'Form independent municipal commission'

yesterday urged the government to form an 'independent municipal commission' to ensure unhindered autonomy of the local governments.

It gave the call at a two-day workshop in Dhaka on National Agenda for Strengthening Paurashava.

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Chairmen and members of 250 Paurashavas (municipality) attended the workshop, organised by the USAID-funded Local Government Initiative (LGI) -- Associates in Rural Development (ARD). Some foreign delegates were also present.

The participants asked the government to stop issuing circulars 'infringing' on the Paurashava Ordinance, 1977.

They opposed local lawmakers' interference in municipal affairs and demanded adequate budgetary allocation for all municipalities in line with their population.

The workshop recommended empowering all municipalities to employ their own staff and generate new resources, and allowing representation of the local bodies in the government policymaking.

Speaking at the workshop, Meherpur Paurashava Chairman Mohtasim Billah said all successive governments pledged to strengthen local governments but no-one acted in that direction.

Jacquelin Holzman, who was mayor of Ottawa twice, said local government representatives are 'new freedom fighters'. There are many barriers to municipalities all over the world to ensure better services to citizens, she said.

"Local government leaders have to prove their ability to discharge duties properly and make best use of available resources," Jacquelin said.

Social affairs director of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities Leo van de Kerkhof stressed a balance of power among the central government, local governments and civil society.

President of the International Union of Local Authorities Peter Woods said Mab might be given membership of his organisation.

LGI Chief of Party William James Cartier, Deputy Chief of Party Zarina Rahman and Senior Policy Advisor Rasheda Nawz, among others, were present.