Committee formed to develop legal framework for naming govt-funded entities

The interim government has formed an Advisory Council Committee to develop the legal framework for naming government-funded establishments or institutions.

The committee will submit its recommendations to the government for consideration, said a notification issued by the Cabinet Division today (4 September).

The committee, chaired by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, includes Local Government Adviser Hassan Ariff, Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as members.

The decision to form the committee follows discussions during the final approval of the Sheikh Hasina National Youth Development Institute (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, in an advisory council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on 22 August. The ordinance removed the former prime minister's name from the institute. 

After that advisory council meeting, Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the government will develop a policy for naming establishments or institutions funded by public money. 

This policy will eventually be incorporated into a legal framework to ensure that the use of public funds reflects public opinion and avoids promoting fascism, she said.

Currently, there are no specific regulations governing the naming of government-funded establishments or institutions in Bangladesh. Governments have often named large structures after influential party leaders, and even living leaders have been honoured with institutions bearing their names. 

Additionally, there have been instances where the names of institutions or establishments have been changed following a change in government. 

In light of these practices, the interim government has taken the initiative to establish a legal framework for naming such entities.