This book traces the roots of local government in Bangladesh and examines the contemporary issues and challenges which have limited the role and effectiveness of the concerned institutions.

With the help of rich empirical data, it looks at the problems at various levels of local government. The volume analyses the issues with community policing, dispute resolution, participation of women and the question of gender equality, food security, and disaster and environmental management in rural areas, among others. It also delves into the debates around social security for the poor in Bangladesh, the 2030 agenda and the implementation and localization of sustainable development goals. The author offers insights into the level of participation of the economically weak and marginalized in local and regional government bodies like the Union Parishad and the steps which can be taken to improve policies, services, and participation in local government.

Detailed and comprehensive, this book will be useful for scholars and researchers of political science, public policy, public administration, development studies, governance, regional development, South Asian studies, and rural sociology, particularly those interested in Bangladesh.