The role of NGOs in ensuring local governance in Bangladesh: from the perception of other actors of governance

Abstract

Partnerships between Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and the local government are crucial to ensure optimal governance at the local level. In the last 2 decades in Bangladesh, NGOs have become essential actors in local development and governance. The present study investigated the role of NGOs for ensuring local governance in Bangladesh during the post-pandemic era. Periphery areas (two sub-districts) of the Natore District were selected for the field study. The qualitative analysis was mainly based on primary data. Four categories of respondents were targeted, namely NGOs (11), elected representatives and government officials (28), local elites (20) and general citizens (64) belonging to different genders, and educational and economic levels. In depth interviews, survey questionnaires and focus group discussions were used as the tools for collecting data from sampled respondents. Focus was placed on eleven issues including five development and administration related, five political and participation related, and management of the COVID-19 crisis. A qualitative matrix for the performance of NGOs on governance issues from the perspective of other actors in governance-local elected representatives and executive, local elites and general citizens was developed. The matrix revealed an optimistic story for NGO partnerships and social and governing issues such as women empowerment, disaster management, environment conservation, support during COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, indicators such as vote and election, people’s awareness, dispute resolution, local tax collection and budget making revealed that the NGOs need to work more with the local government to ensure participation in the processes of governance. The findings directly from the peripheral field were not only based on investigation of the NGOs but also included the perception of other actors of governance so these results can definitely contribute to national social policy reforms and revision of NGO strategies.