Dhaka: The Public Administration Reform Commission (PARC) in its report has recommended a reduction in the number of ministries from 40 to 25, stating that it would ensure better governance. The report was submitted today to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, with the commission’s chairman, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, handing over the document at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the report highlighted that currently, there are 43 ministries and 61 divisions. It recommended reducing their numbers to 25 ministries and 40 divisions through rational restructuring. The commission also proposed categorizing the ministries into five clusters: Statutory Administration; Finance, Industry and Trade; Physical Infrastructure and Communication; Agriculture and Environment; and Human Resources and Social Development.
The government had formed PARC on October 3 of the previous year to propose reforms in the public administration system, aiming to make it more pro-people, accountable, efficient, and neutral. The commission extended its initial four targets to six to enhance administrative effectiveness, outlining short, medium, and long-term implementation plans.
Throughout its work, the commission conducted 49 meetings, resulting in a comprehensive 17-chapter report with over 200 recommendations. In its efforts to gather insights, the commission reached out to 13 political parties for advice on overhauling the administration. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Amra Bangladesh Party, and National People’s Party provided their suggestions in writing.
Furthermore, the commission engaged in discussions with grassroots individuals and field-level public officers, visiting eight districts and five upazilas across the country to gather diverse perspectives.