The context for local governance reform in Bangladesh has improved since 2009, with the introduction important legislative reforms to establish democratic and empowered local government institutions. Still, their actual roles and responsibilities in service delivery and their financial and human resources remain weak and require further strengthening.

SHARIQUE III contributes to empowering local citizens to make and implement inclusive, gender sensitive and pro-poor collective choices about their lives and livelihoods thought more democratic, inclusive and effective local governance systems

Approximately 200 UPs and 450’000 rural citizens of the districts of Rajhahi, Chapai-Nawanganj and Sunamganj in North-East Bangladesh as well as the Khulna and Bagerhat districts in the country’s Southern coastal belt.

• National Government, LGIs, donors and development actors benefit from Sharique’s demonstration and pilot practices through informed ‘practice to policy’ stream and dialogue
• LGIs, in particular Union Parishads and Upazila Parishads, and line agencies in Sharique area implement their mandates in a more effective, transparent, accountable and inclusive manner
• Women men, in particular poor and disadvantaged make use of better services in Sharique intervention areas

Results from previous phases:  

• All UPs in the target region have regular offices hours and held open budget exercises; average increase of 300% in UPs tax collection compared to 2010, indicating growing trust between citizenry and local governments
• UP respond to poor people’s requests by allocating better the social safety net transfers and dedicated budgets for pro-poor projects (33% in 2012 against 9% in 2009)

Phase 3 01.09.2013 - 28.02.2017   (Completed)