.

Citing cancellation of the upazila system during the BNP tenure in 1991-96, the LGRD minister recently said lawmakers can scrap the upazila system through passing a one-line bill.

Harun-or-Rashid Hawlader, convener of the association, read out a written statement, while Member Secretary Badiuzzaman Badsha made the welcome speech at the briefing held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium in the capital.

“Ignoring the cabinet approved bill, the parliamentary standing committee on LGRD ministry brought some amendments, which ensured lawmakers’ empowerment over the parishads,” the statement said.

The leaders urged the prime minister to intervene into the matter to remove the “controversial” provisions.

“I hope the prime minister will give us time to sit after returning from Saudi Arabia and necessary amendments will come in the next session of parliament,” Harun said.

Replying to a question, Badsha said, “The government and the people want a strong local government, but the lawmakers don’t want that. That is why a number of anti-constitutional provisions have been passed.”

A number of upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen including Iqbal Hossain Sabuj, Kazi Wahid, Bishawnath Sarkar Bitu, ABM Abdus Sattar, Shawkat Hossain Rimon, Abdul Khaleque Moyon were present.