Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
The Local Government Reform Commission recommends revoking the tax exemptions on business, construction, and trade for the ethnic communities living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
The commission believes that imposing taxes, like in the plains, will yield better results.
It argues that the current exemptions are not benefiting the poor hill communities, and instead, they are fostering a system where middlemen exploit the situation.
In its preliminary report on the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the commission also highlights the rampant illegal extortion in the region.
This extortion has become a grim reality, with the administration, political parties, and various groups being complicit in the situation. The commission calls for broad public dialogue and the establishment of legal measures to end this exploitation.
The report further emphasizes that for long-term peace and stability in the region, large-scale employment, public safety, and the severing of external connections involved in sabotage and anti-sovereignty activities are crucial.
The main goal for local government institutions in the hill region should be ensuring the participation of all ethnic groups in governance and development.
The report acknowledges the special recognition of the Chittagong Hill Tracts as a "special region" since 1900, citing its geographical distinctiveness, especially the hills and rivers, and the diverse population of 13 ethnic groups with different languages, religions, cultures, and customs.
The region has a mix of traditional systems, including the "Headman" structure, Union Parishads, Upazila Parishads, Municipalities, District Councils, and a Regional Council specifically for the Hill Tracts.
The commission recommends abolishing the "Market Fund" while maintaining the other six institutions.
It suggests that the market revenue should be controlled by a committee led by the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), Assistant Land Commissioner (AC), and the Upazila Chairman, which would facilitate competitive bidding for the revenue and distribute it proportionally to the Union Parishads, Municipalities, Circle Chiefs, and the national government.
Additionally, the commission recommends transferring the management, monitoring, and administration of Union Parishads, Upazila Parishads, and Municipalities in the hill region to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
The Ministry should receive the annual budget for local government institutions in the region.
It also proposes establishing administrative relationships between Union Parishads and the Headman circles, requiring Headman participation in Union Parishad meetings and including one male and one female Headman as associate members in Upazila and Municipality councils.
Circle Chiefs from the districts should be regular members of the District Council.
