Mathkendro Saltamami 2026 is the first yearly review of the work done at Mathkendro. BIGD, BRAC University, set up this field centre in 2023 in Kumira Union, Tala Upazila, Satkhira. Written in accessible Bangla for local residents, students, policymakers, and practitioners, it summarizes qualitative studies based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, consultation meetings, and participatory discussions with citizens, elected representatives, service providers, and other stakeholders. The publication opens with a profile of Kumira, followed by six thematic accounts: primary school governance, access to old-age and disability allowances, public trust in union parishads, the functioning of ward meetings, young volunteers in rural communities, and the unpaid work of caregivers of persons with disabilities. Across these themes, the findings point to recurring gaps in participation, accountability, information, and inclusion. Committees often exist only on paper, procedures are complex, misinformation excludes marginalized groups from entitlements, and women’s contributions as volunteers and caregivers remain under-recognized. The publication recommends community-inclusive school management, simpler and more transparent social protection processes, stronger ward meetings and social audits, institutional support for youth volunteers, and the inclusion of caregivers in support programs.
Authors: Al-Mamun,Md.; Hossain, Faruq; and Goswami, Madhuri
Type: Report
Publisher: BIGD
Year: 2024
