Upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen yesterday threatened to wage a tough movement against the government if their duties are not specified by November 30.

As many as 200 chairmen and vice-chairmen under the banner of Bangladesh Upazila Chairman and Vice-Chairman Oikya Parishad gave the warning from their national convention at the Engineers' Institute in the capital.

"We have nothing to do except taking tea, sitting idle in the office and drawing salary since taking office through the

January 2009 elections,” lamented Showkot Hossain, vice-chairman of Doshmina upazila.

At present, upazila executive officers, who are secretaries to the parishads, are running this important local government body with advice from MPs.

"More than a year has passed, but the government has yet to outline our duties. It is frustrating us.

"Now we have no alternative to waging a tough movement against the government,” announced Abdul Mazid Photo, convener of the parishad.

He also announced holding of rallies in

seven divisional districts soon to press home their demand.

Ataur Rahman Ata, chairman of Manikganj upazila, said people are demanding so much from them but they are undone, as they have no power.

“Lawmakers' interference in upazila parishads has disabled these bodies to function,” he added.

According to the constitutional provisions, MPs are responsible to formulate laws while the local government representatives are to carry out development programmes.

The ruling Awami League in its election manifesto pledged to establish “self-reliant” local government institutions at district and upazila levels.

However, after assuming office in 2009, the party rather re-introduced the Upazila Parishad Act, 1998, making MPs advisers to the parishads of their respective constituencies.

Upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen at yesterday's convention harshly criticised the government for this.

Reflecting on the current status, representatives of the local body observed almost all the MPs are interested in taking part in local development projects instead of concentrating on affairs related to parliament.

"MPs should stay in the capital and cooperate with us, there is no need for them to interfere in our activities,” said Golam Rabbani, vice-chairman of Kolmakandi Upazila.

The last caretaker government in 2008 omitted the provision of the Upazila Parishad Act that made MPs advisers. Later, it repealed the act and formulated a new one through promulgation of an ordinance.

The current government, however, did not ratify the ordinance.

Currently, MPs are advisers to district and upazila councils, the two crucial tiers of the country's three-tier local government system.

“What was the necessity to elect us if we don't have any responsibility?” questioned Golam Rabbani.