Politics-Administration Relations and the Effect on Local Governance and Development

Abstract

This study explores the politico-bureaucratic dynamics within the local government of Bangladesh, focusing on the policy role while explaining the governance role of politicians and bureaucrats. Particular emphasis is placed on the politics-bureaucracy relationship and its impact on local governance and development, given that the nature of this relationship and the appropriate role of political leaders and administrators have been the subject of considerable debate. During the last two decades of democratic governance in Bangladesh, politicians have been the dominant forces in governance due to their role in aggregating interests and values; however, bureaucrats are similarly influential, given their role as initiators and implementers of policies. The bureaucracy has emerged as a dominant institution in both local and central governments. The bureaucracy is directly or indirectly involved in partisan politics, which negatively impacts local governance and development.