Policy Press

Poverty Reduction Strategy in Bangladesh

Rethinking participation in policy making

By Palash Kamruzzaman

Published

Jan 31, 2014

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1447305699

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Poverty Reduction Strategy in Bangladesh

In the media
'The case for epistemic justice' on Transforming Society

This book analyses government relationships with international financial institutions by evaluating the role of citizen participation when national poverty reduction policies are formulated in low-income countries. Based on in-depth research from Bangladesh, the concept of participation is investigated from the contrasting perspectives of theory and practice. The first part of the book explores the rhetoric of participation in development policies, while the second part presents empirical evidence of participation in the formulation of Bangladesh’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper where, at local level, development brokers play an important role. It argues that participatory policies are not enough, that an overhaul is needed in the approach to poverty reduction which will require strong political commitment.

This topical book will make essential reading for academics, students and researchers in international development studies and poverty-related fields.

Palash Kamruzzaman is a teaching fellow in international development at the University of Bath, UK. He holds degrees in anthropology and sociology, and has taught development studies and social policy in a number of British and Bangladeshi universities.

Introduction

Part One: Participation in theory

Participation: an iron hand in a velvet glove

Poverty reduction: discourse or a commitment to change?

Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers: another brick in the wall

Part Two: Participation in practice

Participation: the evidence

Is a comprador class being created?

Think local, act local

Conclusion.