Bangladesh Government Organs and Administrative Systems

This flashcard set covers the administrative structure of Bangladesh, including central secretariat positions, divisional and district administration, and the various units of local autonomous government.

Minister

The political member and head of a ministry in the discretion of the Prime Minister.

Secretary

The Chief Executive Officer or Administrative Officer of a ministry, appointed by the Public Service Commission, who is vested with the entire charge of the ministry.

Assistant Secretary

The lowest rank-stair within the administrative structure of the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Administrative Hierarchy (Upward)

Assistant Secretary, Senior Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Joint-Secretary, Additional Secretary, Secretary, Senior Secretary, and Minister.

Central and Local Administration

The two tiers of administration in Bangladesh.

Local Administration

A form of administration at local levels comprising of divisions, districts, and upazila governance for the sake of convenient governance.

Divisional Commissioner

The top official of divisional administration, holding an office equivalent to an Additional Secretary and serving as a de facto revenue officer.

8 Divisions of Bangladesh

Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensing.

Deputy Commissioner (DC)

The most prominent person in the district administration who holds the rank of Deputy Secretary in Administration.

64

The number of districts in Bangladesh at present.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)

The administrative officer of an Upazila who coordinates directives from the DC and Chief Executive Officer of the District.

495

The total number of Upazilas in Bangladesh at present.

Idgaon

The latest declared Upazila of Cox's Bazar.

Local Autonomy

Self-governance of the people in a particular area, managed by elected representatives who are held accountable to the people.

Union Council

The most ancient local organization in Bangladesh, generally consisting of an average of 10-15 villages.

Chowkidar Panchayet Ain-1870

British rule legislation introduced to maintain law and order in rural areas by a five-member authority.

The Palli Ain (1919)

Legislation that established a single local government named 'Union Board', abolishing the Chowkidari Panchayet and Union Committee.

Local Government (Union Council) Amendment Act-1997

Revised the Union structure into 9 wards, each with an elected member, plus 3 elected female members for reserved seats.

4,578

The total number of Union Councils in Bangladesh.

Upazila Parishad Ain (2009)

Reintroduced the Upazila Council system, consisting of a Chairman, Vice-Chairmen (including one female), Union Chairmen, and Municipality Mayors.

The District Council Act, 2000

Legislation providing for the formation of a District Council consisting of 1 Chairman, 15 members, and 5 female members in every district except for Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.

Pouroshava

The name of the local government agency for a town or municipality area in Bangladesh.

331

The number of municipalities at present in Bangladesh.

City Corporation

Promoted municipal status for large cities including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur, Cumilla, Narayanganj, and Mymensingh.

Locl Government (City Corporation) Act 2009

Passed to divide Dhaka City Corporation into two corporations: Dhaka North and Dhaka South.

12

The total number of city corporations in Bangladesh.