—AKM Sayedad Hossain—

Bangladesh, a nation of remarkable resilience and ambition, faces immense governance challenges due to its extraordinary population density. With over 1,300 people per sq-km as of now (according to World Population Review)—a figure that would soar beyond 2,500 if the uninhabited Sundarbans and hilly regions were excluded—the country ranks among the most densely populated in the world. To put this into perspective, even if the entire global population of 8.2 billion were concentrated within the United States, its density would still be less than 900 people per sq-km—far lower than Bangladesh’s adjusted figure.

In light of these staggering demographics, the need for a more efficient and decentralised governance model in Bangladesh has never been more pressing. During a recent discussion on this subject, Sakhawat Khan, former country director of Amnesty International South Sudan and a seasoned UN official with 30 years of experience in the Horn of Africa, emphasised the crucial role of a provincial government system in ensuring greater accountability and effective resource distribution in densely population areas. Having overseen one of the world’s largest refugee camps in Somalia, Khan strongly supports the idea of provincial governance as a means to improve administrative efficiency and citizen engagement.

Several African nations have demonstrated the benefits of such a system. Ethiopia, for instance, has successfully implemented a federal structure that grants significant autonomy to its regional states, allowing for localised decision-making tailored to diverse ethnic and economic needs. Similarly, Kenya’s devolution model, introduced in 2013, has significantly improved service delivery by empowering county governments with financial and legislative authority, reducing corruption, and fostering development in previously marginalised regions.

Drawing insights from these examples, Bangladesh could greatly benefit from a provincial government system to enhance governance, improve accountability, and ensure balanced development. Currently, the country’s administrative and judicial structures remain heavily centralised, creating bottlenecks in service delivery. The concentration of major judicial branches, national administrative offices, and decision-making bodies in Dhaka results in significant inefficiencies. Public services, including the judiciary and police administration, often require citizens from remote areas to travel to the capital, incurring delays and additional expenses.

With an estimated population nearing three crore, Dhaka bears the brunt of excessive urban congestion, infrastructural strain, and service backlogs. This over-centralisation has not only impacted governance efficiency but has also stifled regional development. “Bangladesh needs to recognise that a centralised system is no longer viable for a nation of its size and density. A well-structured provincial system can empower regional administrations to make timely, locally-informed decisions,” Sakhawat Khan said.

A comparative analysis with neighbouring countries offers valuable lessons. India’s federal structure, with 28 states and eight union territories, has allowed for faster local governance, economic decentralisation, and improved law enforcement through state police forces. Pakistan, too, follows a provincial model with four provinces, which, despite its political and administrative challenges, has enabled regional autonomy. Sri Lanka’s Provincial Council system, introduced in 1987, has had mixed results due to ethnic tensions, but has nonetheless improved local governance and service delivery. Even smaller nations like Switzerland and Belgium have implemented decentralised governance models, demonstrating that federalism is not just about geographical size but about administrative efficiency and governance quality.

If Bangladesh adopts a similar model with five to seven provinces, it could achieve better administrative efficiency and reduce the burden on the central government. Public services could be brought closer to citizens, ensuring more effective delivery in crucial sectors like healthcare, education, and law enforcement. Establishing regional High Courts would significantly reduce legal backlogs and delays, improving access to justice. Additionally, decentralisation would drive economic growth beyond Dhaka, mitigating regional disparities and fostering nationwide development.

Moreover, a provincial framework would create multiple centres of power, preventing excessive centralisation and reducing risks of bureaucratic inefficiencies. By distributing political authority across regions, Bangladesh could move towards a more participatory and accountable democracy.

Given the country’s unique challenges—high population density, administrative overload in Dhaka, and inefficient service delivery—the need for a provincial government system is clear. Learning from its neighbours and other successful models, Bangladesh has an opportunity to build a more effective and inclusive governance structure.

Implementing a provincial government system would mark a significant step towards ensuring equitable development, strengthening governance, and fostering democratic representation. By embracing decentralisation, Bangladesh can unlock its full potential and pave the way for a more balanced and prosperous future.

________________________________________

AKM Sayedad Hossain is executive director at the National Institute of Global Studies (NIGS). He can be contacted at [email protected].