Union Parishad Research Articles

Empirical Analysis of Women Leadership in the Local Government of Bangladesh

The British colonial rule in the then undivided Indian subcontinent introduced the Village Chowkidary Act in 1870 which has had a legacy of today’s Union Parishad (UP), the lowest local government unit in Bangladesh. Since the British period through Pakistan days to independence of Bangladesh in 1971, UP was solely dominated by the male representatives. However, following a one-third reservation policy for woman in 1997, a huge number of woman members were elected in the UP. Abreast out of 4498 chairperson positions in the UP, 23 women were directly elected as UP chairpersons. In a traditional society like Bangladesh, the phenomenon of holding leadership position by the woman chairpersons (WCs) in the UP deserves academic analysis. But there is hardly any work with these WCs. Against such backdrop, this paper aims to unravel the research questions: i) what were the socio-economic profiles of the WCs, ii) what factors helped them become leaders?, and iii) were there a few common factors for their leadership process? The paper is mainly based on in-depth case study method and supported by content analysis method. The findings revealed that most WCs had better socio-economic base, were married and moderately educated. Primarily they became leaders using their family legacy being proxy of their close relatives while some of them emerged as leaders using social capital gained through NGO involvement and political network. As soon as these women were equipped with required knowledge and the governing principles of the UP, these women no longer remain proxy rather they became successful leaders at the community level.

Contributions of Women's Participation in the Local Government of Bangladesh: Empirical Evidences from Union Parishads

Contributions of Women's Participation in the Local Government of Bangladesh: Empirical Evidences from Union Parishads

Importation of Good Governance at Local Self-government Body in Bangladesh

The principle of good governance is difficult and controversial. Governance opens new space which provides a concept that allows us to discuss the role of government in coping with public issues and the contribution that other players may make. It opens one’s mind to the possibility that groups in society other than government. Good governance is responsive to the present and future needs of society. Strengthening local governance can be ensured through the importation of the component of good governance at the local level. This paper intent to examine spaces where principles of good governance are required to apply to ensure better service delivery system at Union Parishad. This paper has been followed by social survey method. The data collection technique of this study has covered quantitative technique. Union Parishad as a local self government body ensuring community participations, people can approach and communicates clearly to their representatives and regularly issuing its progress report to the people for their transparency. Besides, dealing with convicted corruption was found most effective in manner.

Mainstreaming Gender in Politics in Bangladesh: Role of NGOs

‘Gender mainstreaming’ has been regarded as one of the strongest approaches to deal with the issue of equality policy for women. In order to mainstream women in the political process, a number of NGOs have been carrying out different programs in Bangladesh for building awareness among women so that they could opt for participation in the political process. The paper analyzes the role of NGOs in the process of mainstreaming gender in politics in Bangladesh in general and in the enactment of the Local Government (Union Parishad) (Second Amendment) Act of 1997 in particular. Based on empirical data collected through an open-ended structured questionnaire and available secondary data, the study findings reveal that despite having no formal access to the policy process, NGOs augment participation of women in the political process through informal means as is exemplified by their training programs that enhance women's social and economic status.

Minimizing Central-Local Relation using Local Resource Mobilization in Bangladesh

AbstractUnion Parishad (UP) is the lowest tier of rural local government plays an important role to fulfill the demand and aspiration of local people and the overall development of the country. But UP (Union Parishad) in Bangladesh are yet to perform optimal local revenue mobilization. This paper examines opportunities and constraints local revenue trend and performance and the problems of revenue mobilization and to provide a strategy for reducing dependency on the central government and enhancing the revenue collection of Union Parishad. The analysis is exemplified by exploratory and descriptive method and social survey has been arranged for collecting data and information from Unions of Bajitpur upazilla under Kishoregonj district. A general conclusion emerging from the study is that despite revenue potentials, weak revenue administration, less power to create new source of revenue, lack of people’s participation, lack of permanent tax collector and political and central control are the major impediments on local resource mobilization. This study tries to explore potential area of resource and suggested to control political pressure, to set up campaign and workshop on resource mobilization and bringing awareness among the citizens as well as UP officials.Key Words: Local Resources, Mobilization, Dependency, Central Government, Potential Income Area.

English

The structure and function of local government of Bangladesh underwent changes during the British and Pakistani rules as well as there had been several changes made to the structure of the local government bodies in the name of decentralization after independence. The institution of local government can help to establish and deepen democratic process and practice as well as ensure participatory development. This paper is an attempt to know how local government is deepening democratic maturity at the grass-root level through the Union Parsihad. The study has been conducted depending on secondary information sources. This study focused on several important procedures which deepen democracy at the grass-root level such as universal franchise, secret ballot, periodic election; people’s participation, accountability and transparency. The paper suggested some strategies such as women empowerment through practice, visible auditing system, community participation in standing committees, participatory open budget mobilizing local own resources, effective coordination which could be more effective to strengthen Union Parishad for propagating of local democracy in Bangladesh. Key words: Local self-government institution, participatory democracy, Union Parishad, grass-root level.

Contributions of Women’s Participation in the Local Government of Bangladesh

Union Parishad (UP) as a unit of rural local government of Bangladesh has a history of 145 years but women’s representation was ensured only 2 decades ago. The paper is based on the argument that within the span of 2 decades, despite encountering huge challenges some women leaders (WLs) might have performed their role with their constrained participation in the UP. Against such a context, the paper is aimed at unraveling the research question: How did WLs perform in the UP amidst their challenges and constrained participation? The paper is based on hermeneutic phenomenological approach which was supported by case study, content analysis and observation methods. The findings of the paper revealed that having ensured their limited participation in the UP some women leaders were able to promote transparency and accountability, establish social justice and provide community services in the rural society.

Human-Rhesus Monkey conflict at Rampur Village under Monohardi Upazila in Narsingdi District of Bangladesh

Human-Rhesus monkey conflicts were recorded at Rampur Village under Khidirpur Union Parishad of Monohardi upazila under Narsingdi District in Bangladesh from April to September 2012. There were three groups of Rhesus monkeys living in the area. The focal study group comprised 26 individuals (4 adult males, 6 adult females, 10 juveniles and 6 infants). The monkeys consumed parts of 10 plant species. From the questionnaire survey, it was found that the greatest damage caused by monkeys was on betel leaf vines and the least damage on vegetables. Eighty percent respondents opted to conserve the monkeys and 20% opined status quo. Some restricted areas (especially khas lands) may be identified and planted with some fruit trees for survival of monkeys and for reducing conflicts with humans.

The Scope of Informal Justice Mechanisms in Criminal Justice Systemm: Critical Observations on Principles, Theories and Prospects

The quintessence of the paper is conception of a criminal justice system in which formal justice system and informal justice system jointly work to achieve the greater goal of ensuring security and respecting human dignity. In order to accomplish such complementarily, the conventional stereotypes on retributive, colonial and punitive approaches to the criminal justice system devoid of victim-centrality would have to be done away with. The cancerous vestiges of the colonial thinking are observable in South Asia and have eroded the faith of people upon the government and the justice system acting as a stimulus for designing an effective informal justice system, which has already been in practice since time memorial. With regards to South Asia, it is exemplified by the paralegal committee, Shalis Kendra, Union Parishad and Lok Adalat. The scope of informal justice system in criminal cases manifests in form of community mediation, plea bargaining, restorative negotiation and revocation of cases. Nevertheless, clear guidelines must be formulated to avoid potent problems in the mechanism.

The Scope of Informal Justice Mechanisms in ‘Criminal Justice System’: Critical Observations on Principles, Theories and Prospects

The quintessence of the paper is conception of a criminal justice system in which formal justice system and informal justice system jointly work to achieve the greater goal of ensuring security and respecting human dignity. In order to accomplish such complementarily, the conventional stereotypes on retributive, colonial and punitive approaches to the criminal justice system devoid of victimcentrality would have to be done away with. The cancerous vestiges of the colonial thinking are observable in South Asia and have eroded the faith of people upon the government and the justice system acting as a stimulus for designing an effective informal justice system, which has already been in practice since time memorial. With regards to South Asia, it is exemplified by the paralegal committee, Shalis Kendra, Union Parishad and Lok Adalat. The scope of informal justice system in criminal cases manifests in form of community mediation, plea bargaining, restorative negotiation and revocation of cases. Nevertheless, clear guidelines must be formulated to avoid potent problems in the mechanism.

A feminist interpretation of Grameen Bank Sixteen Decisions campaign

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at Grameen Bank (GB) Sixteen Decisions campaigns and its implications to feminism; and to examine the degree to which women borrowers of the Grameen Bank are empowered to participate in familial decision‐making around dowry and teenage marriage and to develop their public spaces in the community. Moreover, the paper critically looks at the GB women borrowers' development through the Sixteen Decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses multiple research methods. It reviews and analyzes GB Sixteen Decision texts and feminist literature, uses survey method to collect data from Grameen Bank micro borrowers in 2011 and uses secondary data.FindingsThe survey finds information on the GB members and GB family members elected in the Union Parishad Elections in 1997 and in 2003, a testimony that GB women borrowers' local counsel participation trend is increasing. This study still finds the gender equality issues exist in the GB Sixteen Decisions texts and the Sixteen Decisions campaign strategies for women borrowers' empowerment.Originality/valueThis critical analysis of GB Sixteen Decisions is very important to empower GB women borrowers because the GB Sixteen Decisions texts and the Sixteen Decisions campaigns could be made more effective in addressing women's issues like dowry‐less marriage, teenage marriage and gender equality rights in the family and community space if Grameen Bank could revise the Sixteen Decisions texts and support borrowers in their anti‐dowry and anti‐teen age marriage campaign in Bangladesh.

Influence of Social Norms and Values of Rural Bangladesh on Women’s Participation in the Union Parishad

This article is an attempt to analyse the participation of women members of the Union Parishad (UP), the lowest tier of the three-tier rural local government system of Bangladesh, and the influence of prevalent social norms and values in rural Bangladesh on their participation in decision-making and policy implementation. More specifically, it highlights how such norms, the practice of purdah and the organisational culture of the UP impinge on women’s participation in UP meetings, rural Salish1, and implementation of development activities at the community level. The data shows that although some women members do participate in decision-making, policy formulation and policy implementation, patriarchal norms and values still extensively constrain them. The UP is mostly male dominated and non-cooperation of men persists as one of the barriers to enhancing women’s participation in the UP.

Women's Participation in Union Parishads: A Quest for a Compassionate Legal Approach in Bangladesh from an International Perspective

A woman's capacity to participate in politics is a constitutionally entrenched and fundamental right in Bangladesh, repeatedly affirmed in several pieces of legislation, the most recent being the Local Government Act, 2009. Despite the endorsement of a series of affirmative features to promote women's equality, empirical research reveals very disappointing results. This paper investigates some of the fundamental constraints that hinder women's participation in Union Parishads, the third tier of local government, with special reference to a number of serious flaws in the Act. A compassionate approach is developed for the workplace to accommodate exceptional gender-centric concerns in Union Parishads by fostering a relationship in which men and women see each other as interdependent and interconnected.

Environmental Governance: Policies and Practices at Local Government Level in Bangladesh

Environmental degradation and climate change are burning issues in development discourse in Bangladesh. Considering the need and magnitude of problems local government institutes (LGIs) can take necessary initiatives in avoiding or mitigating negative environmental changes or can actively contribute towards positive environmental outcomes. In this regards, the discussions would focus on two main themes: policy options in governing environmental issues and compliance of these polices in planning, regulatory and management functions of local government. This study revealed that to govern the environmental management at Union Parishad (UP) level it has a sound legal base or policy framework. However, there is a gap in translating these policies in reality.

Does e-governance bring accountability in rural local administration in Bangladesh?

With the onset of information revolution, many developing countries have looked at IT as a possible new tool to solve age-old problems of poverty, bad governance, and sluggish economic growth. In Bangladesh, e-Governance has been talked about a lot; some government offices have even taken innovative steps towards certain e-Government projects. Since this is a new concept for government officials who are used to familiar methods of work, the growth of e-Governance is met with resistance and fear, among other infrastructural problems [1]. Local government institutions are the cornerstones of democracy. The central government reaches its remotest citizens through local government institutions and vice versa. On the other hand, in order to deliver need-driven services to citizens in an efficient and effective manner and to be participant and responsive, local government institutions need to be self-governed or democratic. A democratic or self-governed local government not only improves the immediate living conditions of people, but also leads to more equitable relationships in the society, which is a prerequisite for sustainable socio-economic development and poverty reduction. The use of ICT can be an effective tool to improve the local government’s service delivery and bring it closer to citizens. Application of ICT enhances access to and delivery of services to benefit the citizen and to strengthen government’s capacity to make informed decision and coordinate service delivery in transparent and efficient way [5]. It helps overcome the limitations of traditional paper and physical-based systems. In order to improve the efficiency and transparency of the local government bodies, integrating ICT in their operations is a key strategy. Communication and information sharing over the mobile phones and Internet is significantly less time-consuming than conventional method of communication i.e. through surface mails. Paper-based procedures can be replaced by automation and digitalization of all data and records. More importantly, inter and intra-agency horizontal and vertical electronic connectivity increases operational efficiency as well as simplifies decision-making processes [2]. For example, application of ICTs such digital record-keeping system, online file tracking system, online form submission can help decision making faster and efficient. A digitally accessible database of all necessary rulesregulation, meeting minutes, budget data etc. bring higher level of transparency in the organization. In addition to internal operation efficiency and decision-making, information delivery to the citizens can also be made easier through the use of ICT. So this study concerns the inevitability as well as challenges and prospect of e-Governance Union Parishad in Bangladesh. The main objective of this study is to identify and chalk out the prospect of e-Governance at local level administration in Bangladesh. To fulfillment of the main objective, following objects have been specified:

Good Governance at the Grass-roots

Considering the importance of good governance, the article explores the governance situation of the lowest local government tier (Union Parishad) in Bangladesh. Through the application of four good governance indicators—leadership, people’s participation, transparency and accountability and equity—the expectation is that the findings would add a new dimension to the existing knowledge of local governance. Based on empirical data collected from the field, the study findings suggest that the governance situation at the local level is not conducive for the establishment of good governance and strong local democracy in the country. Despite incorporation of different provisions ( ward shava, open budget, citizen charter and right to information) in the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act of 2009, the government has failed to ensure participation, accountability, good governance and transparency. Against this backdrop, the governance of local government bodies has been characterised by reluctance of local government leaders in ensuring development, lack of people’s participation, transparency and accountability and unequal distribution of services.

Revenue Mobilisation Performance of Union Parishad in Bangladesh: Is It Convergence of Central-Local Relations?

Despite several local revenue sources, Union Parishads (Councils) in Bangladesh are yet to perform optimal local revenue mobilisation. This paper evaluates Unions revenue trend and performance, budget and planning practices, effect of central grants on local revenue in the backdrop of central government recent initiative for Unions capacity building. Analysis includes three representative Unions, in a comparative perspective, and uses secondary and primary data (from Parishad functionaries, local citizen, government officials and national experts). Findings show that open budget discussion, discretionary and performance grants have positive impact on local revenue collection while this study raises question about sustainability of the revenue augmentation due to disparity of deconcentrated allocations system and feeble local democratic governance. Study recommends making adjustments in local revenue shares, increase discretionary grants, and validation of local participatory governance. This study has implications for local revenue mobilisation through convergence of central-local policy and strategy, specially for developing countries having similar local socio-economic and revenue source footings.

Financial Resources Mobilization Performance of Rural Local Government: Case Study of Three Union Parishad in Bangladesh

Union Parishads (councils) being the century old rural local government in Bangladesh are yet to fulfill the expectations of rural citizen which is mainly due to own resources constraints including miserable local resources mobilization. This paper focuses on Union Parishads recent revenue trend and performance from five years secondary data (2003 -2007) and primary data collected from Parishad representatives, local people, government officials and national experts. Finding of the study shows that despite revenue potentials, weak revenue administration, inadequate adjustments and assignments of local revenue sources including lack of union functionaries training become impediments on local revenue enhancement. Other finding of the study suggests that in the absence of valuation based tax assessment system, households housing pattern and literacy rate can be significant determinants in ascertaining annual average holding tax revenue while per capita household holding tax, remittances, agricultural land ownership, households having electricity connections can be used as significant variables to determine the taxpayers ability to pay holding tax.

Role of local government in indigenous market management in the rural areas of Bangladesh: Do these markets play development roles?

Hat-Bazars are the indigenous markets that work under the supervision of Local Government and owned by the Local Government in Bangladesh. These markets play vital role for the development in the rural areas of Bangladesh. But , there are challenges for proper management of the markets.Hat-Bazar under local government has the following characteristics: 1. It has legal entity under Local Government bodies and formed through an act of legislature named The State Acquisition and Tenancy Act, 1950.2. It helps the local Government bodies to earn revenue and maintenance expenses.3. Local businessmen and farmers can market their products and crops in these Hat-Bazar.4. Central Government also earns revenue getting the land tax, VAT, income tax from the Hat-Bazar. This article is written based on a study.Objectives of the study were to learn the lease procedure of Hat-Bazar (Local Govt.Markets), to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Hat-Bazar and to analyze the Hat-Bazar management under Upazila Parishad and Pourashava and to find out the ways for augmenting their income and its efficient and effective utilization. . In respect of any particular reference the study was confined to the local government bodies of rural areas only. This study focused on the scheduled government markets (Hat-bazar) of rural areas (Municipality and Upazila) only, but there were unauthorized markets in Govt. owned land also. Those markets were not taken into considerations. Depth interview method with structured questionnaire was adopted.A total number of 240 persons were interviewed. The interviewees comprised of cross-section of people including public reprensentatives, Govt. officials, businesspersons, lessee and NGO workers. Observations and focus group discussion methods were taken into account also.Secondary sources of data were also included. Existing policy for the management of indigenous markets (Hat-Bazar) was reviewed for the study.Analyzing the responses of the respondents, collected data and observations following recommendations could be summarized:? 1. Political interference should be stopped to make the local Govt. bodies effective and active.? 2. Proper maintenance, sanitation and infrastructure should be ensured to make the govt. hat-bazar effective.? 3. Political interference and administrative control should be avoided to make the hat-bazar committee effective. Businesspersons should get priority in hat-bazar management.? 4. Hat-bazar management policy should be made more understandable.? 5. Lease should be ensure and direct collection should be avoided in order to increase revenue? 6. Leasing procedure should be made easy and should be done in short periode..? 7. Share of Upazila and Union Parishad and Municipality from hat-bazar should be increased. 8. Hat-Bazar management activities should be done in Upazila level.? 9. Union parishad may be given full authority to manage all hat-bazars up to certain limit.? 10. Women marketers should get proper security and sitting arrangements 11. Law and order situation should be maintained in hat-bazar.? 12. The Hat-Bazar management committee should arrange special transportations for the businessperson so that they can carry their products in appropriate price.Government Hat-bazars are the main indigenous markets of Bangladesh. From the very ancient period these markets are the only places where farmers and producers sell their products. These markets control the local business as well as the national business. So, environment, infrastructure ,and, law and order of these markets should be maintained properly. The Hat-bazar management committees can ensure these with the help of local administration and the local Govt. authority. If proper management is ensured these indigenous markets could be able to aid the development of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament

Research Article| February 01 1980 Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament Azizul Haque Azizul Haque Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Far Eastern Survey (1951) 20 (2): 217–230. https://doi.org/10.2307/2644025 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Azizul Haque; Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament. Far Eastern Survey 24 January 1951; 20 (2): 217–230. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/2644025 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAsian Survey Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright 1980 The Regents of the University of California Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.