A groundbreaking initiative to strengthen local governance for improved education and disaster response was unveiled at WaterAid Bangladesh’s Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Local Government Reform. The event highlighted the critical role of local administrations in addressing education challenges, particularly during crises, through enhanced accountability and collaboration.
“By establishing a partnership between education and local administrations, we can foster accountability and ensure immediate solutions to education challenges during crises,” said Syeed Ahamed, CEO of IID and Coordinator of the CSO Alliance.
The workshop also showcased reform proposals developed by Youth for Policy, a dynamic youth-led initiative advocating for state reform. Muhammad Tanbirul Islam, Research Associate at IID and Training Coordinator for Youth for Policy, presented these proposals, which were shaped by the voices of 112 young leaders from 21 districts across Bangladesh.
The comprehensive reform proposals, featuring 20 key demands, were submitted to Tofail Ahmed, Chairman of the Local Government Reform Commission, and other commission members. These demands encompass:
- Institutional and structural reforms to strengthen local government functionality.
- Electoral and procedural reforms to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Youth capacity-building programs to empower the next generation of changemakers.
- Social audits to enhance public service delivery.
- Digitization of local government services to improve accessibility and efficiency.
This initiative is part of Youth for Policy’s broader campaign for state reform, inspired by the mass uprising in July 2024, which called for more inclusive governance and policy-making processes. The movement aims to amplify young voices in shaping a future where accountability, democracy, and development go hand in hand.
The workshop demonstrated the power of constructive dialogue and cross-sector collaboration in driving meaningful change. By bridging the gap between local governments and communities, particularly in the areas of education and disaster response, this effort sets a strong foundation for a resilient and equitable Bangladesh.