The Role of Upazila Parishads in Local Development in Bangladesh A Case Study of Two Upazila Parishads (2011-2020)

Abstract

Local government bodies in Bangladesh, especially the Upazila Parishad (UPP), the lowest level of local government, make significant contributions to local development. The primary goal of the study is to ascertain how much of a contribution the UPP makes to  Bangladesh's local-level growth. In addition to gathering secondary documents, the study also included the collection of primary data.  For this study, interviews with UPP chairmen and government representatives were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. In order to gather thoughts on the reality of the UPP's actions in the country's local area development, a semi- structured questionnaire was simultaneously circulated to members of the general public and civil society. A total of 100 people,  including the UPP chairmen and government representatives, were picked for this task. Manikganj Sadar Upazila in Manikganj District  and Birganj Upazila in Dinajpur District were the research locations. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methodologies  were used in this investigation. The study finds that the UPP plays a pivotal role in ensuring the growth of local areas and often allots  funds for local-level development, including the improvement of communication, educational institutions, the provision of healthcare  services, and the extension of electrical networks for localities in Bangladesh's rural areas. The report concludes by recommending  that the UPP be given the necessary financial, human, infrastructure, and resource allocations, as well as the establishment of efficient accountability and transparency procedures, for a proper development initiative in the local communities of Bangladesh.