AF Hassan Ariff, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, has said that the constitutionally mandated five-year term for state governance should be reduced to four years.
Drawing a comparison to the United States, he questioned why Bangladesh couldn’t also adopt a four-year term, saying: "This is my personal opinion."
The adviser made these remarks as the chief guest during a discussion with the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Media Center in the Secretariat.
Hassan Ariff noted that the Union Parishad term was once three years before it was extended to five years. However, he argued that no tangible benefits have resulted from the two-year extension, and no evaluations have been conducted to assess its impact.
He expressed his personal view that Union Parishad chairs and members should also serve three-year terms, explaining that this would allow for five election cycles within 15 years, giving a greater number of representatives the chance to serve and contribute.
When asked about the removal of Union Parishad chairpersons and members, he clarified that no decisions have been made yet, although preparations are underway and decisions will be taken as needed.
Additionally, he mentioned that to avoid disruptions in service delivery in city corporations and municipalities, government officials have already been appointed as administrators. Permanent administrators will soon be appointed in these entities to ensure consistent civic services.
The discussion was chaired by BSRF President Fasih Uddin Mahtab, with General Secretary Masudul Haque moderating the session.
