pourashavas

Pourashava, also transliterated as paurashava, is the term used in Bangladesh for a municipal-level local government body that administers towns and smaller urban centers. It sits below city corporations in the urban governance hierarchy and operates under the jurisdiction of the Local Government Division and related national laws. Pourashavas are responsible for delivering basic urban services in their areas and for guiding local development.

The governance structure of a pourashava typically includes an elected chairman (often referred to as mayor) and ward representatives who form a municipal council. The council is divided into standing committees that oversee areas such as works, health, revenue, and development. Members are elected from the towns’ wards, and the council sets policies, approves budgets, and supervises municipal staff and contractors.

Key functions of a pourashava encompass urban planning and land use regulation, issuing building permits and licenses, maintaining local roads and drains, ensuring water supply and sanitation, solid waste management, market regulation, and local revenue collection. They also play a role in public health, environmental protection, and basic social services, coordinating with district and upazila administrations on broader programs.

Funding for pourashavas comes from government grants, locally collected fees and taxes, licenses, rents, and sometimes development project funds. As towns grow, pourashavas may be upgraded to city corporations if criteria related to population, revenue, and service delivery are met. Pourashavas are central to local governance, service delivery, and urban development in Bangladesh.