Planning and Development Research

Bangladesh is a rapidly urbanizing country, with over 37% of its population living in urban areas. The government has implemented a number of urban governance initiatives in recent years, including the establishment of new city corporations, the development of urban master plans, and the implementation of various urban development projects. However, there are still a number of challenges facing urban governance in Bangladesh. These include: Limited financial resources:   Urban local governments in Bangladesh have limited financial resources, which makes it difficult to provide basic services and infrastructure to their residents. Weak institutional capacity:   Urban local governments in Bangladesh often lack the institutional capacity to effectively plan and implement development projects. Corruption:   Corruption is a major problem in Bangladesh, and it also affects urban governance. Lack of coordination:   There is often a lack of coordination between different levels of government a

  Urban local government in Bangladesh plays a crucial role in managing the affairs of urban areas, ensuring local services, and promoting sustainable development. Here's an overview: **1. Structure of Urban Local Government: Bangladesh's urban local government system is divided into two main tiers: City Corporations and Municipalities. City Corporations: These are established in major cities, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and other metropolitan areas. City Corporations have their own elected mayors and councils responsible for governing the city and providing various municipal services. Municipalities: Municipalities are established in smaller urban areas across the country. They are further classified into Pourashavas and Upazila Parishads, depending on population size and administrative complexity. **2. Roles and Responsibilities: Urban local governments in Bangladesh are responsible for a range of functions, including: Infrastructure Development: This includes roads, drai

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY   In development theology the interest in governance has always been there but the focus has changed with the passage of time according to the need. Governance can be broadly defined as the services that governments provide to the governed (i.e., citizens) and the environment that is created within which the citizens can then operate. In this context, urban governance refers to the general manner in which a city is governed. It includes both the formal structures of urban government and administration and the practices of exercising management and power including the role of groups in civil society in the governing relationship. In recent years, a growing body of empirical research has identified good governance as the key to development progress. A focus on local urban governance means that, beyond legal frameworks and international agreements, the geographies of human rights have to be acknowledged if they are to be realized in practice. The not