MAGD Program Thesis Papers (BRAC Institute of Governance and Development)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/118

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Open Access
Cost overrun in infrastructure projects: case study of Bangladesh roads & highways department
(BRAC University, 2023-01) Khan, Md. A. Alim; Khair, Rizwan; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Transportation infrastructure plays a vital role in every nation’s Socio-Economic development and hence the size of the road network in a country is often used to assess the extent of its national development. In Bangladesh, Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is responsible for the construction and the maintenance of the major road and bridge networks. Since establishment of RHD the size of the major road network in Bangladesh has grown from 2500 kms to the present network of 22,476 kms. To keep up with the growth of the economy, roads and bridges built and maintained under RHD plays a vital role, which also includes safety and reliability of the road network. A proper development of the transportation road network will reduce the cost of transportation, both in terms of money and time; will also help in the integration of various regions within the country and may also create opportunity to create international road network. Objective of the study includes collection of necessary information of road and bridge development projects ranges over previous 20 years, to analyse the data and corelate causes of cost overrun and key factors involved. In preliminary assessment for this study includes the key factors to be considered. The factors considered for this thesis are, type of projects; Key Personnel; source of Funding; requirement of changes in the original plan; project size in terms of value, utility relocation requirement may need to be considered. Within the scope of this thesis, corelations between cost overrun was considered over the factors that is discussed above and it was found that cost overrun is positively related with time overrun, contract revisions, land acquisition and projects which includes bridges. 'Project duration' has been found to have the greatest effect on cost overrun. This is followed by 'project with bridge', which again is followed by variable - 'land acquisition'. This ranking may help decision makers employ limited resources to execute project management more prudently. Further research and evaluation in this sector may also create further fundings and the appropriateness the outcome may be evaluated for the department. Impact of the prevention may play a vital role to cost saving and reduce the waste in form of potential national economic and financial losses. It could easily be understood that a minor improvement to the efficacy of the Roads development section may greatly impact improving the markets, production, jobs, health, education and other social services.
Open Access
Policy innovations for improving food safety in Bangladesh – a mixed method study
(BRAC University, 2025) Amin, Kazi Hafizul; Bhuiyan, M. Musharraf Hossain; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Food safety has become a growing governance and public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting consumer confidence, export competitiveness, and overall quality of life. Despite policy reforms such as the National Food Safety Act 2013 and the establishment of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), the effectiveness of food safety management remains limited due to weak institutional coordination, resource constraints, and inadequate public awareness. This thesis examines the policy innovations that aim to strengthen food safety governance in Bangladesh through a mixed-method study combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Primary data was collected through interviews with policymakers, regulators, producers, and consumers, complemented by secondary data from government and international reports. The analysis identifies three key dimensions of reform: (1) institutional collaboration and regulatory integration; (2) technological innovation, including digital monitoring and traceability; and (3) multi-stakeholder participation to ensure accountability and sustainability. Findings indicate that while Bangladesh has made progress in establishing a legal framework for food safety, enforcement remains inconsistent across agencies. Innovations such as risk-based inspection, public–private partnerships, and awareness campaigns show promise for scaling up through stronger policy alignment and capacity development. The study concludes that food safety improvement in Bangladesh requires coordinated institutional reform, evidence-based policymaking, and citizen engagement to ensure sustainable outcomes.
Open Access
Cost overrun in infrastructure projects: case study of Bangladesh roads & highways department
(BRAC University, 2023-01) Khan, Md. A. Alim; Khair, Rizwan; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Transportation infrastructure plays a vital role in every nation’s Socio-Economic development and hence the size of the road network in a country is often used to assess the extent of its national development. In Bangladesh, Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is responsible for the construction and the maintenance of the major road and bridge networks. Since establishment of RHD the size of the major road network in Bangladesh has grown from 2500 kms to the present network of 22,476 kms. To keep up with the growth of the economy, roads and bridges built and maintained under RHD plays a vital role, which also includes safety and reliability of the road network. A proper development of the transportation road network will reduce the cost of transportation, both in terms of money and time; will also help in the integration of various regions within the country and may also create opportunity to create international road network. Objective of the study includes collection of necessary information of road and bridge development projects ranges over previous 20 years, to analyse the data and corelate causes of cost overrun and key factors involved. In preliminary assessment for this study includes the key factors to be considered. The factors considered for this thesis are, type of projects; Key Personnel; source of Funding; requirement of changes in the original plan; project size in terms of value, utility relocation requirement may need to be considered. Within the scope of this thesis, corelations between cost overrun was considered over the factors that is discussed above and it was found that cost overrun is positively related with time overrun, contract revisions, land acquisition and projects which includes bridges. 'Project duration' has been found to have the greatest effect on cost overrun. This is followed by 'project with bridge', which again is followed by variable - 'land acquisition'. This ranking may help decision makers employ limited resources to execute project management more prudently. Further research and evaluation in this sector may also create further fundings and the appropriateness the outcome may be evaluated for the department. Impact of the prevention may play a vital role to cost saving and reduce the waste in form of potential national economic and financial losses. It could easily be understood that a minor improvement to the efficacy of the Roads development section may greatly impact improving the markets, production, jobs, health, education and other social services.
Open Access
Job satisfaction level of junior consultants and its associated factors working in upazila health complexes of Bangladesh–a mixed method study
(BRAC University, 2025) Ezaz-ul Haque, Shah Md.; Rabbani, Atonu; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
This policy note examines the job satisfaction of junior consultants working in Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) across Bangladesh. Junior consultants, who are post-graduate specialists in areas such as medicine, surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics, play a vital role in these rural facilities. The study used a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Fifty junior consultants were surveyed using a standardized Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with ten consultants to explore the main reasons behind their dissatisfaction. The results showed that 72% of respondents were unhappy, mainly because of low salary, lack of promotion opportunities, and difficult working conditions. Additionally, qualitative findings revealed problems such as professional isolation, inadequate infrastructure, lack of housing and school facilities for families, and gender bias, particularly affecting female doctors. The study proposes four main policy options to boost job satisfaction: Increasing salary and benefits, providing career development and advancement opportunities, improving work-life balance and enhancing the workplace environment. A comparative policy analysis used PEST (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological) and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA). Both assessments ranked career development and advancement opportunities as the most effective and practical policy option. This includes creating clear promotion paths and offering specialized training. The study recommends creating a merit-based and transparent system for promotions and transfers. It suggests policies that diversify career paths into administrative roles and clinical excellence. It also emphasizes the need for quality housing, educational support for consultants’ children, and addressing gender-specific issues through awareness and policy changes. In conclusion, career development was found to be the most sustainable and impactful way to improve job satisfaction among junior consultants in UHCs
Open Access
Analyzing the factors behind weakness in English language skills among higher secondary students in upazila level institutions of Bangladesh: challenges and recommendations
(BRAC University, 2025-06) Nusrat, Salma Mostafa; Ahmed, Shaila; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
All of us know that English is spoken all over the world as it is an international language but it is a matter of great regret that most of the students of Upazila level institutions of Bangladesh are not good in English language. It is a big issue for our country as we need skilled manpower who will be able to compete in national and international level. Without having good knowledge in English it is almost impossible for a person to be a skilled manpower. So, the researcher tries to find out major causes of this problem. The researcher has given some recommendations to overcome this problem. The recommendations will help to alleviate this problem.
Open Access
FPTP vs. PR: reassessing Bangladesh’s electoral system for increased representation, stability and accountability
(BRAC University, 2025-07) Ibnat, Afia; Idris, Nabila; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
This policy memo assesses the performance and viability of Bangladesh's First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system in light of recent political changes, including the ousting of the Awami League (AL) government in August 2024 and subsequent reform agenda of the interim government under Professor Muhammad Yunus. It evaluates potential transitions to Proportional Representation (PR) or mixed electoral models, particularly within the proposed bicameral legislature from the Electoral Reform Commission of Bangladesh. Drawing on comparative experiences from South Asia, including Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and India, the memo weighs the trade-off s between representation, accountability and stability. The memo ultimately recommends implementing a bicameral parliament, with a lower house elected through FPTP and an upper house through PR. It further advocates for adopting the Saint-Laguë seat allocation method, instituting a 3% vote threshold for party eligibility in the upper house, and establishing mechanisms to prevent the entry of extremist parties. In addition, this memo proposes reforms to enhance the representation of women and minorities, as well as to strengthen institutional checks and balances, thereby ensuring the sustainability of democratic governance in Bangladesh.
Open Access
Food security in Bangladesh: improving with modern storage facilities (such as silo)
(BRAC University, 2025) Musfikuzzaman, Kh.; Ahmed, Shaila; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Climate change, population pressure, and antiquated storage methods are all contributing factors to Bangladesh's increasing food security problems. The goal of this policy note is to eliminate inefficiencies, lower post-harvest losses, and improve disaster resilience by promoting the switch from conventional godowns to contemporary silo-based grain storage. Better grain quality, reduced loss rates, and more effective land use are just a few of the long-term operational and financial advantages that silos provide, despite their high initial cost. It's critical to increase the percentage of public storage that is currently silo-based to at least 50% by 2040, since it is at just 17.8%. Climate resilience and sustainable food security depend on infrastructure investment, workforce adaptability, and strategic policy support.
Open Access
AI-driven governance in the public finance sector: lessons from high, middle, and low-income countries for Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2025-11) Madhurja, Ahmmed; Idris, Nabila; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Problem Bangladesh stands a critical point to modernize its public finance sector to support its next phase of economic growth, moving from LDC status. To manage the economic shifts that will occur after graduation in 2026, it is imperative to address long-standing issues with efficiency and governance (Dawar & Dutta, 2025). To deal with the economic shifts that will occur after graduation, the government must raise tax revenue and spend funds more wisely (General Economics Division (GED), 2020). Bangladesh risks falling behind other nations and losing public trust without a clear plan to integrate modern technology in its policy solution, like- AI. Findings The country has initiated some reforms. Systems like the Integrated Budget and Accounting System (iBAS++) and electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) are already in place (Bhuiyan, Rahman, & Uddin, 2020). Bangladesh isn't quite prepared for a widespread AI rollout. It lacks a clear legal framework for AI, has a shortage of skilled workers, and possesses insufficient data infrastructure to train models (UNESCO, 2025). By taking lessons from other countries, it shows that success is possible. For example, a small AI pilot project in Armenia has shown the potential for increasing efficiency in tax collection (Farooq & Vatyan, 2025) and by establishing strong legal frameworks and trust, Estonia has emerged as a leader in digital governance with its “Bürokratt”, an AI agent for better online public services (e-Estonia, 2025). Recommendations The best path for Bangladesh is a careful, phased approach using a hybrid model that combines a cautious, "sandbox" method with strong public-private partnerships. This strategy should be rolled out in three stages, starting with small, low-risk pilot projects in the first 18 months, such as using AI for fraud detection in the e-GP system and creating a taxpayer chatbot. The second phase, from months 19-36, should expand successful pilots and build local talent by partnering with universities to create research centers, like the model used in Armenia (Farooq & Vatyan, 2025). The last stage, which begins in month 37, will concentrate on completely incorporating effective AI tools into important government systems. Integration of AI will build trust, control risks, and ensure AI adoption in a way that is sustainable and advantageous for the nation's future.
Open Access
Assessing the effectiveness of government food subsidies on rice and wheat in bangladesh: economic implications for low-income households
(BRAC University, 2025-11) Asaduzzaman, Md. Shiekh; Haque, Sheikh Touhidul; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Government food subsidy schemes, such as the Open Market Sale (OMS) initiative, are critical to Bangladesh's attempts to stabilize grain prices, improve food affordability, and safeguard low-income households from economic volatility. This extensive study looks into the efficiency of rice and wheat subsidy systems, with a special emphasis on their influence on food security, price stability, and endurance in disadvantaged groups. We used a mixed-methods approach, combining a stratified household survey, quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics, regression modeling, and difference-in-differences estimate), and qualitative interviews with policymakers, beneficiaries, and stakeholders. Our data show that subsidized food grain distribution considerably reduces price volatility—particularly during seasonal price peaks—while increasing calorie intake and dietary stability in low-income families. Beneficiary families have a 10% higher monthly staple intake and a 15% lower rate of extremely low food security than control groups. OMS initiatives help to improve market access and stabilize prices during economic downturns, which contributes to urban food security. However, both general subsidy programs and OMS schemes confront ongoing obstacles such as mistargeting, leakages, governance concerns, and logistical inefficiencies. Beneficiaries recognize the significance of subsidies and OMS activities during lean seasons, but they express worries about registration problems and unequal distribution. Drawing on worldwide best practices (such as India's Public Distribution System and Ethiopia's Productive Safety Net Program), the report suggests better targeting using digital technologies, the use of poverty maps, and transparent delivery methods. To summarize, while Bangladesh's food subsidy and OMS programs are vital safety nets that protect low-income populations from food insecurity and price volatility, their long-term viability is dependent on fixing systemic implementation issues. This study makes evidence-based recommendations to improve and optimize existing programs for better equity and effect.
Open Access
Reducing the system loss of gas distribution system in Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2025-06) Zaman, Masud; Bhuiyan, M. Musharraf Hossain; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Bangladesh’s reliance on natural gas, providing over 60% of total energy, faces a significant challenge: persistent system loss in its distribution network. These losses, caused by technical inefficiencies, illegal connections, metering inaccuracies, and pipeline leaks, contribute to energy insecurity, financial instability for state-owned gas companies, and environmental degradation through methane emissions. Despite a range of interventions, Bangladesh has not achieved a sustained reduction in gas distribution losses. This policy note synthesizes existing research and field interviews to analyze the drivers of system loss and recommend a feasible multi-dimensional strategy integrating technological, regulatory, financial, and institutional reforms. Drawing on domestic data and international case studies, this note proposes a roadmap focused on actionable solutions aligned with national energy goals and international sustainability commitments. Bangladesh’s gas distribution system suffers from persistent and escalating system losses, ranging from 7.5% to 14% markedly higher than the global benchmark of 2%. These losses represent not only a financial burden (≈ Tk 800 billion/year) but also a significant threat to the country’s energy security, industrial productivity, and climate commitments under SDG 7 and SDG 13.
Open Access
Study on agricultural cropping pattern change in a water stress area of North-west region of Bangladesh a case study in Sapahar Upazilla under Naogaon district
(BRAC University, 2022-06) Miah, Md. Ruhul Amin; Rahman, Taiabur; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
This study examines the effect of drought on cropping pattern of sample farms in the North-west Regions of Bangladesh. A strong drought can cause greater than 40% damage to broadcast aus rice. During the kharif season, it causes significant destruction to the transplant aman rice crop in approximately 2.32 million ha every year. Past droughts have naturally affected about 53% of the population and 47% of the country. Cropping systems in a region are determined by soil and climatic conditions. Changes in cropping patterns are likely to impact on the availability of water resources due to differences in crop water requirements. The objective of this study was to identify impact of drought on cropping pattern under water stress condition in North-west region of Bangladesh. Farmers from a total of 100 selected farms were interviewed for farm level data in September to December 2016 time periods. Change of cropping system over the study period (2006-2015) in Shapahar upazila . Meanwhile, it is evident that the cropping pattern was dominated by grain crops (rice and wheat, between the 2006 and 2015, with rice constituting the largest area, followed by wheat. Although a major grain crop, rice occupied maximum areas in wet season, whereas wheat and mango orchard can be cultivated in dry areas. Although the area of grain crops showed a downward trend over the study period, the share of grain crops was still more than 0ꞏ50 of total crop area sown. Around 51% farmers responded that due to the cropping pattern change and technological advancement, the production is increasing. On the other side, 39% farmers said that production is increasing due to the improved irrigation facility but climatic variation creating significant obstacles in this process and hampering the production in a big extent. Changing the cropping pattern has significant effects on regional crop productivity: in this way, this new crop has increased the total crop production without increasing significantly the regional water consumption. The results of this case study indicate that regional agricultural water can be used effectively by properly planning crop areas and patterns under irrigation water limitations. Crop production is influenced by inadequate rainfall, high temperature, severe drought, river erosion, and tropical storms. All of which are likely to increase as a result of climate change. Most fields remain fallow during winter and Kharif-I season after harvest of Transplant Aman rice due to moisture stress. The area under cash crops (mango orchard, wheat, water melon and vegetable) increased phenomenally over the study period. It was found that mango orchard performed better, with an average gross margin of marginal, small, medium and large farmers at Sapahar upazila under Naogaon district. Despite this higher production performance, the costs increase was < 5% for other crops. In addition, the benefit-cost ratios of all other crops were higher for better production than rice. It must also be noted that both less water required crops and mango orchard cultivation was profitable compared to rice cultivation. The highest gross return and gross margin were found from mango orchard in all the (marginal, small, medium and large) farmers group and the lowest gross return and gross margin were found from rice cultivation at sapahar upazilla in Naogoan district. This demonstrates that cash crops are turning into a prevailing crop type and mirrors an inclination toward expansion of pay by farmers, who are subbing them for water-intensive crops like rice and sub-par (low financial return) ones like wheat and mango orchard. To cope with the adverse effects of droughts, the farmers have been adapting strategies like increase irrigation facilitates, and cultivating drought tolerant crops, less water required crops like wheat, jujebe and mango orchard. In any case, there is a need to cultivate a feasible sustainable cropping pattern that is multifunctional, which can guarantee food security, improve normal asset utilize and give steady and exceptional return to farmers.
Open Access
Impact of factories on school-going children: a case study on Hatiaba village in Gazipur district
(BRAC University, 2022-06) Patwary, Md. Monirul Islam; Rahman, Taiabur; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Different dimensions of factories create employment opportunities for middle to lower-income class people. Over the years, it has created a huge impact on society. Within a decade, Hatiaba village under Gazipur district has been surrounded by some factories. In this study, what are the industrial impacts and its influence on school-going children, as well as how it ties down with school dropouts and child labor in Hatiaba village has been discussed, collecting data based on primary survey by interviewing village people, questionnaires, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) along with other secondary sources. This is an ingenious attempt to thoroughly examine the said issue. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodology have been used to assess the reality of the study area. Respondents of the study admitted that industry has had influences on schoolgoing students directly and indirectly, the cases being – dropout from schools, child labor and socio-economic conditions of inhabitants. According to theoretical framework in this research discussed all these things to find out the current situation and problems of school-going students in Hatiaba village. Socio-economic condition is playing vital role in society. To setup some factories in Hatiaba village, it creates some social impacts simultaneously economic changes. The outcome of the study and major findings is that, factories impact on school dropout and child labor is less significant than poverty rather changes their socio-economic conditions little bit.
Open Access
E-governance for the betterment of local governance in Afghanistan
(BRAC University, 2016-10) Tariq, Mohammad; Hoque, Shah Mohammad Sanaul; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
E-Government is widely recognized as a successful tool for service delivery in both developing and developed countries, and it is recognized as a good means to achieve good governance by all developed countries in general and developing countries like Afghanistan in particular. The importance and function of E-Government in improving and ensuring good governance in Afghanistan's local government, as well as the role of E-Government in delivering government services to the local and marginalized people in an efficient, easy, and effective manner, are examined in this paper. The qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were both used in this study. Interviews and a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data from random samples of Afghan local government personnel. The components in this study were created by combining measurement scales from previous research and the literature. MS Excel and the SPSS Program were used to examine the data. To find out how much people believe in E-Governance positive impacts on local governance Afghanistan the good governance achievement through E-Governance first the employees, were assessed about their knowledge of E-Governance and they were asked about the available basic facilities which will be important for E-Governance successful implementation, second they were asked how E-Government affects good governance, including the reduction of corruption, the intensity of clarity, the efficiency of service, the level of convenience, the extent of accessibility, and the level of interaction, and how good governance is measured by accountability, transparency, responsiveness, the rule of law, effectiveness, and participation. Employees of local government agencies have fundamental knowledge and facilities for implementing E-Government, according to this survey. Furthermore, the study's findings revealed that employees believe that E-Governance efficiently and effectively delivers public services, and that the delivery of e-services has a positive impact on citizen satisfaction, and that the E-Governance initiative leads to good governance promises, subject to hypothesis validation. Understanding the current state of E-Governance in Afghanistan can assist policymakers and implementers in ensuring that public services are delivered effectively. This study and its findings have some limitations, but they also point to areas where more research should be conducted in order to achieve good governance through E-Governance in local governance agencies.
Open Access
The role of media in selected aspects of governance in Afghanistan
(BRAC University, 2021) Liwal, Eid Mohammad; Khan, Niaz Ahmed; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
This study considers the implications and role of media with special reference to the role of Television and Radio within the context of Afghan government. Notwithstanding the growing significance of the media for a country’s overall development, there has been very limited research and academic attention on the media in the Afghan context in development. The objective of this paper is to analyze the media’s role (Radio and Television) in relation to selected sectors of governance affairs – notably Human Rights and Public Awareness. The relevance of the issue and the importance to the Afghan context is analyzed. Some of the major areas of focus and discussion topics of the study include the following: an analysis of the relevant needs and gaps in the concerned public organizations; a scrutiny of the media’s (Television & Radio) role and implications for selected key governance issues in Afghanistan; contributions and challenges of the media in relation to enforcement, protection and promotion of human rights and public awareness; relevant human rights laws and access to information for public awareness; and the strengths and weaknesses of the media in capacity building of the media practitioners to contribute to the broader governance of the country.. The major research methods and tools included secondary literature review, desk review of official documents, and key informant interviews with a cross section of stakeholders including the media personnel, local and central government officials, and academics. The findings reveal some major limitations of the media including inadequate perusal ethics and other scrupulous codes, inadequate academic and professional qualifications, and a low degree of professionalism among a considerable number of media practitioners and associated policymakers. Acting together, these limitations influence the state of overall governance badly. It is also found that the issues of civil and political rights are often neglected by the media. The media’s focus on national and local elections have not been strong. As newly emerged democratic society, elections are crucial for the country. It is noted that the media coverage of, and interest in elections have been very little. There seems to be several reasons behind this aversion. The absence of a strong democratic political culture and active participation of political parties, together with the unscrupulous interventions in the democratic process by the warlords have left a negative mark on the media, and most of the press remain less interested in discussing civil and political rights. Drawing on the examples of other democratic nations, this study reiterates the crucial significance of the media in the national development of Afghanistan, and nurturing its nascent democratic culture. Some major recommendations include the following: making appropriate policy provisions for attracting more local and foreign investors to move into the media sector; conducting a media-based mass awareness campaign to educate people on human rights related issues; and capacity development of the media personnel to enable them to carry out their stipulated role professionally and efficiently.
Open Access
The impact of Mobile Court Act, 2009 on restraining the propensity of child marriage in Bangladesh: Empirical evidences from Ishwarganj Upazilla, Mymensingh
(BRAC University, 2021-06-30) Ahasan, Mohammed Anamul; Rahman, Taiabur; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
This dissertation contains the study conducted by the researcher as a part of his master’s thesis. The study examines the status and effectiveness of the Mobile Court Act, 2009 to restrain the propensity of child marriage in Bangladesh based on the experience of one Upazilla, named Ishwarganj, Mymensingh. Child marriage is a social curse. It is detrimental to a girl’s physiological and mental development. It is also harmful for the society as well as for the country. Child marriage is prevalent in Bangladesh in general and rural areas in particular. To reduce the extent of child marriage, Bangladesh government tries in various ways such as motivation, awareness building and enacting law. Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 was enacted and put into practice to stop child marriage. Under the Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929), the legal age of marriage in Bangladesh is 18 years for a female and 21 years for a male. Penalties for child marriage according to the Act are imprisonment for one month or a fine of up to 1,000 taka ($ 11.76) or both. Any adult or guardian arranging and permitting child marriage can be convicted under the law. Girls cannot be sentenced to imprisonment under the provision of law. This act has failed to create an effective impact to reduce child marriage in Bangladesh. The government understood the failure. To overcome this problem, government included this law under the schedule of Mobile Court act 2009. Mobile Court brings a new dimension and a significant paradigm shift in the enforcement of laws in Bangladesh to restrain the propensity of child marriage. Later in 2017, Government has passed Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017. The current law in Bangladesh is the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017 (CMRA) repealing the earlier British law of 1929. The Act sets the minimum age of marriage for a male as 21 years and for a female as 18 years. CMRA criminalizes contracting, allowing, or solemnizing of a child marriage. In 2018 the Child Marriage Restraint Rules had been also formulated providing details of the formation and responsibilities of the Child Marriage Prevention Committees, along with other functional details. Again, Government included Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2017 under the schedule of Mobile Court act 2009. After the enactment of Mobile Court Act, 2009 executive magistrates conduct mobile court to stop child marriage in their local jurisdiction. At the Upazilla level Upazilla Nirbahi Officer vi (UNO) and Assistant Commissioner (Land) enjoy and enforce executive magistracy power. Their relentless effort makes many Upazilla child marriages free. Likewise, the researcher conducted a survey on the people of Ishwarganj Upazilla having diverse socio-economic profile. A part of the survey was also conducted on the children who were saved from the curse of child marriage. Now Ishwarganj Upazilla is a child Marriage free Upazilla. By closely observing the activities of executive magistrates in conducting mobile court, the researcher received the fundamental ideas of how this change achieved. The researcher formulated a theoretical framework to analyze the collected information. Analysis of primary data revealed that most of the children who were saved from the marriage were satisfied with the active, effective and timely initiative of executive magistrate’s mobile courts. The respondents opined that without the intervention of mobile court none could save them from child marriage. Mobile Court Act, 2009 gives the executive magistrates power to stop child marriage and punish those who are involved with child marriage. Upazilla Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Commissioner (Land) also apply their administrative power, image and capability against child marriage. Even they are able to create a movement against child marriage. In the study area, it is found that now people are more aware of the harmful effect of child marriage. Meeting, seminar, motivational campaign, active participation of student council, information network and over all exemplary punishment given by mobile court make the people conscious and aware about detrimental effect of child marriage. Family violence and maternal death rate has reduced in this locality. From both service providers and service seekers perspective it is proved that “Mobile Court Act-2009” is an important and effective means against child marriage. Most of the respondents of all cluster termed “Mobile Court Act-2009” as a people friendly act rather a coercive one.
Open Access
Effectiveness of old age allowance program: A study on the beneficiaries of Savar upazila
(BRAC University, 2021-05) Islam, Mohammad Ashikul; Ahmed, Nasiruddin; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Bangladesh is going through a demographic transition hence new challenges are coming on the way. The government of Bangladesh should try and make efforts to achieve the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding ageing. The Old Age Allowance program under the Social Safety Net initiative is working to provide old age support for the poor elderly population of our country. In this paper a survey analysis has been carried out in Savar Upazila to analyze the effectiveness of OAA in the lives of the beneficiaries. For this a survey analysis and FGD discussion has been carried out in the 12 Unions of Savar upazila with 120 respondents to analyze their perceived opinion about the overall effectiveness of the allowance. From the analysis it has been found out that though the benefit size is too small for the beneficiaries it is still having a significant impact on their lives. 52% of the total respondents has reported that they are satisfied with OAA as it has helped them to achieve better status at their family and the regular flow of money is helping them with the basic needs of their live. However, a relatively small but significant portion has reported that the allowance is not up to the satisfactory level as the benefit amount is too small to make their life standard better. If the medical services of the beneficiaries are made free then the satisfaction level may rise as a huge portion of the benefit is spent on medication. Overall the effectiveness of the OAA can be ensured only if the benefit amount and coverage of the program is increased. Along with that transparency and proper administration in beneficiary selection needs to ensure. All the respondents has complained about the hassles regarding the benefit receiving process. For this mobile banking and incorporation of digitalization may help to make this process efficient. The matter of hope is that the government has already launched the pilot project DG Infotech to digitalize the whole selection and listing of the beneficiary process.
Open Access
Why international human rights treaties fail to promote, Afghan women's empowerment; political participation
(BRAC University, 2021-05) Mayar, Mohammad Nazeer; Ahmad, Ahrar; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
In this thesis, I try to recognize critical barriers to international human rights treaties in Afghanistan. In particular, concentrate on the treaties that stimulate women's rights and avoid women's forcefulness in post-conflict circumstances. The lack of the rule of law and customary procedure in Afghanistan are several barriers. There are also obstacles notwithstanding these obstacles; national laws and policies in Afghanistan foster women's rights and empowerment. However, it is not enough to have supporting rules and guidelines for women's empowerment and political participation. Still, a systematic change in patriarchal structures is required by a thorough analysis of gender and the commodification of gender. To plan for women's development and democratic involvement in Afghanistan, the Afghan Government must take steps to pledge to the international community to eliminate hurdles and ensure the enforcement of human rights treaties.
Open Access
A study on solid waste management in Khulna city
(BRAC University, 2021-05) Halim, Md. Abdul; Khan, Niaz Ahmed; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
As a populous and rapidly growing country, Bangladesh has been facing major environmental crises over the years. Ineffective management of solid wastes especially in the context of urban landscapes constitutes on the most pressing problems that contributes to systematic deterioration of the environment. As a representative of rapidly expanding urban area of the country, Khulna city faces full burnt of this problem. So the problem needs to be carefully studied and observed. Major objectives of the study are: (1) To review the current status of SWM in Khulna city (2) To assess the major problems and limitations (3)To explore ways of improvement in SWM in the study area. Major methods that have been used in the study are Key Informant Interview (KII), Focused Group Discussion (FGD), Secondary Literature Review, Official Documents Review and Personal Observation (PO). Key Informant Interview and Focused Group Discussion were held in Khulna city area with the participation of the relevant stakeholders to be aware of the present situation of solid waste management, existing problems and to find out probable solution of the problems. With a view to doing the research, the review of relevant circular, office orders, manuals, regulations related to solid waste management have been done. Selected major findings of the study include the following: (1) The current status of solid waste management in Khulna city shows that the present waste management system is not a satisfactory one rather it is environmentally harmful and hazardous to public health and safe human living. Thereby it requires an improvement from the perspective of environment and sustainable development. (2) The major policy and operational level problems of solid waste management can be summed up as Organizational constraints, Lack of community participation, Non integration from informal sectors activity, Inefficient collection and disposal practices, Absence of resource recovery component and Lack of human resources and vehicles. Besides, this research generates some recommendations on the basis of the exploratory analyses and explanations. These include the following: Organizational Capacity building, recruiting skilled human resources and introducing of modern vehicles, Local level recycling, introducing of resource recovery process, Sanitary landfill can bring fruitful changes to existing solid waste management system in KCC area.
Open Access
Rural women empowerment through microcredit: a comparative study between a small microcredit unit of leading go (BRDB) and NGO (BRAC) in Savar Upazila
(BRAC University, 2020-02) Rahman, Muhammad Mahmudur; Fakir, Md. Golam Samdani; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
Microcredit has been disbursing among the rural women without collateral for last few decades for the ‘well being’ and empowerment of them. This study investigates the women empowerment through microcredit following mixed methods involving 42 female borrowers of two root level units selected randomly from Savar upazila, Dhaka who are equally from BRDB and BRAC representing Government organizations (GOs) and Non Government Organizations (NGOs) of Bangladesh respectively. The study contributes to understand women empowerment with the involvement in microcredit program and whether the empowerment is sustainable or not. The result explores almost all the female borrowers are capable of increasing their income and limited savings while few of them achieve the ability to participate in different decision making activities of their personal and family affairs. Furthermore, improvement of position against domestic violence, personal skills, social status, political consciousness and legal awareness strengthen morale of the majority credit beneficiaries.
Open Access
BRAC Pre-Primary Education (BPPE): an exploratory study on the standards of quality of teaching and learning
(BRAC University, 2020-02) Islam, Md. Rafiqul; Fakir, Md. Golam Samdani; BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
The study titled BRAC Pre-primary Education (BPPE) : An Exploratory Study on The Standards of Quality Teaching and Learning has been conducted by Md. Rafiqul Islam for investigating the standards of quality learning environment of PPE at BRAC schools and identifying the challenges to meet the standards of quality learning environment for preprimary classes at BRAC schools. By using qualitative approach the study has explored the major factors of quality learning environment referring to Accessibility of the School Environment and Participation, Classroom Activities, Classroom Management and Practice, Teaching Learning Materials/Aids, Communication and Interaction, Performance Assessment of Children, Leadership and Team Work Practices at School. Accessibility of the School Environment. 30 children of 5-6 years old including minimum two kids with special needs have the accessibility to BPPS. Instead of retention the dropped out child, another one is replaced from the school community. Lack of interest, good communication creates negative effect on access to BPPS.. Classroom Activities including co-curricular events arranged inside and outside the school through multiple ways of teaching and learning are found very good. Good classroom has been ensured through time maintenance, monitoring, supervision implementing lesson plan and class routine. Through classroom observation classroom management has been found very well. Maximum teaching-learning materials provided by BRAC, some collected from outside are used in various ways. For further improvement school dress and mid-meal are needed . Inter and intra personal communication among students and other stakeholders are good. teacher-parents association, community gathering, and awarding best parents are suggested for better communication. Children Assessments are conducted through Formative and summative ways. Everyday Attendance, playing performance and cultural activities are suggested to add in the final evaluation of the children. Through Lesson Plans, Outdoor tour, various plays and games, verbal and written communication are practiced for Leadership Development and Team Work. The study has found that the maximum parameters of learning environment are very good, some are good and very few are at fair level. Almost all respondents have faced the challenges to enrol the students; ensure the presence at class, stop the drop-out, and conduct the teaching-learning activities from their side respectively. The areas which have been found good and fair need to be improved through institutional development.

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