This paper examines the autonomous status of local government, particularly Union Parishad, in Ba... more This paper examines the autonomous status of local government, particularly Union Parishad, in Bangladesh based on the review of secondary sources of information. In doing so, four different dimensions of local autonomy, such as fiscal, administrative, functional and institutional have been identified in the context of developing countries to assess the present status of autonomy of the Union Parishad. The findings of the analysis show that although Bangladesh has legally and constitutionally democratic and autonomous local government system, but practically, Union Parishads enjoy minutes of fiscal, functional, administrative and institutional freedom to perform their functions and jurisdictions effectively and independently. Moreover, the Union Parishads merely carry out the delegated tasks of national government. In fact, the government exercises a high scale of control and interference over the Union Parishads which limit the autonomy and efficiency of the institutions.
This paper examines the sustainability of urban development through the livelihood conditions of ... more This paper examines the sustainability of urban development through the livelihood conditions of slum dwellers in Bangladesh. The empirical data were collected through interview schedule and FGD from 97 respondents in two slum areas of Bangladesh. The respondents were selected purposively from the second largest city of Bangladesh namely, Chittagong. The results clearly indicate that there exist significant diversity and differences of sustainability indicators, particularly household and housing characteristics, health, drinking water, waste disposal system and security. More specifically, the finding shows that slum dwellers have been experiencing with a wide range of substandard, overcrowded and unhealthy housing conditions in one hand. On the other hand, they have scarce and insufficient health, sanitation, water and waste disposal services which are unswervingly impeding to sustainable development in urban areas. Although the majority of slum dwellers have access to electricity, they are still threatened by the insecurities of women, drug dealing, eviction and natural disaster. Therefore, the findings suggest a holistic approach to address the multi-faceted sustainability issues that affect the livelihoods of slum dwellers within the framework of context-driven development policy of the country.
The coupling of empowerment with decentralization is a relatively new preoccupation, as the rethi... more The coupling of empowerment with decentralization is a relatively new preoccupation, as the rethinking and understanding of empowerment and decentralization have transformed into new connotations and dimensions within the global development community in globalized age. The meaning and nature of empowerment and decentralization mostly depend on the context in which it is being used. There is a growing conception that delivering efficient and effective goods and services is not possible without transforming authority and resources from central government to the local level. Decentralization is the means of providing effective and efficient services to the people at grass roots level as well as the mechanism of empowerment. Moreover, the notion of empowerment is to focus on the elimination of socioeconomic and political barriers through the transformation and distribution of power between the government, institutions and community. However, the efficiency and quality of decentralization in terms of empowerment largely depend on, decentralized policy of the central government, institutional and managerial capacities of local agencies and local political power structure. The degree of empowerment differs from situation to situation, depending on the availability of information, implementation of decisions, mechanisms of peoples' participation and accountability. This paper is a comprehensive study of the empowerment and decentralization considering the conceptual framework and practical implications. In this regard, this paper reviews the conceptions and dimensions of empowerment and decentralization as well as explains the rationale for adopting a decentralization policy in developing countries. This paper also illustrates the mechanisms that are important to empower people and the mechanisms in which form decentralization initiatives are undertaken in developing countries. Finally, this paper measures the impacts of empowerment and decentralization and demonstrates their interrelationships.
This study attempts at analysing the recent trends of local government elections in Bangladesh. I... more This study attempts at analysing the recent trends of local government elections in Bangladesh. In this regard, the study mainly focuses on the personal profile of winners, including political affiliation, voter turnout and environment of the last local elections. To attain this objective, data both qualitative and quantitative are collected from primary and secondary sources. The study clearly reveals that individuals with inappropriate educational backgrounds are getting elected to local bodies. It is indeed noticed that there is a domination of business personalities in local elections, whereas participation of criminals has also found that hindered competent candidates in contesting in the local election. The majority of the winners in elections is found in tie with and is supported by major political parties. In addition to that, the average voter turnout in local elections is found satisfactory with Bangladeshi standard except in some cases. Moreover, election-related violence and irregularities are pronounced at all levels. There is also an allegation against ruling political party to work in favour of definite candidates and influence elections. Despite the fact that Bangladeshi people always enjoys the opportunity to vote in local elections since the independence in 1971.
This paper examines the autonomous status of local government, particularly Union Parishad, in Ba... more This paper examines the autonomous status of local government, particularly Union Parishad, in Bangladesh based on the review of secondary sources of information. In doing so, four different dimensions of local autonomy, such as fiscal, administrative, functional and institutional have been identified in the context of developing countries to assess the present status of autonomy of the Union Parishad. The findings of the analysis show that although Bangladesh has legally and constitutionally democratic and autonomous local government system, but practically, Union Parishads enjoy minutes of fiscal, functional, administrative and institutional freedom to perform their functions and jurisdictions effectively and independently. Moreover, the Union Parishads merely carry out the delegated tasks of national government. In fact, the government exercises a high scale of control and interference over the Union Parishads which limit the autonomy and efficiency of the institutions.
This paper examines the sustainability of urban development through the livelihood conditions of ... more This paper examines the sustainability of urban development through the livelihood conditions of slum dwellers in Bangladesh. The empirical data were collected through interview schedule and FGD from 97 respondents in two slum areas of Bangladesh. The respondents were selected purposively from the second largest city of Bangladesh namely, Chittagong. The results clearly indicate that there exist significant diversity and differences of sustainability indicators, particularly household and housing characteristics, health, drinking water, waste disposal system and security. More specifically, the finding shows that slum dwellers have been experiencing with a wide range of substandard, overcrowded and unhealthy housing conditions in one hand. On the other hand, they have scarce and insufficient health, sanitation, water and waste disposal services which are unswervingly impeding to sustainable development in urban areas. Although the majority of slum dwellers have access to electricity, they are still threatened by the insecurities of women, drug dealing, eviction and natural disaster. Therefore, the findings suggest a holistic approach to address the multi-faceted sustainability issues that affect the livelihoods of slum dwellers within the framework of context-driven development policy of the country.
The coupling of empowerment with decentralization is a relatively new preoccupation, as the rethi... more The coupling of empowerment with decentralization is a relatively new preoccupation, as the rethinking and understanding of empowerment and decentralization have transformed into new connotations and dimensions within the global development community in globalized age. The meaning and nature of empowerment and decentralization mostly depend on the context in which it is being used. There is a growing conception that delivering efficient and effective goods and services is not possible without transforming authority and resources from central government to the local level. Decentralization is the means of providing effective and efficient services to the people at grass roots level as well as the mechanism of empowerment. Moreover, the notion of empowerment is to focus on the elimination of socioeconomic and political barriers through the transformation and distribution of power between the government, institutions and community. However, the efficiency and quality of decentralization in terms of empowerment largely depend on, decentralized policy of the central government, institutional and managerial capacities of local agencies and local political power structure. The degree of empowerment differs from situation to situation, depending on the availability of information, implementation of decisions, mechanisms of peoples' participation and accountability. This paper is a comprehensive study of the empowerment and decentralization considering the conceptual framework and practical implications. In this regard, this paper reviews the conceptions and dimensions of empowerment and decentralization as well as explains the rationale for adopting a decentralization policy in developing countries. This paper also illustrates the mechanisms that are important to empower people and the mechanisms in which form decentralization initiatives are undertaken in developing countries. Finally, this paper measures the impacts of empowerment and decentralization and demonstrates their interrelationships.
This study attempts at analysing the recent trends of local government elections in Bangladesh. I... more This study attempts at analysing the recent trends of local government elections in Bangladesh. In this regard, the study mainly focuses on the personal profile of winners, including political affiliation, voter turnout and environment of the last local elections. To attain this objective, data both qualitative and quantitative are collected from primary and secondary sources. The study clearly reveals that individuals with inappropriate educational backgrounds are getting elected to local bodies. It is indeed noticed that there is a domination of business personalities in local elections, whereas participation of criminals has also found that hindered competent candidates in contesting in the local election. The majority of the winners in elections is found in tie with and is supported by major political parties. In addition to that, the average voter turnout in local elections is found satisfactory with Bangladeshi standard except in some cases. Moreover, election-related violence and irregularities are pronounced at all levels. There is also an allegation against ruling political party to work in favour of definite candidates and influence elections. Despite the fact that Bangladeshi people always enjoys the opportunity to vote in local elections since the independence in 1971.
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