DHAKA, Feb 25, 2025 (BSS) - The ‘Local Government Reform Commission (LGRC)’ has suggested the authorities concerned to ensure proper women’s representation in the local government system in the country.

A source familiar with the reform process told BSS that the interim government has released a report containing the preliminary recommendations of the Local Government Reform Commission, headed by Professor Tofail Ahmed, formed on November 18, 2024. 

After the fall of the erstwhile Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the interim government formed commissions to recommend reforms for six sectors of the state in an initial phase as part of a number of initiatives paving the smooth way for the country's democratic transition.

The initial reports from the constitution, electoral system, police reform and Anti-Corruption Commission reform commissions were submitted to the chief advisor on January 15.

 The reports of the public administration and judiciary reform commissions were handed over to the head of the interim government on February 5.

The reports of four of the five reform commissions - media, health, labour, and women's affairs - formed in the second phase in November are yet to be submitted.
In the proposed system, it stated that efficient women members will have the opportunity to be elected to the posts of Chairperson and Mayor, Speaker and Shadow Council Leader etc.

Women from different ethnic groups in all levels of local government in the three hill districts will be able to avail the special benefits of these reserved women's seat.

The proposal of the Local Government Commission has mentioned that the number of wards will be increased to continue the development process in line with the increasing population growth and a proportional quota of women members will be determined accordingly.