First, union parishad committees need to be revived with real representation. These councils would not be merely symbolic; the elected student representatives could sit on union parishad committees, monitor service delivery, and bridge the gap between citizens and local officials. Without depoliticizing local governance, transparency will remain elusive. Reforming union parishads requires political will, civil society engagement, and above all, a commitment to make governance transparent, inclusive, and fair. If reformed with inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, union parishads could rebuild trust in governance and empower citizens to take ownership of their future.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 16, 2026 05:54 UTC