The Realities of Aid Harmonisation and Aid Effectiveness: Views from Bangladesh

Abstract

Aid harmonisation, both as a concept and an operational practice, has come to the forefront of discussions by aid donors and recipient countries. The Paris Declaration adopted a blueprint for donor harmonisation in order to increase aid effectiveness. In the context of the strikingly limited research on the subject, this article examines the progress of aid harmonisation in Bangladesh vis-à-vis the spirit of the relevant international conventions – especially the Paris Declaration and other stated official goals. The article offers some thoughts on improved harmonisation practices, and argues that effective donor harmonisation largely depends on a genuine commitment and collective effort between donors and the governments of recipient countries.