Local Government in Bangladesh (Revised Third Edition)

This is undoubtedly the most authoritative book on local government in Bangladesh. Its comprehensive approach, analytical rigour, quality and currency of information have contributed to making it a recommended textbook in several universities both at home and abroad. It consists of four parts, namely theoretical perspectives on local government and decentralisation, evolution of local government in Bangladesh since the ancient times, the current practice of local government (embracing structure and composition, functions, finance, personnel and relations with the central government) and leading issues and major challenges faced by the local government in Bangladesh. Divided into nine chapters, and containing a rich bibliography, informative annexure and a number of organograms, this book has been revised and enlarged now for the third time in order to take stock of the changes that have taken place over time. It is essential reading for all development practitioners, researchers, students of politics, civil servants and politicians. Kamal Siddiqui is a leading authority on local government in South Asia. Educated in the Universities of Dhaka, Leeds and London, he combines in him solid academic work with the practical experience of a civil servant, working at both grassroots as well as highest levels of policy-making and monitoring policy implementation. His important publications in the field include Megacity Governance in South Asia: A Comparative Study (Dhaka: UPL, 2004), Overcoming the Governance Crisis in Dhaka City (Dhaka: UPL, 2000), Local Governance in Bangladesh: Leading Issues and Major Challenges (Dhaka: UPL, 2000) and Local Government in South Asia: A Comparative Study (Dhaka: UPL, 1992; a Chinese translation of the book was brought out by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China in I994). As Director-General of the National Institute of Local Government for over five years, he wrote training manuals, designed courses and curricula and trained a large number of local government functionaries. He has also advised the Chinese government on local government reforms. He is, at present, Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office.