Our political parties never miss an opportunity to espouse the idea of decentralisation and consequent empowerment of local government. But when in power, their policy-level decisions often run contrary to this very idea. For instance, the BNP’s 31-point plan for structural reform stated that “local governments will operate independently, free from interference by the local administration, and any public representative or political entity.” Yet, the government has decided to reserve funds that the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) will use to execute development projects recommended by MPs in their respective constituencies.

According to a report by Prothom Alo , Tk 50 crore per constituency has been allocated for this purpose for 279 MPs, leaving out those whose constituencies fall entirely within city corporation jurisdiction and also those who hold reserve seats. Over the next five years, these 279 MPs can submit lists of roads, bridges or other rural infrastructure that need to be built or repaired in their constituencies on a priority basis, and the LGED will use the allocated fund to execute the projects.

The intention behind such an allocation is not ill-motivated, nor is the practice new. In fact, per the report, this practice first started in 2005-06 under Khaleda Zia’s leadership. Later, the Awami League government also continued the practice, deciding to allocate Tk 25 crore per constituency for a similar purpose in FY2024-25, but the proposal never materialised due to AL’s fall on August 5, 2024.

It might be argued that through this allocation, MPs can strengthen their rapport with their constituencies. But this allowance also curbs the authority of local government, which is unfair. The government has already subtly eroded the local government’s power by granting MPs their own rooms in upazila parishad offices. This newest allocation, which MPs can use to recommend development projects for their constituencies, adds yet another nail to the decentralisation coffin. As mentioned in a previous column, this kind of privilege often gets abused by MPs, whose duties, according to our constitution, involve enacting laws. Deciding local development projects, per the constitution, remains the prerogative of the local government.

Besides, a 2020 study by Transparency International Bangladesh on similar projects found rampant corruption and nepotism allegations against MPs. We don’t want to see a repetition of such practices. The local government must not be undermined regarding rural infrastructure development. While MPs can and should voice their constituents’ problems in parliament, the decision to choose and prioritise projects should rest with the respective local government authority.