Local Government In Bangladesh Research Articles

State of E-Governance at Urban Local Government in Bangladesh: A Paradigm of Rajshahi City Corporation

The purport of this study is to depict the present scenario of e-governance at urban local government in Bangladesh. Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), as a leading municipality in initiating and applying e-governance, has introduced almost ten e-services. After a deep exploration on RCC, it reveals that EBRIS and SARMS both the e-governance projections of RCC are successfully implemented presently. E-tender, e-nothi, e-death registration and web portals are also fairly implemented. And e-revenue and e-application are on the way to implementation. Contrarily, e-waste management, sms-based information service and smart rajshahi app are not implemented yet. The most realistic findings of this research are the unimproved ICT infrastructure, lack of proper IT training of the e-service providers, lack of cooperativeness of e-service receivers, lack of e-literacy of e-service receivers, intervention of third party and demanding bribe for providing e-services, harassment by e-service providers, lack of efficiency of e-service providers and lack of awareness of e-service receivers about e-governance. As an empirical research, it uses both the qualitative and quantitative methods. This study is an endeavor to present an overall current status of e-governance in RCC.

A study of the decentralised administrative arrangements between the central and local governments in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis

PurposeDecentralised administrative arrangements and the active function of local government organisations are essential to tackle crisis effectively. Using Bangladesh as a case study, this paper examines the central and local government administrative arrangements during COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies qualitative content analysis and interviews to explore the local government’s role in Bangladesh’s COVID-19 management by interviews of 18 participants including government officials, experts, non-government organisations (NGOs) representatives, and the general public. This paper also analysed academic papers, policy documents and other publicly available documents, including newspaper reports.FindingsThe Constitution of Bangladesh intensified the active participation of local government in each administrative unit through decentralised administrative management. This paper however reveals that the administrative arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh was primarily a centrally led system. The local government was not sufficiently involved, nor had it integrated into the planning and coordination process. This indicated the absence of active decentralised administration.Originality/valueThis study fills the research gap of the administrative pattern and local relations in COVID-19 management by exploring the local government’s role during the catastrophic situation and highlights the importance of decentralised administrative actions in managing the crisis.

Application of E-Services in the Urban Local Government in Bangladesh: A Study on Rajshahi City Corporation

Public sector information and communication technology (ICT) has a long history of using mainframe operations in the 1970s and microcomputing in the 1990s. It is recognized by the Government of Bangladesh that ICT has a development impact, as it enhances access to information, the quality of public service delivery and strengthens good governance practices. Since the ending of 2019, the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic has revived the importance of e-governance. In the initial stage of this climacteric period when people were socially distanced, restricted in quarantine, and not interacting face-to-face with each other created a whale of a ponderosas of e-governance in Bangladesh. Without any doubt, e-governance is the prime catalyst for urban development. Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) is one of the oldest and leading municipalities in e-governance adaptation in Bangladesh. RCC, jointly with the local government division under the ministry of local government, has introduced e-governance through initiating an electronic birth registration information system (EBRIS) in 2001. This is one of the best paradigms for adapting e-governance at the urban local government level in Bangladesh. As a part of e-governance, RCC has launched Smart Auto-Rickshaw Management System (SARMS) to reduce traffic congestion on city roads. The study, based on primary sources of information, seeks to assess the role of SARMS in reducing traffic congestion on city streets as part of e-governance. In order to properly implement e-governance in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), researchers have come up with two recommendations for e-service providers following two broad sections. A rich ICT infrastructure is a prerequisite for providing e-services to the recipients. This study is based on empirical research. This first section of this paper is equipped with the details of the respondents, overall opinions of the respondents on e-governance are covered by second section, the third section is depictured the status of e-services in RCC. However, the last section is enclosed by the specific opinions of the respondents on EBRIS and SARMS.

COVID-19 Induced Emergency and the Responsive Capacity of the Local Government in Bangladesh

COVID-19 Induced Emergency and the Responsive Capacity of the Local Government in Bangladesh

Assessing Gender Discrimination and Inequality in Local Government in Bangladesh

Assessing Gender Discrimination and Inequality in Local Government in Bangladesh

DRIVING GRASSROOTS GENDER EQUALITY: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN BANGLADESHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Bangladesh is one of the most overpopulated countries in the world where women are involved in domestic work. Political and economic empowerment is considered a male-dominated public activity. This paper aims to explore the dimensional issues and challenges faced by women representatives in Union Parishads in the decision-making process which is crucial for ensuring womens economic empowerment at the grassroots level. This study attempts to critically assess the extent of womens economic empowerment in local government institutions in Bangladesh. This paper also investigates the low rate of women holding elected positions at the grassroots level and the reasons behind their dismal performance in the objective and decision-making process and economic empowerment. From this point of view, this study has identified some factors that are negatively affecting the active participation of women representatives in the Union Parishad such as lack of education and training facilities, lack of social and cultural norms and values, lack of awareness, social constraints, family constraints, lack. Family support, lack of economic awareness, lack of peer support, patriarchal mindset, lack of freedom of movement, sexual harassment, domestic violence, low status, unequal distribution of work and religious misinterpretation. Finally, this paper provides a summary of proposed improvements to the current system as well as alternative system options for enhancing womens economic empowerment in local governments in Bangladesh to achieve gender equality at the grassroots level.

Empirical Analysis of Rural Local Government in Bangladesh: Problems and Way Out

The government might be national, provincial, state, or municipal. Local government refers to the administration of a locality or small community, such as a village, town, or city, by the body representing the local population, with a considerable level of autonomy, earning at least a part of its income from local taxes, and spending the proceeds on services. One of the most important preconditions for the growth of local governments is the democratization of governmental management. The breaking up of ownership monopolies fosters the growth of economies with many structures. The establishment of government powers that are both durable and effective is required in order to generate adequate conditions for business. These conditions must encompass a wide variety of factors, including favorable rules of play, the protection of ownership rights, and so on. The study utilizes both primary and secondary information and also make use of both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected through a set of semi-structured questionnaire & interviewing of different stakeholders in local government. Under Qualitative data, information was collected through survey method and KII. Besides, the secondary data was collected through the books, journals, reports and newspaper. The number of total respondents was 50. Finally, Descriptive, analytical and empirical methods was use to analyses the data. The study will help in understanding the transformation of local government in Bangladesh and in future measures to strengthen it.

Is a powerful but corrupt public manager more trustworthy? Lessons from the case of rural local government in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT A survey experiment was conducted at the Union Council level in Bangladesh to gauge if citizens emphasise the power of the public manager (popularly known as Chairman of the Union Council) more than their corrupt practices. The analysis gauges that perspective based on citizens’ perception of public managers’ trustworthiness at the local level. The chronic absence of empirical research on local government public managers in a country from the Global South prompted us to focus on Bangladesh to carry out this research. The analysis of the two independent sample populations in the survey experiment suggests that local citizens have normative trust in less powerful but honest public managers. Our findings highlight that citizens in rural local government in Bangladesh have a certain degree of normative political awareness, which allows them to evaluate the public manager’s trustworthiness, not merely based on the power distance or patriarchal culture.

The role of NGOs in ensuring local governance in Bangladesh: from the perception of other actors of governance

The role of NGOs in ensuring local governance in Bangladesh: from the perception of other actors of governance

Implementing Citizen’s Charter in Urban Local Government in Bangladesh: Do Accountability and Public Awareness Matter?

This research looks at the possibilities and challenges of adopting a Citizen’s Charter in Paurashava. In this regard, introducing the Citizen Charter in government offices is a step forward. One Paurashava was selected as the study field to observe the current situation of Citizen’s Charter implementation and to recognize the problems in Citizen’s Charter implementation. This study is primarily qualitative in nature. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Besides, official records and other relevant documents were used as secondary sources. According to preliminary observations, the extent of Citizen Charter implementation in Paurashava is extremely poor. All of the services of the Paurashava are not covered by the Citizen’s Charter, and most citizens are unaware of it. A number of other problems also hamper the success of the Paurashava. Therefore, these factors constrain the successful implementation of the Citizens’ Charter at the Paurashava.

Understanding Social Accountability at Rural Local Governance in Bangladesh and the Way Forward: In the Case of Union Parishad

In the 21st Century social accountability has become one of the preconditions to create a more transparent and representative government and aid public institutions in meeting the expectations of the population through empowering citizens which is necessary for effective and sustainable development. Social accountability of the elected representatives at the rural level may help the government increase service quality, empower rural citizens, and promote good governance. At present Bangladesh, mostly known as the “Development Surprise”, has leaped towards lower middle-income country status from a poor developing one within four decades of its decisive victory. In this stage of growth and development, the persistence of social accountability at the rural local government would ensure the attainment of sustainable development through ensuring demand-based service delivery. Against this backdrop, this paper intends to explore the present status of social accountability mechanisms at the Union Parishad which is the lowest tier of rural local governance in Bangladesh. Based on the analysis, several recommendations for the way forward have been summarized. Secondary data analysis and empirical knowledge have been exerted which would refer to a clear view of the current status of social accountability at the grass root level. The first section mentions the importance of social accountability at the union level based on theoretical analysis. Existing mechanisms to ensure social accountability at Union Parishad have been delineated in the second section. The third section develops a compact understanding of the current status of social accountability at the Union Parishad level. The fourth section will share a discussion of the findings, recommendations, and conclusion. This study finds that the lack of interest among Union Parishad Functionaries, avoidance by citizens, irregularities in committee formation, irregular meetings, lack of resources, clientelism and Govt. supervision, etc. have made the social accountability mechanisms at the rural local government ineffective and fruitless. The political willingness of the Government, GO-NGO collaboration, allocation of resources to rural local government, awareness raising among citizens, educating citizens politically, and ensuring proper training for the officials in the Union Parishad can play an important role to revive social accountability through deliberative forums and committees in the rural local government.

Recent Practices of People's Participation in Different Avenues of Rural Local Government

People's participation in various avenues of local administration is crucial for strengthening decentralisation in Bangladesh, despite the fact that such participation faces significant. The main purpose of this research is to explore the most current trends in people's participation in different avenues of local government. This research also examines the realities and challenges involved in strengthening decentralisation in Bangladesh. Using a quantitative methodology, this research found that different avenues of people's participation in Union Parishads has fostered successful decentralisation since these avenues certify independent participation and enable them to share their opinions and influence decision-making processes. Since decentralisation facilitates the transfer of power from the central to the local level, people's participation is functional within Union Parishads. Moreover, this research demonstrates that most rural people are severely challenged in participating in the different avenues of Union Parishads due to political complexity, institutional corruption, poor education, and general unawareness. The authors therefore suggest that, by implementing public awareness programmes, ensuring the maximum autonomy of local government units, and confirming the accountability and transparency of service providers, people's participation can strengthen the decentralisation of rural local government in Bangladesh.

Understanding the Experiences of Female Members in Zila Parishad, Sylhet, Bangladesh

To encourage women to engage in Bangladesh politics, the local government unit introduced the requirements for reserving seats for women. For this, a district council was formed with a chairperson, and fifteen members, including five reserved seats for women. As a result, in the last four decades, it is evident that there has been an increase in women’s participation in politics and governance. This study explores the female members’ experiences of performing their roles as a member and promoting specific agendas and implementing them. Qualitative methodology was used in this research to assemble data by conducting an in-depth interview with female members looking at their experiences in four Zila Parishads in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. The findings suggest that the Local Government of Bangladesh should not look at the existing provisions under the Constitution to increase the number of women in the public arena as an end goal but instead as a means to help accomplish gender equity. To achieve this, organisations and instruments of government must recognise a Bangladeshi woman’s identity beyond the vision of gender.

Service Delivery Performance of Urban Local Government in Bangladesh

Urban local government is critical to the delivery of essential services to residents. Paurashava is one of the tiers of local governments in Bangladesh. But, Paurashava is faced with increasing financial problems. Due to financial restrictions, city governments seem unable to expand much-needed infrastructure and utility services, as well as maintain current facilities at a sufficient level. To enhance urban living standards and alleviate constraints on the national budget, these governments' financial positions must be strengthened. The present study is aimed at exploring the performance management of Paurashava service delivery through utilizing mixed methods. Three Paurashavas were sampled for an in-depth study. The findings of the study reveal that resource mobilization opportunities in Bangladesh's urban areas are limited. A percentage of government grants that are paid based on performance can also be utilized to generate local resources. The major problems are inadequate assessment, inelasticity of revenue, employee training, and poor administration. This paper shows the performance evaluation of the Paurashava by its clients. Thus, this research is helpful to local government policymakers, municipal authorities as policy implementers and service providers, academicians, and those interested in local government and decentralized service delivery systems.

Presence Without Empowerment?: Women in Rural Local Government in Bangladesh

This article explores the role of reserved-seat women members of the Union Parishad, the lowest unit of local government in Bangladesh. The number of women representatives has increased manifold over the years, most of whom are elected from reserved seats. Formally, a reserved-seat member has a larger constituency than a general seat member; and enjoys almost similar powers and responsibilities. In practice, there remains a major gap between what the rules say and what transpires on the ground. Notwithstanding their increased presence, women elected from reserved seats to the Union Parishad, often find it difficult to make their presence felt and are ignored, especially by their male colleagues, for several reasons. This article identifies those reasons and argues that women’s increased presence is a necessary but not a sufficient condition of empowerment. Legitimacy gained through winning elections in a competitive process and the willingness of the elected women to get things done in an adversarial situation can be considered important steps towards empowerment. Nonetheless, more is needed, especially organised support from outside, to enhance empowerment and make it sustainable.

Assessing fiscal health of local governments in Bangladesh: evidence from some south-western municipalities

PurposeStatus of fiscal health of local governments helps in determining planned budget and realistic action plan for citizens’ wellbeing. This paper aims to assess the fiscal health of local governments in Bangladesh.Design/methodologyUsing data from 18 south-western municipalities of Bangladesh during the fiscal year 2018–19, this research measures fiscal health by applying Wang, Dennis and Tu’s solvency test and Brown’s Ten-Point Test.FindingsThe result shows that one-tenth of the entire municipalities are endowed with better position, whereas almost 39 percent of municipalities are in the worst situation and nearly 50 percent of municipalities are in the average category. Because of having limited liabilities, the municipalities are endowed with more than enough cash solvency and reasonable level of long-run solvency. The key problems are that budgetary solvency of all municipalities is not satisfactory, and service expenses are more than their revenue generation. This study suggests improving the financial capabilities of the municipalities through properly using their resources, generating loans, and claiming a need-based budget from the central government.OriginalityThe paper investigates the status of fiscal solvency of local governments in Bangladesh in a new dimension. The findings might be helpful to policymakers in budgeting for development initiatives of local governments in Bangladesh so that citizens’ better wellbeing is ensured.

GO–NGO Teamwork for Strengthening Local Governance: A Review of Extant Literature in the Context of Bangladesh

Local governance has come into the centre of discourses after phenomenal shifts in functions, roles, and governing process of the central government. The increasing burden of the central government due to multidimensional challenges of modernisation and globalisation has necessitated the strengthening of local government organisations (GOs) through decentralisation of power. However, in most cases, the central government has retained the power to control local government. Factors such as central control, lack of capacity of the local government officials and lack of finances have made local government organisation of developing countries, including Bangladesh, non-functional. Therefore, many development organisations and donors have come forward with different assistances for strengthening these bodies. This article presents a review of an extant literate of GO–NGO teamwork for strengthening local government. The review finds that network among the central government, NGOs and local government could strengthen local governments in Bangladesh to effectively discharge its responsibilities.

Measuring Quality of Public Participation in the Local Government of Bangladesh

Public participation in local government is considered very crucial for ensuring good governance and quality service at the local level. This study aims to measure the level of public participation in the local government of Bangladesh. For this purpose, Arnstein’s citizen participation theory is used in this study. A cross-sectional quantitative approach has been followed in this study. To fulfill the research objectives, 400 samples were collected using the survey method from two divisions of Bangladesh namely Dhaka and Rangpur. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in this study for conducting the survey. Major findings of this study revealed that existing mechanisms for citizens’ participation in the local government of Bangladesh is merely for eye-washing rather than for ensuring actual citizen’s participation. People cannot influence local government decisions through these existing mechanisms. In terms of Arnstein’s citizen’s participation theory, the level of public participation in the local government of Bangladesh is at the therapy level. It indicates that the existing mechanisms are only for making people cured by showing that the people have the opportunity to participate rather than using these mechanisms for ensuring actual citizens’ participation. However, the government and other respective authorities need to take necessary measures for ensuring public participation in the local government of Bangladesh.

Status of zila parishad at rural local government in Bangladesh: An empirical study

Status of zila parishad at rural local government in Bangladesh: An empirical study

Functioning of Local Government in Bangladesh: Legal and Practical Spheres

Local government is a fundamental part of Government and undeniable part of development in all spheres of a country. While most of the constructions in the worlds pronounce various provisions of having local government, it’s got more significance in recent time. Moreover, without overall participation of the population of a country, development of all sectors can’t be achieved. Participation of grassroots people are encouraged and ensured by local institutions. It also provides the opportunities to the population oriented of making policies and implementing decision better for them which is ultimately a step forwarding sustainable development. Since the time of independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh has local government system in the constitution of the country. Various amendments regarding local government have been brought basically when regimes changed. Thus, till to date, the constitutional provisions have been far dream from the reality. In the very root level the local government established maintaining the constitutional provisions can extend the practice of democracy. Thus, following constitutional scheme and to enhance good governance at all levels of the society, it’s ripe time for the concerned authority to be more conscious to establish local government.