Governance Advocacy Forum (GAF) is a national level platform established in 2007 that aims to promote democratic decentralization and strong local government through policy advocacy and campaign in Bangladesh. Governance Advocacy Forum (GAF) consist of 36 national and international non-government organizations, networks, local government platforms, concerned institutions and civil society represen
tatives. INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN
Since its inception, GAF has been undertaking a series of events like sharing meetings, seminars, press conferences, roundtable, countrywide human chain, etc. Following are the major initiatives undertaken by GAF so far:
• Countrywide campaign on “Strong Local Government” in 2006 and 2007.
• “Strong Local Government National Convention 2007” demanding establishment of decentralized and strong local government. The Convention finalized 40 point recommendations and submitted to “Sthaneeo Sarkar Protishthan Gotisheel O Shaktishalikaran Committee” formed by the former government.
• Draft proposal and concept developed on formation of a `Local Government Commission’ and submitted to the former caretaker government.
• Advocacy and campaign for incorporation of Democratic Decentralization and Local Self Government issues in the electoral manifestos of different political parties before 9th national parliament election in 2008.
• Reviewed different Local Government Acts on 2009 and initiated campaign.
• “Democratic Decentralization National Convention 2010” held and a proposal of Democratic Decentralization Policy accepted there.
• Continual Campaign and advocacy from 2010 in favor of the National Democratic Decentralization Policy proposal, local self government and Local Government Commission.
• Reviewed and updated the Democratic Decentralization Policy proposal and formally handover the proposal to the Ministry of LGRD&Co-operative of GoB.
• Review allocation for local government in national budget, organize pre/post budget events for sharing recommendations, react on emerging local government issues, etc. ACHIEVEMENTS
• Most of the 40 point recommendations of national convention were incorporated fully or partially in the ordinances of past caretaker government.
• Local Government Commission was formed and activated by the former caretaker government (subsequently dissolved by the present government).
• Jurisdictions of Village Court (UP activity) are expanded.
• The Gram Sarkar Act is abolished (It was one of the demands).
• Activities of Union Parishad Standing Committees are defined.
• Provision for 2 Vice-chairmen (1 male and 1 female) in Upazila Parishad has been incorporated in Upazilla Parishad Act.
• Integrated City Corporation Act has been formulated.
• Major political parties were agreed to the demands of Democratic Decentralization and Local Self Government and incorporated those issues in their 2008 electoral manifestoes.
• Upazila Parishad election was held successfully during the period of new government came into power in 2009.
• Some provisions of the Local Government Acts 2009 are better and progressive.
• GAF succeed in mobilizing public opinion on Democratic Decentralization Policy and Local Self-Government system; people from different segments are raising the issue together. A good number of policy makers express solidarity with the issue and contributing to uplift the execution of the demand. CURRENT INITIATIVES
• Implementing a campaign titled ‘Campaign for Democratic Decentralization Policy of Bangladesh’. The aim of the campaign is to mobilize opinion of mass people and concerned stakeholders in support of a national decentralization policy and also influence the state undertaking proper initiatives towards formulation of democratic decentralization policy.
• Analyzing national budget, expressing reactions and demanding required allocations in the budget for local government.
• Regular communication and coordination with the policy makers and other stakeholders.
• Expressing reactions on any emerging governance issue related to decentralization and local government. MEMBERS OF GAF:
ActionAid Bangladesh, Ain-O-Salish Kendra, Angikar Samaj Bikash Kendra, Advancing Public Interest Trust (APIT), Bangladesh Union Parisad Forum, Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha (BNPS), BRAC, CARE Bangladesh, Democracywatch, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, Gender & Development Alliance, Governance Coalition, Imamuddin Ahmed Democracy Learning (IDL) Trust, INCIDIN Bangladesh, Institute for
Environment & Development (IED), Integrated Rural Development Centre (IRDC), Intercooperation, Jatio
Nirbachan Porjabakhan Parishad (JANIPOP), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Municipal
Association of Bangladesh (MAB), Nagorik Uddyog, Nari Uddyog Kendra (NUK), Orchita
Integrated Development Society, Population Services & Training Centre (PSTC),
PRIP Trust, RDRS Bangladesh, SAP-Bangladesh, Save The Children-UK, SHEILD,
Shushashoner Jonno Procharavijan (SUPRO), Upazila Parishad Association
of Bangladesh (UzPAB), Village Education Resource Centre (VERC),
Voices for Interactive Choice & Empowerment (VOICE),
VSO Bangladesh and WAVE Foundation.
