Author: Md. Nurul Islam
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no. HS-90-22
Year: 1990
Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 1985
Examination Committee: Nazrul Islam (Chairperson); Hiran D. Dias, Joao P. C. Guimaraes (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: The present study examines the efficacy of the Upazila approach which was introduced in 1982 as a new strategy for decentralized development in Bangladesh, replacing the earlier Thana system. The approach is particularly aimed at development of rural areas. A large number of development experiments between 1947 and 1982 have generally widened the gap between urban and rural areas and between rich and the poor and worsened the economic condition in general. Thana system which had inherited many weaknesses of the earlier systems, was itself ridden with several serious problems, particularly, the l ack of people’s representation and participation, lack of proper coordination, absence of planning procedures and preponderance of bureaucracy . Moreover corruption was rampant. The Upazila approach aims at solving all these problems a nd to achieve real development. Under Upazila system more power has been delegated to the peoples representatives to take decisions, to initiate plans and to implement these in a coordinated manner at the local level higher level officials have been appointed and more financial allocation ensured. But the present study shows that although the institutional and administrative strength has been increased, operationally the approach has not yet been very successful. Particularly no mechanism has yet been evolved to benefit the majority rural poor in real terms, such as by generating new employment opportunities. Also still very much lacking are sincere and committed leadership, trained manpower, effective participation of the local people in the planning and the development process and sectoral and horizontal coordination. The study also looked at the role played by the Upazila centres as rural service and it appears that these centres offer only limited services to the majority of rural population, due mainly to their low purchaing power but also because of referential treatment from the Government officials at these centres towards the priviledged groups. Notwithstanding it’s many se
Scholarship Donor(s): Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science
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