1. The information provided on this presentation is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views
or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the U.S. Government
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATIONS / POLICY AND RESEARCH
SDLG
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC
LOCAL GOVERNANCE
IN BANGLADESH

2. Local Government Associations
3 LG Association Partners
First elections, formation under prior ARD Inc. in 2003
Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB)
Bangladesh Union Parishad Forum ( BUPF)
First elections, formation under SDLG in 2011
Upazila Parishad Association of Bangladesh (UzPAB)

3. Local Government Associations
3 Key Objectives in LG Association Strengthening
Financial Sustainability
– increased dues collection from member councils
– LGAs able to pay monthly core expenses – office
rent, staff salaries, operating costs, etc.
Membership Communication
– regular communication with councils, broader
participation in transparent decision making
Advocacy
– research based advocacy linking positions to
improvements in services to citizens

4. Local Government Associations
Challenges
Financial Sustainability
– low dues collection, ad-hoc collection system
Membership Communication / Decision Making
– member councils uninformed, decision making
overly centralized
Advocacy
– ad-hoc, relationship based advocacy focused on
keeping favor with government ministries

5. Policy and Research
Key Objectives in Policy and Research Component
Advocacy platform and training for LG Associations
Research results inform LG training content, approach
Key Research Findings in 2012
2009 LG Acts provide reasonable authority to LG.
Major LG difficulties are in implementation of the 2009 Acts
Minor issues remain in the law policies, and rules on holding
office, and revenue generation and service delivery

6. Policy and Research
Key Advocacy Activities in 2012
Regional Round Tables – public discussions open to
media with LG representatives, academics, and CSOs
 Designed to discuss implementation solutions and
success stories emphasizing citizen involvement
Closed Door Policy Dialogues with MPs, Political Party
Policy Committee Members and LG Association Leaders
Designed to resolve minor issues in 2009 laws,
policies and rules

7. THANK YOU