Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam has been assigned responsibility for overseeing government activities in Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram districts as part of a wider government initiative to strengthen administrative coordination, law and order and good governance at the district level.
A total of 30 ministers, state ministers and whips have been given responsibility for monitoring and coordinating government activities across districts, according to a gazette issued by the Field Administration Coordination Branch of the Cabinet Division on Thursday (27 August).
The government has cited concerns over law and order, corruption, drug abuse and the need to improve governance as key considerations behind the decision. The move places designated members of the government in a coordinating and supervisory role alongside the existing district administration and other relevant government agencies.
According to the gazette, substantial public funds were allocated for development projects in different districts during the previous administration. However, the government alleged that large-scale corruption resulted in the misuse and embezzlement of development funds. It also stated that some of the money taken through such activities was transferred abroad, while part of it was used within the country for activities linked to drug abuse, social degradation and threats to public and state security.
Against this backdrop, the newly assigned ministers, state ministers and whips have been tasked with supporting efforts to maintain normal law and order, curb corruption and drug-related activities, and promote good governance at the district level.
Their responsibilities will extend beyond security and administrative matters. They will advise government offices in their respective districts on preventing drug abuse and illegal trafficking, tackling smuggling and addressing long-standing criminal activities. They will also monitor the implementation of various government development and public welfare initiatives.
The assignments include oversight of the implementation of the government’s election manifesto, poverty reduction initiatives, employment generation and social safety-net programmes. The designated ministers and other government representatives will therefore be expected to maintain coordination with local administration while keeping track of progress in these areas.
For Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram, Mir Shah Alam will serve as the designated government representative under the new arrangement. His role will involve coordination with relevant government offices and providing advice on matters falling within the scope of the assignment.
The gazette also allows the ministers, state ministers and whips concerned to participate in meetings held in their respective districts when necessary. They may offer advice during such meetings and review issues related to administration, law and order, development and public welfare.
The government said the decision was taken in accordance with Article 55(2) of the Constitution and the relevant provisions of the Rules of Business. The arrangement is intended to strengthen coordination between the central government and field-level administration while ensuring closer monitoring of key government programmes and district-level challenges.
The assignment comes at a time when district administrations remain central to the delivery of public services and implementation of government policies. The effectiveness of the new arrangement will depend on coordination among the designated representatives, district administrations, law-enforcement agencies and other government offices responsible for carrying out these tasks.
