MAGD Program Thesis Papers (BRAC Institute of Governance and Development)
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Item A case study on civil service training in Central Institute of Civil Service (Lower Myanmar)(BRAC University, 2018-03) Tun, Kyaw SwarThe government servants are including in the important sectors to develop and be growth sustainably their country. Thus their competences always need to higher and training that making polish also always need to train for them. The men power that having the government servants push a country to develop and be growth sustainably but we must use the tools (ICT) having super power without leaving. Nations cannot make any headway in development if the standard of performance of civil servants is not ensured. Therefore, developing the ability of civil service officials is the core of all public sectors. So, utmost priority should be laid on the ability of civil service for attaining total development of the officials. A capable and committed civil service founded on the principle of integrity, impartiality and accountability is the backbone of democratic governance. Thus Dr. Win Thein, Chairman, Union Civil Service Board wrote preface for Civil Service Reform Strategic Action Plan for Myanmar 2017-2020 on 10th July 2017. “The Strategic Action Plan aims to introduce a new ethos and culture to the Myanmar Civil Service, to support the overall transformation of the country in a more effective manner. It is based on the premise that the civil service should become a ‘better place to be’ in order to be able to harness motivation and efficiency, but it should also become a ‘better partner to the people’ through more people-centered culture and engagement, and more transparent and accountable mechanisms and practices. . With similar view, civil servants of all ministries from the Lower Myanmar receives training in the Central Institute of Civil Service (Lower Myanmar)[ the CICS (Lower Myanmar)] under the supervision, control and guide line of the Union of Civil Service Board [the UCSB], Myanmar. Therefore, the aim of this research is to compare the old training courses and the new training courses particularly to see the differences between two types of courses. It also intends to do comparative analysis of effectiveness of both courses from by analyzing responses from the civil servants, teachers and officers who had finished the old training course and already attended or now the new training courses. In this research, the respondents are less because the junior civil service officers not only had finished the basic course for clerical staff in the previous training courses but also had finished the basic course for junior civil service officer in the current training courses. Beside the senior civil service officers not only had finished the basic course for junior civil service officer in the previous training courses but also had finished the basic course for senior civil service officer in the current training courses. So there are 50 respondents in the research but it is qualitative. Thus the scope of the dissertation is to find out the core facts of their views from two kinds of training courses which have a large public service effect. View of the research is also comparing the data provided by the institute in different conditions. In this research, we may find the facts making to redesign and reengineering about the subjects in the current training courses, the facts redrawing to redesign and reengineering the training time duration, the facts taking to redesign and reengineering the teaching techniques, and the facts performing to redesign and reengineering to the current training courses to change the computerization. So we have to minimize the current training courses gaps. The policies of the institute should have specific targets to alleviate gaps.Item A study of foreign funded missionary non-government organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh(BRAC University, 2009-08) Banu, Nausrat JabeenItem A study of foreign funded missionary non-government organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh(BRAC University, 2009-08) Banu, Nusrat Jabeen; Khan, Dr. Akbar Ali; Khair, Dr. RizwanItem A study on governance in procurement practices of Zila Parishad, Nilphamari(BRAC University, 2016-01) Rashid, Abdur; Khair, Dr. RizwanZila Parishad is one of the oldest institutions in Bangladesh. From the very beginning it plays important role to develop rural institutions like social, educational, religious etc. and rural communication network infrastructures like roads, bridges, culverts etc. To perform those service oriented activities Zila Parishad is engaged in procurement of goods and works from its journey in the region. In the year 1817 the then British Legislative Council passed the District Board Cess Committee bill and under this act District Board Cess Committee was formed in every district headed by the District Magistrate, which was the foundation of Zila Parishad. The duty of the committee was to collect tax and build roads. In 1885 selfgovernment act was passed, District Board was established in sixteen districts under this act, among them five were in Bangladesh (Dhaka, Jessor, Khulna, Faridpur and Pabna). In 1969 under Basic Democracy Order District Board was renamed as District Council. In that time there was district councils in all 19 districts. In 1976 Local Government Ordinance was passed and District council was renamed as Zila Parishad. Now there are three hill district Zila Parishads having different structure with more autonomy and other 61 districts have Zila Parishads with limited autonomy. In 2010, Administrators in 61 Zila Parishads have been nominated by the government, and all are ruling party leaders. Now Administrators are the chairmen of Zila Parishad Development Coordination Committee and Upazila Chairmen, UNOs and head of the different development departments are the members. The principal duty of all Zila Parishads is to develop rural infrastructures, i.e. all Zila Parishads are engaged in procurements. Quality of governance in Zila Parishads mostly depends upon the quality of procurement. But excessive administrative control, lack of human resources, training and experience, lack of transparency & accountability and illegal interference of local elites, mastans and politicians are the main barriers in establishing good governance in procurement practices of Zila Parishads. During study it has been seen that role of committee members is not effective. The present dissertation has tried to evaluate how far good governance is prevailing and what are the barriers in establishing good governance in the procurement practices of Zila Parishads, what is the outcome of the prevailing procurement practices in developing rural infrastructure and service delivery and whether the citizens are satisfied or not, and at the same time through analysis identified the prevailing problems in contract management, time management, cost management, quality management and quantity management.Item A study on solid waste management in Khulna city(BRAC University, 2021-05) Halim, Md. Abdul; Khan, Niaz AhmedAs 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.Item A study on the factors influencing motivation of selected district level public officials in Bangladesh(BRAC University, 2013-02) Rahman, Roksana; Khan, Niaz AhmedIn the context of strikingly limited research on the causes of inefficiency of civil servants and the motivational status of public officials in Bangladesh, the main objectives of this study are to identify and trace the factors (as well as their manifestations) which influence the motivational level of the district level civil servants. The relevant literature was reviewed to develop an analytical framework and selected theories of motivation and job dissatisfaction, job satisfaction (especially content and process theories) were applied to analyses the collected data for this study. In this research de-motivating factors and motivational status of the civil service were measured by twelve independent variables i.e. (1) Inadequate salary, (2) Lack of standardization in promotion system, (3) Lack of standardization in posting, (4) Lack of effective career planning, (5) Inadequate emphasis on innovation, (6) Lack of political commitment and long term vision regarding civil service, (7) Unsupportive working environment, (8) Negative political pressure, (9) Lack of subject specific training, (10) Nepotism, (11) Partisan influence and (12) Lack of integrity. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data were collected through a survey with formal questionnaire. The secondary data were gathered from journals, books, reports, etc. The level of motivation and de-motivation was measured by a structured questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) tools was used for data analysis. The results of the study indicate that the civil servants, who are now working at the District level, are moderately de-motivated. The most important factors responsible for de-motivating district level civil servants are inadequate salary, lack of standardization in promotion system, lack of standardization in posting system, lack of effective career planning, inadequate emphasis on innovation and lack of political commitment and long term vision regarding civil service. This study also showed that the factors negative political pressure and nepotism have a strong significant relationship with the overall de-motivation of district level civil servants in Bangladesh. One interesting and encouraging findings is that all respondents noted that they were motivated by such factors to join the civil service as desire to serve the people, prestigious job, job security, social status of the job rather than to earn money. Moreover, most of the respondents opined that nepotism and negative political pressure were xvi significantly responsible for inefficiency of civil service and because of these factors the civil servants often could not take any free and faire decision. The results of this study provide an insight into the broader picture of the motivational status of civil servants working at the district level in Bangladesh and may assist the relevant policy formulation process towards enhancing staff motivation which in turn may improve civil officials’ efficiency as well as service delivery. Further research is needed especially to investigate into the potential relationships and effects of the variables studied in this research and other extraneous variables.Item Absenteeism of Upazila level public officers in Bangladesh : a study of six upazilas in six divisions(BRAC University, 2006-09-14) Alam, NM Zeaul; Khan, Dr. Akbar AliItem Access to safe drinking water in rural Bangladesh: water governance by DPHE(BRAC University, 2009-09-24) Hoque, Md Reazul; Haq, Dr. M. EmdadulItem Accessing the underground economy: a study of 3 incentive programmes of the national board of revenue(BRAC University, 2006-09) Ghani, Asma Dina; Hoque, Dr. AnwarulFor developing countries tax policy is determined primarily by the abilities of its tax administration rather than optimum tax theory. Providing incentives is a common practice to encourage tax payment as opposed to curbing tax evasion through enforcement of laws. The National Board of Revenue in Bangladesh offers many incentives, both permanent and short term, to encourage tax compliance. The purpose of this paper is to assess through the study of three incentive programmes of the NBR whether they are effective in increasing the collect of revenue from the underground economy or act as disincentives to tax compliance. Findings show that while in the short run, revenue is increased the long term effect on tax compliance is inconclusive. Greater steps need to be taken to improve tax administration to reduce reliance on such incentives.Item Activities of advocacy civil society in Bangladesh- a critical analysis(BRAC University, 2007) Selim, Md Nazmus Sadat; Khan, Dr. Akbar AliItem Administration of social safety net programs in Bangladesh: a study of four unions(BRAC University, 2006-09) Bhuiyan, Md Mamunur Rashid; Khan, Dr. Akbar AliItem 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, NabilaProblem 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.Item An administrative perspective on birth registration as citizen's right in rural Bangladesh(BRAC University, 2009-12-09) Fahmeen, Syeda Amina; Khan, Dr. Niaz AhmedItem An analysis of variation in performance of union parishad: a case study of six union parishads of Sirajgong district.(BRAC University, 2007-11) Hikmat, Mirza Tarik; Rahman, Dr. M. MatiurItem An appraisal on effectiveness of laws relating to violence against women: with special reference to Kushtia district(BRAC University, 2008) Uddin, Md Helal; Ahmad, Kazi RakibuddinItem An economic evaluation of BRAC's micro credit program(BRAC University, 2009-11-15) Hasan, Mohammad Nazmul; Hoque, Professor M. NurulItem An empirical study on the existing selection process for the recruitment of BCS officers(BRAC University, 2013-03) Ahmmad, Mostak; Islam, Md. ZohurulThe present study deals with the existing officer selection process for direct recruitment to civil service, especially in the cadre service (BCS). It includes, BCS examination system, distribution of marks for written and viva, exam curriculum, barriers to the merit, duration of the selection procedure, eligibility criteria, etc. This study has made a number of findings to examine the above-mentioned areas of BCS officer selection process. Almost all the respondents of this study are dissatisfied with the existing selection process for the recruitment of officers in BCS. They think that the existing figure of quota (55% of the posts) should be reduced drastically, and that at least 75% posts should be distributed purely on the basis of merit. The existing BCS officer selection process has been considered as a lengthy process. So, most of the respondents have suggested maximum one year for the completion of the whole selection process. Almost all the respondents think that the preliminary examination for making a short list of candidates should continue. A significant number of respondents think that the curriculum for the written examination should be modified. In this study, the major portion of respondents suggested that 800-1000 marks for BCS written examination does not show the significant difference with the existing pattern of marks. On the other hand, most of the respondents proposed maximum 100 marks for BCS viva-voce in place of the existing 200 marks. A significant number of respondents think that political interference and corruption have also an important role on the existing officer selection process. Most of the respondents are satisfied with the existing eligibility criteria required for the BCS applicants. They don't support the idea of special consideration on the age limit; and they recommend similar age limit for all applicants. 32 years of age limit has been suggested by the majority of the respondents. On the basis of the above-mentioned findings, this study has made a number of recommendations to get rid of this situation, thus create equality in job opportunity and build a merit-based civil service for ensuring better governance in Bangladesh.Item An enquiry into the living conditions of Tea Garden workers of Bangladesh: a case study of Khan Tea Estate(BRAC University, 2016-08) Rahman, Afrazur; Ahmed, Dr. NasiruddinItem An evaluation of village court: a study on selected village courts in Bangladesh(BRAC University, 2013-02) Sarker, Md. Nazrul Islam; Aminuzzaman, Salahuddin M.The Union Parishad is a century old rural institution established in the grass root level in Bangladesh. It has been initiated, developed and run by the rural people. It is an established popular centre for service delivery with popular image. This ancient institution has been more enlightened with the running of Village Courts. From the very beginning of the Union Parishad it engages with the informal judicial system like Shalish. It has been emerged because of people desire; rural people always try to avoid lengthy and expensive process of formal courts. For fulfilling the people desire Village courts has emerged in mid-seventies with a view to improving the situation of Shalish. But with the passage of time it has lost its position due to poor functioning. At present the Government of Bangladesh with the help of UNDP and EU has taken „Activating Village Courts project‟ for the better performance of Village Courts. It is found from the study that though the Village Courts have limitations and drawbacks but still it is playing an important role in the settlements disputes and maintaining social peace and tranquility in the rural area. The Village Court is conducted by the Village Court Act, 2006. It has been promulgated in Bangladesh to save the rural people from the sufferings and hazards of the formal courts. Bangladesh is one of the developing countries of the world and most of its population lives in villages. So, the Village Court is very important for the rural people and for this reason it is very important to strengthen this system. The study examined the existing rural justice system named Village Courts in Bangladesh and argued that this justice system, if properly nurtured and reformed, could be a attractive alternative to the formal system of justice for the rural people of the country. The study also found that the performance of the existing Village Courts is constrained by poor implementation capacity and record management of the Village Courts, lack of knowledge of the related personnel about Village Courts etc. An increase of jurisdiction, supervision by the formal courts, proper training of Village Court related personnel and awareness buildup program by the both Government and Non-Government Organizations can make the Village Courts more effective. The present initiatives by „Activating Village Court Project‟ is increasing performance of Village courts so, project like initiative should be disseminate throughout the country. After ending the project system should be continue all over the country for the better performance of Village Courts.Item An examination of innovations in union parishads: A study of local governance support project(BRAC University, 2009-11-05) Ali, Md. Sabet; Aminuzzaman, Dr. Salahuddin M.