The Local Government Reform Commission of Bangladesh has recommended one-third of the total number of wards in each parishad or council be reserved for women, with half of these seats allocated in every election.
Under the proposed new local government structure, women members holding reserved seats will be given ex officio positions as chairpersons, and one-third of the executive council within the mayor's council will be comprised of women.
The system of reserving one-third of the wards (single seats) on a rotational basis is being reconsidered.
Instead, the proposed structure aims to enhance women's representation in a more inclusive manner.
These provisions are outlined in the preliminary recommendations of the Local Government Reform Commission of Bangladesh, which seeks to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of local governance.
According to the recommendations, women from ethnically diverse areas in the three hill districts will also be entitled to special benefits under the reserved seat system.
Additionally, at all levels of local government, women members of reserved seats will be eligible to serve as chairs on a proportional basis.
Skilled women members will also have the opportunity to be elected as chairpersons, mayors, chairmen, and shadow council leaders.
The Local Government Reform Commission, an eight-member body led by Professor Tofail Ahmed, was formed through a government cabinet department notification on November 18.
The commission’s initial report acknowledges a delay in fully initiating its work and states that additional time will be required to complete the full report.
In the meantime, the government is engaging national leaders in discussions through a national consensus commission.
As part of this process, the Local Government Reform Commission has decided to present its initial recommendations for public discussion and consensus-building.
The recommendations emphasize that the Constitution of Bangladesh includes special provisions to integrate women into the social and political institutions of the republic.
Article 28(2) of the Constitution ensures that women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of state and public life, while Article 28(4) allows the state to make special provisions for women, children, and other disadvantaged groups.
To support continued development in line with population growth, the number of wards will be increased, and a proportional quota for women members will be established.
The recommendations also address concerns regarding the role of members of parliament (MPs) in local governance.
There is a strong public demand for MPs—regardless of gender or house affiliation—to focus on legislative responsibilities rather than local government projects, government construction contracts, supply contracting, illegal lobbying, or any other form of legal misconduct.
Elected representatives of local government will be required to adhere to a "code of conduct," which will be drafted by the proposed Local Government Commission.
Violations of this code by elected members, executives, or office holders will result in penalties.
If allegations of misconduct arise, they will be addressed as a special agenda in the respective council or parliament.
If illegal involvement is found, an impartial investigation will be conducted, and legal action may be pursued through the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as well as civil and criminal courts.
Furthermore, no influential politician or government official will be permitted to engage in unauthorized activities concerning land, water bodies, forests, or other public resources.
