STATE OF CITIES: Urban Governance in Dhaka

Abstract

State of Cities: Urban Governance in Dhaka is the first Report on urban governance published by the

Institute of Governance Studies (IGS), BRAC University. Alongside the annual State of Governance in

Bangladesh Reports, which offer extensive review of contemporary governance concerns at the

national level, the State of Cities Reports have been launched to promote research and analysis on the

urban phenomenon in Bangladesh and aim to advance innovative, in-depth and empirically grounded

propositions on urban governance and development. This Report is the product of a long-term

research programme started by IGS in recognition of the challenges faced by local governments,

private organisations and citizens to respond effectively to the unprecedented, rapid and dynamic

changes in the urban environment. In light of the mounting challenges of urban economic growth,

urban poverty, public services and newer concerns over climate change and security, there is need for

innovative ideas to improve the quality of urban governance, while also recognising the continuing

relevance of long-standing governance concerns on accountability and effective public authority and

finding more locally contingent ways of achieving them.

The present Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the historical, political, economic and

social dynamics which shape various arenas of urban life and governance in Dhaka city and is intended

to provide the foundation for more robust and nuanced analysis of the urban situation with an

attendant focus on urban governance reform.