Says Brac University research
Although Dhaka city had a favourable geographical location to become a successful hub of economic opportunities, it has failed to make its way due to a lack of proper planning, a recent study on urban life and governance has revealed.
The research has identified planning deficit in the administration, social formation, politics, and economic development.
Titled “State of Cities: Urban Governance in Dhaka”, the research was carried out by the Institute of Governance Studies, Brac University. Prof Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, vice chancellor of University of Asia Pacific, uncovered it at the university on Wednesday.
The report is based on an eight months’ detailed field research (January to August 2011) and analysis of urban situations for urban governance reform. During the period, individual households were surveyed across the capital on the assessment of services delivered by the authorities of Dhaka city.
Regarding poor quality of civic services, the research blamed corruption and political patronage.
Major political parties have organised themselves right down to the ward level, it said. “They strongly control the appointment of ward commissioners, ensure mobilisation of local support in the form of votes and determine the terms of access to public goods and development resources locally.”
For instances, it says, the Dhaka city corporation and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha enjoy less autonomy to make independent decisions. “They are subject to and part of this very well integrated and systematically managed political framework.”
The study also detected serious flaws in the transport sector management of Dhaka city and blamed political patronage for the poor service.
It expressed deep concern over the role of Road Transport Commission in regulating the public transport service, because the sector is regulated by the transport owners’ associations having strong political connections.
In the context of urban governance reform for Dhaka city, the study suggested strengthening citizens’ ability to hold their local elected institutions accountable.
Courtesy of The Daily Star
