Preface vii
Abbreviations and Acronyms ix
List of Appendices xiii
List of Tables and Graphs xv
Chapter - 1
Introduction 17
Chapter - 2
Conceptual Framework 19
Prologue 19
Decentralization 20
Decentralization in Bangladesh 22
Local Governance 25
Local Government 26
Why Local Government? 27
Finale 28
Chapter - 3
Legacy and History 29
Prologue 29
Country Context 29
Historical Perspective of the LG in Bangladesh 33
Present Structure of the LG in Bangladesh 44
Local Government Acts in Bangladesh 46
Finale 47
Chapter - 4
Rural Local Government in Bangladesh 49
Prologue 49
Matrix of RLG Institutions 49
Zilla Parishad 50
Upazila Parishad 52
Union Parishad 55
Rural Local Administration 56
Finale 64
Chapter - 5
Political Perspective of RLG 67
Prologue 67
Constitutional Mandate and Legislation 67
Policy Dilemma 68
Substantive Concerns on Acts 69
Balance of Power 73
Governance Process 76
Finale 79
Chapter - 6
Fiscal Perspective of RLG 83
Prologue 83
Fiscal Decentralization: Concept and Issues 83
Fiscal Decentralization Trends 84
Aspects of Fiscal Decentralization in Bangladesh 85
Finale 91
Chapter - 7
Gender Mainstreaming in RLG 93
Prologue 93
Literature Review 94
Gender Mainstreaming Feature 96
Real Attributes of the Gender Mainstreaming 98
Framework for Promoting Gender Mainstreaming 100
Finale 102
Chapter - 8
Conclusion 105
Appendices 109
Bibliographical References 153
Glossary 161
Index 167
