Relationship between Upazila Nirbahi Officer(UNO) and Upazila Chairmen(UZC): study on two(2) upazila parishad

Abstract

Upazila Parishad is an important local government institution for rural development and socioeconomic empowerment of the country, but a significant number of the Upazila Parishads(UZP) failed to run effectively due to the unfriendly relationship between Upazila Nirbahi Officers(UNO) and Upazila Chairmen(UZC). This study disclosed that a number of factors affect this relationship. Among the factors, political intervention and existing anomalous Act of Upazila Parishad impede the relationship. On the other hand higher educational qualification, experience, responsibility regarding training and spontaneous communication were supportive to eliminate the obstacle and help to construct positive working relationship between UNO and UZC. This study also revealed that awareness of UNO and UZC about the public needs, and sacrificing mind of both to implement government order were helpful to make positive relationship. Positive working relationship between the two core actor like UNOs and UZC can ensure smooth functioning of upazila parishad and to establish transparent, accountable and participatory upazila parishad. Government should take policy to remove dual control system in upazila parishad for the sake of establishing upazila parishad as a root of democratic institution.