Local Leadership: Development, Problems and Potential in Bangladesh

Local government institutions in developing countries are expected to perform a number of functions, including the development of elected leadership. In Bangladesh, the expansion of the decentralised local government system has facilitated the entry of an increasing number of participants into the system. Successive regimes have undertaken a number of local government reforms over the past four decades. New institutions have been created to replace the old, with the stated aims being to improve the delivery of services and extend participation at the local level. But the outcome remains unclear as the volatile political situation in Bangladesh has had an impact on the development of leadership from all sources, including local institutions. Based on research and observations extending over a period of two decades, this article examines the background and evolution of local government institutions, as well as their structure and mode of operation, to identify problems relating to local leadership development. Key findings are that there has been a persistent tendency to retain control by the central government, and a centralised bureaucracy has negated the prospect of developing a pool of capable and effective elected leaders in the localities. There is an absence of specific strategies and facilities for local leadership development. Thus, the family, non-governmental organisations and the political parties emerge as the main agents involved in leadership development for elected local government institutions, although their performance in this respect is far from satisfactory.