Reform commission recommends reducing ministries to 25, provincial government

The commission head says recommendations have been made for the creation of a permanent Public Administration Reform Commission

The Public Administration Reform Commission has recommended a series of changes, including a provincial government system, a separate capital city administration, a reduction in the number of ministries, and public hearings on government service availability.

The commission submitted its report on Wednesday at State Guest House Jamuna, the residence of the chief advisor.

The proposals were later summarised by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, the head of the commission.

“We have made some short-term recommendations that can be implemented within six months, along with some medium-term recommendations that can be carried out within one to two years. There are some long-term recommendations that can be introduced gradually over time,” Muyeed said.

Calling public administration reform a continuous process, he said the commission had recommended the creation of a permanent Public Administration Reform Commission.

“This commission can oversee the implementation of the reports of this year’s commissions. An innovation lab needs to be established in public administration. It will bring new ideas instead of the traditional ones.”

He continued, “A code of conduct also needs to be formulated for government employees. Traders have emphasised the need for a one-stop service so that trade-related services can be accessed from a single point.”

Speaking about the recommendation for public hearings on government services, Muyeed said: “Public hearings should be arranged at different levels to address various complaints. Along with this, we have recommended the formation of citizens’ committees—district and Upazila citizens’ committees—so that representatives of the public can regularly monitor government work. We have also suggested involving local NGOs and social organisations in this process.”

“We have also said that the power to provide services should be transferred to local authorities. Right now, everything is controlled by the headquarters or the ministry. This should not happen. Power should be shifted to the district and Upazila levels. Hotlines should be set up in every institution so that people can communicate easily.”

After the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5, 2024, the interim government established six commissions.

Four of those commissions, formed in October 2024, submitted their reports to the chief advisor on Jan 15.

The 11-member Public Administration Reform Commission was formed on Oct 3, 2024, led by former caretaker government advisor Muyeed. The commission was originally set to submit its findings to the chief advisor of the interim government within 90 days. However, its term was later extended until Feb 15.

In addition to the Public Administration Reform Commission, the Judicial Reform Commission also presented its report to the chief advisor ahead of schedule on Wednesday.

PROPOSAL FOR RADICAL REFORMS IN ADMINISTRATION

One of the most significant proposals calls for a reduction in the number of ministries, from the current 43 to just 25, along with a cut in the number of departments from 61 to 40.

“We have recommended to divide the ministries into five clusters,” Muyeed said.

Suggesting the introduction of a provincial government system, the commission head said: “We have made a proposal to the government to introduce a provincial administration system. Due to our population, the central administration is not very effective.”

“If four provinces can be created, then on the one hand these problems will be eliminated, and there will also be an impact from the political side. Because, once a central government is established, it takes control of the entire country. We think that will not be possible if it is a province. This system is available in various countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal.”

He said, “In the case of promotion to the deputy secretary level, there is now a 75 percent quota for administrative service. We have recommended that it be reduced to 50 percent. The remaining 50 percent will be open for other services. We have recommended that the appointment of secretaries be done through a cabinet committee. So that the head of government does not do this, “

Muyeed also underscored the recommendation to reorganise the departments into five distinct clusters: statutory administration, finance, industry and commerce, physical infrastructure and communication, agriculture and environment, and human resources and social development.

He further discussed plans to overhaul the Internal Revenue Department, outlining a restructured framework with separate ministries. Under this new structure, three directorates would be created: income tax, customs and excise, and value-added tax.

On Tuesday, Law Advisor Asif Nazrul announced that the full report from the six reform commissions, formed during the first phase, will be made public on Saturday. Additionally, the complete report and its recommendations will be shared with political parties and pro-people groups.

Nazrul expressed optimism that the first formal meeting of the National Consensus Commission could take place in mid-February, following discussions and compromises with all political parties and pro-uprising forces.

He expressed hope that the first formal meeting of the National Consensus Commission could take place in mid-February.