District Coordinator — a non-colonial designation

FE Team | Published: January 17, 2025 18:16:17

It has been reported that the Administration Reform Commission has proposed changing the designation of Deputy Commissioner to District Magistrate. For decades, communities across districts have recognised the pivotal role of the Deputy Commissioner, not only as a representative of the central government but also as a coordinator of various departments. The position oversees revenue and land management alongside other responsibilities, establishing a strong connection with service recipients.
Historically, this position was referred to as District Magistrate or Deputy Collector during the colonial era. However, the world has evolved from such archaic notions, embracing modern administrative practices that emphasise inclusivity and efficiency. The proposed designation, "District Magistrate," carries a colonial undertone that does not align with the contemporary, citizen-centric nature of the role.
A more suitable title, such as District Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, or District Executive Officer, would better reflect the position's diverse responsibilities. These titles would encapsulate the administrative, coordinating, and leadership functions of the role without narrowing its scope to magistracy alone. While executive magistracy remains an inherent duty of the position, it need not dominate the designation, as it represents only one facet of the broader role.
Renaming the position as District Magistrate might lead to the misconception that its primary focus is judicial or magistracy functions, overshadowing its extensive administrative and developmental responsibilities. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a non-colonial and forward-looking title that resonates with modern governance and accurately represents the role's multifaceted nature.
The suggested redesignation would not only modernise the administrative framework but also align with the global shift towards progressive and people-oriented governance.
Md. Refatul Hossain
Additional Director (retd)
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)
Faridpur Region, Faridpur
refatdae87@gmail.com