Following the political shift on 5 August 2024, BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) launched the Rapid Research Response (RRR) initiative to capture citizens’ voices and demands for governance reform. With many Union Parishad offices disrupted due to ruling party members being ousted, BIGD focused on understanding the challenges of this crucial local government body. A rapid qualitative study was conducted in Kumira Union, Satkhira, to assess service delivery, transparency, and accountability—particularly in social safety net distribution. Using purposive sampling, the team interviewed a diverse range of community members, including beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries, persons with disabilities, elderly, widows, and students. Key informant interviews with local officials and stakeholders complemented the findings. The study also held youth consultations and used a participatory method called “Tea Stall Adda” to facilitate informal discussions at public spaces. The research highlighted governance gaps and community-driven ideas for strengthening Union Parishad operations post-transition.
Author: Shatil, Tanvir; Rashid, Tasin; Nuruzzaman, M. M.
Type: Position Paper
Year: 2025
