The problem of local government reform in rural Bangladesh : the failure of Swanirvar Gram Sarkar

Since World War II, there have been several attempts to reform local government in rural Bangladesh. They were aimed, among other things, at increasing food production, improving living conditions in the villages, encouraging participation by the villagers in the management of local affairs, and bringing the villages closer to the central government. Most of these objectives have never been attained despite the initiation of various schemes to reform local government. The latest attempt, the Swanirvar Gram Sarkar ("self-reliant village government") scheme launched in 1980 by the government of Ziaur Rahman, is a case in point. This dissertation analyzes the motives which brought Swanirvar Gram Sarkar into existence, and the factors that led to its termination in 1982. In order to understand the generally chronic failure of local government reforms in developing countries like Bangladesh, it is necessary to consider the existing local government systems in their particular historical contexts, the political circumstances under which reforms are introduced, and the socio-economic conditions prevailing in the localities. A review of the historical evolution of local government in Bangladesh indicates that all of its rulers, both foreign and indigenous, have been reluctant to actually decentralize power. They have designed local institutions in such a way as to ensure control by the centre. Moreover, at the intermediate (district and union) level, rural elites, who have been in control of the existing local government institutions, try to impede the decentralization of power to the village level. They view new local institutions such as Swanirvar Gram Sarkars as threats, and put up obstacles to prevent their operation. There is yet another explanation for the failure in local government reforms. Even if the government decides to decentralize power, the villages may not be prepared to receive it, since they have not achieved uniform levels of political mobilization. This dissertation makes use of historical evidence, the findings of previous research, government documents, and field study observation. It provides an in-depth investigation of the politics of three villages representing different regions of Bangladesh. In addition to the historical and national political factors affecting local government reform, conditions in these villages are examined for evidence explaining why Swanirvar Gram Sarkar, with few exceptions, was so unsuccessful.Arts, Faculty ofPolitical Science, Department ofGraduat