Paralyzing The Nationwide Local Government
Dr. Yunus's administration has orchestrated a sweeping overhaul of local governance, dismissing 876 elected representatives across Bangladesh in separate gazette notifications on August 18-19. This major reshuffling involved replacing elected representatives, primarily from the previous Awami League government, with administrators appointed by the interim government.
Widespread Changes Across Local Governments
The judiciary reshuffle has sparked deep concerns about the future of judicial independence in Bangladesh. With many of the newly appointed justices seen as government loyalists, and the judiciary’s review powers curtailed, the courts may no longer act as a meaningful check on executive overreach.
- District Administration:
Administrators were installed in 61 districts to replace elected representatives. Of these, divisional commissioners took over district councils in eight divisional cities, while deputy commissioners were appointed to 53 other districts. The office of the Natore district council chairman was left vacant due to the incumbent's death, and the three districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts remained unaffected. - Upazila Administration:
The chairmen of all of Bangladesh's 495 Upazila councils have been removed from duty. Upazila executive officers, or UNOs, will take on their responsibilities for the time being - Municipal Administration:
A total of 323 municipal mayors were ousted, with new administrators appointed across all 330 municipalities to oversee local governance. - City Corporations: In a dramatic move, all 12 city corporation mayors, including those in Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Chattogram, Khulna, and Rajshahi, were removed and replaced by administrators. Senior government officials and divisional commissioners were appointed as interim heads of these city corporations.
Dr. Yunus’s government has undertaken an unprecedented restructuring of local governance. With 876 elected representatives ousted, Bangladesh now faces an uncertain future in local administration, as calls for quick restoration of electoral democracy gain momentum to maintain public services and local stability.