Authors Bio
Dolon Chakrabarty is an Assistant Professor of the Department of Political Science at North Bengal International University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. He attained BSS (Hon’s) and MSS degrees of Political Science from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. His research areas of interests are Local Government and Rural Development, Political Geography, Party Politics, Bangladesh Politics and Environmental Governance etc. He has published research articles in many national and international journals.
Abstract
The local government system of Bangladesh plays a crucial role in ensuring grassroots participation, decentralization of power, and effective service delivery. However, the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) at present a unique administrative and governance context due to their distinct ethnic composition, historical background, and special constitutional and legal arrangements. This paper examines the structure and functioning of the local government system in Bangladesh with a particular focus on the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It analyzes how traditional institutions, such as the Circle Chiefs and Headmen, interact with formal local government bodies, including the Hill District Councils and Regional Council. The study also explores the impact of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord of 1997 on local governance, autonomy, and development. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities of local governance in the CHT, the paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of decentralized governance in pluralistic societies like Bangladesh.
Keywords
Local Government, Local Salf Government, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Peace Accord, Draft Bill, Bangladesh.
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