Democratization at Local Government (LG): Revisiting the Lowest Tier of LG in Bangladesh.

ABSTRACT

Union Parishad (UP), lowest tier of the LG is a major component that plays a crucial role to strengthen democracy and to gain sustainable development of the rural community. UP is considered to be the significant breeding grounds for democracy. But in the developing country like Bangladesh, there are several margins prevailing behind the democratization of local government. In fact, UP in Bangladesh is associated with chronic problems i.e. absence of sensitization and bring about progressive change in communalist mindsets of rural populace; absence of capable elected representatives especially the women; no provision for engagement of professionals and consultants for speedy rural development; practice of party driven elections and absence of unanimous elections in avoiding political interference; lack of a devolved function required for administrative and financial authority; highest scope of the intervention and control of state government; absence of a strong political will for the effectiveness of the democratization within UP; fragile economic condition; absence of visionary leadership; noon cooperation among different stakeholders; gender inequality in mainstreaming political parties; patron-client relationship resulting impediment towards democratization of UP. In consequence, sustainable development is not achieved in rural Bangladesh yet.