Key Highlights:
- Upazila parishad elections to be held in four phases,
- Govt working to make electoral process more pro-people, transparent
- Govt enacted law to form Election Commission
The Upazila Parishad Election plays a significant role in decentralized governance and local democracy in Bangladesh, allowing communities to have a voice in decision-making processes and facilitating the implementation of development initiatives tailored to local needs and priorities as the Upazila stands as a fundamental component of local government administration.
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As the election approaches, in a recent media briefing held at her official residence, Ganabhaban, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated her commitment to ensuring free, fair, and neutral Upazila (sub-district) elections in Bangladesh. Emphasizing the importance of allowing people to elect representatives of their choice without external influence, she expressed her desire for an electoral process that truly reflects the will of the electorate.
“I want uninfluenced, free, fair and neutral Upazila elections. The winners of the election are welcomed. They will be winners whom people want. Awami League has come to power as the people wanted,”
– Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the transparency and inclusivity of electoral processes. She pointed out that significant legislative steps have been taken, including the enactment of laws to establish an independent Election Commission. Notably, measures have been implemented to ensure the financial independence of the commission, thereby safeguarding its autonomy from the Prime Minister’s Office.
PM Assures Free, Fair Elections
Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the transparency and inclusivity of electoral processes. She pointed out that significant legislative steps have been taken, including the enactment of laws to establish an independent Election Commission. Notably, measures have been implemented to ensure the financial independence of the commission, thereby safeguarding its autonomy from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Sheikh Hasina reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections at the Upazila level, drawing parallels with the exemplary conduct of the 12th national parliamentary elections. She urged MPs to refrain from interfering in the electoral process and cautioned against creating internal conflicts that could undermine the party’s integrity. Sheikh Hasina’s emphasis on upholding the standards of the 2024 national elections reflects her aspiration for a democratic and transparent electoral process at all levels of governance.
Upazila Parishad Election Schedule 2024
The Election Commission finalized the schedule during their meeting on Thursday (March 21, 2024) which decided the Upazila Parishad election will take place in four phases.
The subsequent phases of voting are slated for May 21st, May 29th, and June 5th, respectively. A total of 150 Upazilas in the country will go to polls in the first phase on May 8 and 161 Upazilas will go to polls on May 21. 1,786 aspirants as valid candidates for the first phase of the polls.
The Upazila election has revealed the limited control of the two major political parties, the Awami League and BNP, over grassroots leaders.
Despite directives from the ruling AL urging lawmakers to ensure their relatives refrain from contesting in the Upazila parishad election, at least 50 relatives of AL MPs are participating in the first phase of the election across 150 Upazilas scheduled for May 8.
Meanwhile, the BNP has opted out of the election process and expelled 77 local leaders in the first phase and 61 in the second phase. However, despite these punitive actions, approximately 50 local BNP leaders are actively campaigning and running for various positions in the Upazila parishad during the third phase of the election, set for May 29.
In the first phase, the BNP reports that 24 grassroots leaders are competing for chairman, 21 for vice-chairman, and 19 for female vice-chairman positions. Similarly, in the second phase covering 160 Upazilas on May 21, 26 BNP grassroots leaders are vying for chairman, 19 for vice-chairman, and 16 for female vice-chairman posts. Over the years, Bangladesh has seen 5 Upazila elections. The forthcoming 6th Upazila Parishad Elections in Bangladesh, mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
What is the significance of the UP polls in Bangladesh?
The Upazila Parishad holds significant importance in Bangladesh’s administrative structure, serving as the foundation of local governance. Its establishment provides local communities with a platform to express their needs and participate in decision-making processes. This decentralized approach promotes efficient resource management, ensures fair development, and empowers local residents. Upazila Parishads act as intermediaries between the central government and rural areas, facilitating the implementation of policies tailored to local needs.
Furthermore, they improve transparency and accountability by bringing governance closer to the people, and reducing bureaucracy and corruption. Through initiatives like infrastructure development, healthcare services, and educational programs, Upazila Parishads make substantial contributions to socio-economic advancement, particularly in rural areas where they play a vital role in poverty reduction and enhancing living standards.
Therefore, their significance extends beyond administrative functions to include the promotion of democratic principles and inclusive development at the grassroots level.
Preview of Upazila Parishad Election
The Upazila Parishad (UZP) traces its origins to the recommendations put forth by the Committee for Administrative Reform and Reorganization (CARR) during General Ershad’s military rule (1982-1990). It emerged as a successor to the Thana Development and Coordination Council (TDCC), which was established under the Basic Democracies Order of 1959 and influenced by Akhter Hameed Khan’s Comilla Experiment. Unlike the TDCC, the UZP introduced directly elected chairmen and aimed to reduce administrative control.
The implementation of constitutional provisions for local government was delayed until 1984 when the recommendations of the Administrative and Services Reorganization Committee (ASRC) were endorsed, leading to the formal establishment of UZPs by 1986. The UZP law allowed for the election of chairmen and included elected union parishad chairmen as members. Initially met with opposition from political parties, the UZP faced resistance from various alliances but was eventually put into effect during Ershad’s regime.
Following General Ershad’s resignation in 1991, the UZP was abolished, sparking legal disputes. The caretaker government in 2007 proposed the exclusion of Jatiya Sangsad members from UZP roles and suggested the creation of a permanent Local Government Commission.
Although the UZP system was initially established in 1982, with elections held in 1985 and 1990, it was discontinued in 1991 after General Ershad’s government stepped down. However, it was reinstated in 2009 under the administration of the Awami League government.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks underscore her unwavering commitment to democratic governance and ensuring that electoral processes in Bangladesh remain transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the people.
