Research
Project Initiated Citizen Forums at Grassroots in Bangladesh: Lessons Learned
Bangladesh is one of the densely populated countries which recently graduated to lower-middle income country in the world. A number of donor-funded nongovernment organizations are working at grassroots for socioeconomic development since long. This article aims to diffuse major learning of project-led civic groups at grassroots level. It describes about engagement between state guardians and grassroots civil society in Bangladesh. A mixed method, applying both qualitative and quantitative methodologies was adopted to conduct fieldwork. A total of 130 respondents from civil society groups were surveyed for data collection. This paper finds that, by project interventions, citizens of remote coastal areas involved Members of Parliament (MPs), ministry, media and key actors through research, interactive policy dialogue, and networking. They have interest and significant knowledge about lives & livelihoods and promoting public policy. However, organizational sustainability of such civil society groups is fragile in nature due to short duration and stereotype guidance from project. This paper concludes that project initiated civil society literally failed to achieve its main advocacy goal, that is, to promote agreed coastal policy though it improves visionary zeal and capacity among citizens. Short duration of project and political unrest are major hindering factors for institutional sustainability of grassroots civil society.
Rural-Urban Female Migration in Bangladesh: Need for Information Support and Institutional Responses
This paper portrays lives and livelihoods scenario of female associated with ruralurban migration in Bangladesh. The techniques deplored are the interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methods in collecting data. Internal migration of female has been increased with complexity. This micro level study finds that possible female migrants are enticed, in many cases, with promises of a better life and dream in cities due to lack of information. They are deprived from rights and entitlements; whatever engaged in formal or informal employment. But evidence pointing that voice of female workers is comparatively loud where protection framework exists. This paper urges to take collaborative initiative by stakeholders for developing and disseminating standardized information. Information will help female migrants to be informed and decision making. In concluding this paper, it is recommended that the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) should develop a comprehensive national policy immediately on rural-urban migration; and gradually include informal employment under protection framework.
Migration to Big Cities from Coastal Villages of Bangladesh: An Empirical Analysis
This paper provides core understanding about phenomenon of migration to big cities from coastal villages of Bangladesh. It describes major push-pull factors, how migration contributes to reduce or increase vulnerabilities and impacts of migration. The paper also depicts lives and livelihoods scenario of five study villages. Livelihood sources of coastal communities particularly agriculture and fisheries are climate sensitive. This micro level study examines how coastal people perceive climate change on their various activities, cross-seeking it with scientific shape, and their responses to climate change. Findings reveal that many migrants are enforced to move in response to changes in conditions (or in their perception of conditions) at the places of origin.
