Bangladesh Journal of Administration and Management

Adopting a Contextualized Pedagogical Framework in Training Programmes for Entry-Level Officers of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) Cadre: Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness

Dr. Mahmudul Hassan — 2025-07-16

The effectiveness of public service delivery is contingent upon a workforce that is competent, adaptable, and contextually aware. This study examines the potential of a contextualised training framework to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of entry-level officers (ELOs) in the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) Cadre. Focusing on the Law and Administration Course (LAC) at the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy (BCSAA), the paper critiques the traditional theory-based constructivist model for its limited practical relevance. Drawing upon a review of contextual learning literature, policy documents such as Secretariat Instructions 2024 (MOPA, 2024); Rules of Business 1996 (updated up to 2024) (Cabinet Division, 2024); Administrative Training and Higher Education Policy 2023 (MOPA, 2023); Charter of Duties of Officers of different tiers in the administrative service; and job-specific competency requirements, the study proposes a redesign of the LAC. It advocates for the integration of real-world tasks, institutional objectives, and adult learning principles to bridge the gap between training and workplace demands, thereby fostering a more functional and performance-oriented public administration.

Assessing the Role of International Organizations in Restraining States from War and Promoting Global Peace and Security

Sabrina Mustafa — 2025-06-29

Although International Organisations (IOs) undeniably play a vital role in fostering dialogue and establishing a more peaceful global community, they are frequently perceived as extensions of their dominant member states, promoting decisions that may lack impartiality and inclusivity. Such criticisms are underscored by events such as the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, where the UN’s resolutions often reflect political complexities rather than tangible progress towards peace. Similarly, NATO’s role in addressing the crises in Syria and Yemen has been criticised for aligning with the strategic priorities of dominant member states rather than achieving comprehensive conflict resolution. The neutrality and efficacy of IOs have come under scrutiny, particularly concerning the United Nations (UN), which is frequently criticised for its slow response times and susceptibility to the political agendas of influential member states. Moreover, while NATO's involvement in the India-Pakistan conflict has demonstrated its geopolitical complexities, the EU's inability to mediate and address prolonged crises in its immediate neighbourhood further underscores its limitations. Thus, IOs are often accused of serving as tools for powerful nations to further their strategic objectives, exert influence, and maintain control over weaker states. This study explores the nuanced dynamics of their operations and influence by critically examining the roles of three IOs as a reference: the UN, NATO, and the European Union (EU) and highlight the dual nature of IOs as both essential entities in the pursuit of international stability and security and as organisations constrained by structural and political limitations.

The Role of Union Parishads in Attaining SDG 16.6 in Bangladesh: From Policy to Practice

Pranab Kumar Panday, PhD — 2025-08-11

This study examines the role of Union Parishads (UPs) in making Sustainable Development Goal 16.6 more relevant to local communities. It focuses on three main aspects of governance: how well they deliver services, hold people accountable, and how transparent they are about their decision-making. The study reveals moderate institutional progress but also highlights systemic problems. It used a mixed-methods approach that included household surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in four Union Parishads in four northern districts of Bangladesh. The results show that UPs have made it easier for people to get basic services and use local infrastructure. However, weak accountability practices, financial transparency, elite capture, and gender-based exclusion limit their performance. People still mostly participate in statutory forums, such as Open Budget Meetings and Ward Shavas, for the show, and trust in local institutions is weak. The study demonstrates how informal norms and a lack of capacity often undermine formal mandates by combining Governance Theory, principal-agent theory, and New Institutionalism. The paper contributes to the body of work on decentralised governance and SDG localisation by providing data-driven ideas and policy suggestions for enhancing UP's capacity, inclusivity, and responsiveness at the local level.

Exploring Decision-Making Power in VWB Beneficiaries in Bangladesh: Formulating A System Dynamics Model for VWB Programme

Mahnaz Hossain Fariba — 2025-08-11

The Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) Programme in Bangladesh, previously known as the Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) Programme, provides 30 kgs of rice monthly and training sessions for two years to alleviate poverty and empower women. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the VWB Programme in enhancing decision-making power among beneficiaries using a mixed-method approach. Structured questionnaires (n=274) and interviews (n=20) were administered to the participants of Narayanganj and Chattogram from 2023-2024 and 2021-2022 VWB cycles. Statistical tests, including t-tests and chi-square tests, compared decision-making capacities before and after the Programme. Results indicated significant improvements in decision-making scores where the mean decision-making scores increased from 1.92 before joining to 3.49 after completing the VWB Programme. Chi-square tests have found positive associations between decision-making and different variables within programme participation. It also included a system dynamics model and its simulation for better understanding and comparison. Key factors influencing decision-making included access to education, family support, and income-generating activities, while cultural norms and gender-based discrimination remained the pressing challenges. The VWB Programme significantly enhances women's decision-making power, promoting socio-economic empowerment and gender equality, necessitating continued support and targeted interventions.