Local communities are most affected when public works are implemented. In order to increase local government accountability and responsiveness, local citizens can be empowered to monitor the quality of public services. Hence, to understand the perceptions of the citizens regarding the necessity of citizen monitoring and to understand what empowers and motivates citizens to participate effectively, BIGD undertook a one-month qualitative investigation in Sylhet where the Citizen Engagement (CE) model is piloted. The site-specific citizen groups, called Nagorik porjobekhok (Citizen Observers), were selected to represent the population and received training and simple tools that enabled them to monitor. The research shows that, among other findings, citizens felt CE platforms improved transparency. Moreover, they felt that it is their right and responsibility to monitor public works. In conclusion, the effects of complex interactions between citizens, engineers and contractors influence the level at which citizens engage and participate in monitoring.
Authors: Razzaque, Farhana; Mahmud, Erina; Hoque, Mahan Ul; Mohammad, Zia
Type: Research Brief
Year: 2019
