Union Parishad (UP) election and communities view: a micro-level study in rural Bangladesh

Type Journal Article - Crown Research in Education
Title Union Parishad (UP) election and communities view: a micro-level study in rural Bangladesh
Author(s)
Volume 2
Issue 5
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 158-164
URL http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohammed_Mamun_Or_Rashid/publication/259655127_Union_Parishad_(U​P)_election_and_communities_view_a_micro-level_study_in_rural_Bangladesh/links/02e7e52d2a8eb6470d000​000.pdf
Abstract
Union Parishad (council) is the grass-root institution in rural Bangladesh. It is popularly termed as ‘Board Office’ by old rural people. This institution, representatives are elected by people, has contribution for development of rural communities since long. Last election was held in 2003. Its tenure expired in 2008. However, Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh recently completed election of majority of Union Parishad (UP). It was found that 71.25% votes were cast in the study area. Voters enthusiastically went at polling center with festive mood. But facts and figures indicated that people had low participation in previous Union Parishad (UP)-led development activities. There was no participatory plan with long-term vision. It was revealed that despite weaknesses local people, especially youths, had positive attitude on elected representatives and interested to be involved in development process for bright and promising future. Open ward meeting, that is, institutional innovation can be fruitful platform for development and good governance. Local people urged that union based Five Year Plan (2011-2015) should be prepared immediately in the light of local priorities and strategic goals of national plan and MDGs.

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