ELECTED local government institutions are one of the foundations of democratic governance. Elected representatives face various difficulties in terms of policy, administrative, organisational, legal and financial allocation at different times. In this context, a strong association acts as a national voice of sustainable local government local government institutions, which can be helpful in strengthening the local government system, developing it and protecting the interests of local governments at the national level. Local Government Association is basically a national platform of local government institutions. Its main objective is to support local government institutions, advance their activities and present the needs and demands of local governments to the national government.
Local Government Association 鈥� can create an important bridge between local governments and the national government. Acting as a spokesperson for local governments, presenting the interests of local governments to the national government and other stakeholders is one of the main functions of such associations. It can also play a role in increasing cooperation and networking between local authorities so that they can learn and share good practices from each other. In addition to providing local governments with the resources, information and training they need to build their capacity and deliver better services, it also have an important role to play in influencing the formulation and implementation of policies and legislation that support local government at the national level.
Local government associations have been playing a very important role in different countries around the world. The Local Government Association of England and Wales, consisting of 317 English councils and 22 Welsh councils, is known as the national voice of local government. This organisation is always trying to obtain the necessary funds and powers for local government from the national government. Not only that, it also helps to increase the reputation of local government institutions and to share knowledge and cooperation between them. The Association of Netherlands Municipalities, founded in 1912 by 28 Dutch cities, currently represents 342 Dutch municipalities. It also works to strengthen democratic local government worldwide through its international cooperation organisation, Association of Netherlands Municipalities, International.
The Australian Local Government Association, representing the country鈥檚 537 councils, ensures local government representation in various national bodies and raises local government concerns at the national level. The Malaysian Association of Local Authorities, formed in 2000, works to enhance the role and image of local authorities and to strengthen cooperation between local governments. Even in the Indian state of Kerala, the Gram Panchayat Samiti has been organising research, discussions, seminars and training to strengthen the local government system since 1966. The Kerala Institute of Local Administration, established by the Local Government Association, plays a vital role in capacity building in local government and decentralisation. It is clear from the above examples that Local Government Association is not just an organisation, but one of the main instruments for strengthening the local government system. In various countries, Local Government Associations play an essential role in protecting the interests of local governments, building their capacity and representing them at the national level.
The local government system in Bangladesh is still weak and plagued by various problems. Local government institutions often have limited capacity, inadequate funding and are overly dependent on the national government. In this context, a strong and sustainable local government association can play a very important role in the development of the local government system in Bangladesh. When we shed light on why a sustainable local government association is needed in Bangladesh, several important points come to the fore. Local government associations can act as a collective voice of local government institutions to protect their interests at the national level and it will be able to influence the government in formulating local government policies and laws.
Local government associations will create a platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices among local government institutions, which will help improve the skills of local government staff through training and workshops. Local government associations will increase mutual cooperation and networking among different local government institutions, which will encourage local governments to learn about each other鈥檚 problems and solutions and work together. A strong Local Government Association will encourage local government institutions to be more citizen-friendly and accountable and will help ensure good governance and people鈥檚 participation at the local level. Local Government Associations can help local governments achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Local Government Associations can play a leading role in enhancing the role of local governments in important issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation and environmental protection.
Although local government associations such as Bangladesh Union Parishad Forum, Upazila Parishad Foundation of Bangladesh and Municipal Association of Bangladesh currently exist in Bangladesh, their activities are very limited and uncoordinated. By forming a sustainable association, it is possible to create a stronger and more effective platform by bringing these organisations together. The potential for forming a sustainable Local Government Association in Bangladesh is very bright. All that is needed is the sincere and concerted efforts of local government representatives, the vision of a local government-friendly civil society, and the cooperation of the government.
By making the Local Government Association a strong institution, it can ensure the necessary funds, power and autonomy for the local government. For this purpose, some steps can be taken looking ahead. First, a national Local Government Association can be formed by merging organisations. Second, it is necessary to provide the Local Government Association with a strong legal and institutional framework, which will help it to function independently and get the necessary recognition and support from the government. Third, it is necessary to create a strong fund to run the activities of the Local Government Association, which can mainly come from member subscriptions, private donations and various social sources. Fourth, it is necessary to organise regular training and skill development activities for the staffs of the association and local government representatives. Fifth, it is necessary to acquire skills to engage in regular discussions and advocacy in the interests of local government at the national level and actively participate in the government policy-making process.
No organisation, society or association that depends on government support and grants will be able to function as a neutral and democratic institution. In the past, although some institutions were established based on government sponsorship and donor agencies, they could not make an effective contribution. Many divided and fragmented associations/organisations were formed. All the organisations lacked a democratic policy framework. Therefore, three main issues must be taken into consideration while forming a local government association.
Will there be separate associations centred on different levels and institutions of local government, or will there be a single national association for all members and councillors. If there is an association based on different levels and institutions, it will be necessary to have a democratic federation combining all the institutions. The new proposed local government system is headed by a member/councillor, so there should be no obstacle for everyone to become a national association. However, there is a risk of division into various factions due to factionalism.
A transparent, democratic constitution and transparency in collecting money under that constitution and controlling its expenditure are essential. If there is consensus on the above three issues, a transparent, beautiful, dynamic and strong local government association can be formed step by step. This association can create various policy debates in favour of local government and through it, add a positive trend to the government鈥檚 local government and decentralisation policies.
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Dr Mohammad Tarikul Islam is professor of government and politics in Jahangirnagar University. He has been a visiting scholar and guest teacher at Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard universities and a member of the local government reforms commission.
