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Course Title: Introduction to Development Studies

Course Code: PAD-1203
Course Teacher: Professor Dr. A K M Motinur Rahman
Dept. of Public Administration. Islamic University, Kushtia.

1. What is development. what are the indicators of socio-economic and political development of
Bangladesh? Discuss.
2. What is poverty? (b) Discuss the causes of poverty in Bangladesh (C) Evaluate the Role of
Ngo’s micro-credit program in eradicating poverty in Bangladesh. Or, What are The Ways of
eradicating Poverty in Bangladesh.
3. What is NGO and how do you define NGO? In which context NGO has been emerged in
Bangladesh? Explain. Or, Discuss the role of Ngo in Poverty alleviation in Bangladesh.
4. What is women empowerment? (b) What are the indications of women empowerment?
(c) What are the challenges of women empowerment in Bangladesh?
5. How do you define civil society? (b) Discuss the role of civil society / contribution of civil
society in the development of Bangladesh.
6. Define good governance. (b) Challenges of good governance. (c) How do you ensure good
governance in Bangladesh.
7. What do you mean by sustainable development goal (SDG)? What are the key elements of it. (c)
Discuss the challenging factor of SDGs in Bangladesh.
8. Write Short Notes (any two)
a) Social Problem (Social discrimination, Dowry culture)
b) Poverty,
c) Millennium development goal (MDG)
d) Fourth industrial revolution (A.I.).

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4. What is women empowerment? (b) What are the indications of women empowerment?
(c) What are the challenges of women empowerment in Bangladesh?

Introduction:

The word women empowerment is unknown to anyone the concept of empowerment was first
acknowledged by the famous writer Paulo Freire in 1972 empowerment means to give somebody
the power on authority to do something. So empowerment means, exercising the power freely.
In this exploration, we delve into the definition of women empowerment, identify key indicators
of its progress, and examine the specific challenges faced in the context of Bangladesh.

➢ Definition of Women Empowerment:

Women empowerment is the most important and pronounced issue in the present world. it is not
only for women development but also prime step to face the problems of the world. Different
scholar defines women empowerment in many ways, these are given below:

1. M. Karls said: Women empowerment means social recognition, status, owner, wealth
security and so on.

2. According To Paul Freier: Women empowerment means women participation in All

activities.

3. K. Hicks: Women empowerment which involves of women in exercising power and

freely and to ensure equal rights of socio economic and political development.

Women empowerment signifies the journey towards dismantling barriers that constrain women's
capabilities, encompassing equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and active
participation in decision-making processes. By granting women the tools to shape their destinies,
women empowerment not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes significantly
to the broader societal advancement.

➢ Indications of Women Empowerment:

Indicators of women empowerment span various domains:

• Education: Increased enrollment and literacy rates among women reflect strides in
empowering women through education.

• Economic Participation: Women's presence in the workforce, especially in leadership

roles, and their access to economic resources are crucial indicators of empowerment.

• Political Representation: Higher representation of women in political offices indicates

progress in empowering women politically.

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• Healthcare Access: Improved access to healthcare services, especially in reproductive

health, demonstrates advancements in women's well-being.

• Legal Rights: Ensuring equal legal rights for women, including property ownership and
protection against gender-based violence, is indicative of empowerment.

• Social and Cultural Participation: Active involvement in cultural and social activities,
as well as challenging discriminatory norms, showcases empowerment.

• Voice and Agency: Women's ability to voice opinions, participate in decision-making,

and exercise agency in personal and professional realms is a crucial indicator.

In Bangladesh, significant progress has been made in women's empowerment in recent decades.
The country has made strides in education, with female literacy rates increasing from 18% in
1971 to 74% in 2022. Women's participation in the labor force has also increased, from 37% in
1971 to 56% in 2022. Additionally, Bangladesh has made significant progress in political
representation, with women holding 25% of seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) and
18% of seats in local government bodies.

❖ Barriers of women empowerment

1. Lack of education.

2. Family restriction.

3. Religious causes.

4. Early marriage

5. lack of social awareness.

6. Lack of Female education.

7. lack of physical conditions.

8. Lack of government subsidy.

9. Lack of Prosperity

10. Social and economical causes.

11. Extended Family structure

12. Lack of Women self-reliant.

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➢ C. Challenges of Women Empowerment in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh, while making progress, grapples with challenges impeding comprehensive women
empowerment:

1. Gender-Based Violence: Persistent issues of gender-based violence, including

domestic violence and harassment, hinder women's empowerment.

2. Limited Educational Opportunities: Unequal access to education, especially in rural

areas, poses challenges to women's empowerment.

3. Workplace Discrimination: Gender disparities in the workplace, such as wage gaps,

hinder economic empowerment.

4. Early Marriage and Maternal Health: Early marriage and inadequate maternal
healthcare contribute to health risks for women, limiting their choices.

5. Limited Political Representation: Despite progress, women's representation in

political leadership roles remains insufficient.

6. Cultural and Norms Stereotypes: Deep-seated cultural norms and stereotypes can
perpetuate gender inequality, challenging efforts towards empowerment.

7. Limited Access to Resources: Unequal access to resources, including land and credit,
impedes economic empowerment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, women empowerment is a dynamic and multifaceted process crucial for fostering
inclusive development. While Bangladesh has made strides in various aspects, addressing
persistent challenges is essential for achieving comprehensive empowerment. A concerted effort
involving legal reforms, educational initiatives, healthcare improvements, and societal attitude
shifts is imperative for unlocking the full potential of women and ensuring a more equitable and
empowered society.

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5. How do you define civil society? (b) Discuss the role of civil society / contribution of civil
society in the development of Bangladesh.

Introduction: Civil society is very burning issue in the age of Globalization with plays strong
role in the society. it is a service oriented organization. Civil society make good and effective
relationship between the government and people which ensure good governance. Various
Scholars defines Civil society in many ways, some of them are given below:

1. According to Cohen and Arato: "Civil society. has been described as a third sector
outside the market and the state. play a crucial role in societal development.

2. Js. Mill: "Civil society demands for state accountability when they empower the state's
own Check and balance"

3. Adam smith: "Civil society is a property of Commercial societies. and it should be free
from political Intervention!"

Civil society refers to the community of individuals and organizations that operate
independently of the government and the market, engaging in various forms of social,
cultural, and political activities. It encompasses a wide range of non-governmental entities,
including advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, grassroots movements, and other
voluntary associations. Civil society plays a crucial role in shaping and influencing public
opinion, advocating for social justice, and participating in the democratic process.

From the above all of discussion we can say that civil suicide is not Politically bious. it always
bargains with the government for the Welfare of state.

Role of civil society in Bangladesh

Civil society has played a significant role in the development of Bangladesh, contributing to
various aspects of social, economic, and political progress. Some key contributions include:

▪ Women Empowerment
▪ Spreading Knowledge
▪ Raising Awareness
▪ Policy Making
▪ Capacity Building
▪ Removing Corruption
▪ Ensuring Accountability
▪ Good Governance
▪ Human Resource Development
▪ Balance And State Power
▪ Bargaining Agents
▪ People Participation

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▪ To Protect Human Rights

▪ Ensuring Rule Of Law
▪ Economics Development
▪ Political Teaching
▪ Mobilization Of Public Opinion
▪ Criticism Of The Government

TO Explain this a Bit Broadly

1. Good Governance: Civil society promotes transparency and accountability in

government by monitoring activities, exposing corruption, and advocating for reforms.

2. Human Rights: Civil society safeguards human rights by raising awareness about
abuses, providing legal aid, and advocating for policy changes.

3. Empowering Communities: Civil society empowers marginalized groups by providing

training, raising awareness, and advocating for their rights.

4. Social Development: Civil society contributes to social development by providing

education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation programs.

5. Transparency and Accountability: Civil society promotes transparency and

accountability by holding public officials accountable for their actions.

6. Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Civil society provides disaster relief and
rehabilitation services, distributing aid, coordinating relief efforts, and helping
communities rebuild.

7. Environmental Protection: Civil society promotes environmental protection by raising

awareness, advocating for sustainable practices, and monitoring environmental
degradation.

In summary, the active involvement of civil society in Bangladesh has contributed significantly
to the nation's development by addressing social issues, promoting inclusivity, and holding
institutions accountable. The diverse efforts of civil society organizations have played a vital role
in shaping the trajectory of development in the country.

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9. What do you mean by sustainable development goal (SDG)? What are the key elements of
it. (c) Discuss the challenging factor of SDGs in Bangladesh.

Concept of SDG

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 ambitious goals adopted by all
United Nations member states in 2015. These goals aim to create a better and more sustainable
future for all by 2030, addressing the global challenges we face like poverty, hunger, inequality,
climate change, and more.

Features of SDG /Key elements of SDGs:

• Universality: The SDGs apply to all countries, regardless of their level of development.
Every nation has a role to play in achieving these goals.
• Integrated approach: The goals are interconnected and interdependent. Progress in one
area can positively impact others. For example, improving education (Goal 4) can
contribute to reducing poverty (Goal 1) and promoting gender equality (Goal 5).
• Leave no one behind: The SDGs emphasize that everyone, everywhere, should benefit
from and contribute to sustainable development. This means tackling inequalities and
ensuring that marginalized groups are not left behind.
• Partnerships: Achieving the SDGs requires collaboration between governments, civil
society organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Everyone has a role to
play and working together is crucial for success.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the
United Nations in 2015. These goals are designed to address various social, economic, and
environmental challenges facing the world. The SDGs aim to guide international efforts toward
creating a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future by the year 2030. They cover a wide
range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water,
sanitation, climate action, and more.

Key Elements of SDGs:

1. No Poverty (SDG 1): End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

2. Zero Hunger (SDG 2): End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and
promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for
all at all ages.
4. Quality Education (SDG 4): Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and
promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality (SDG 5): Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Ensure availability and sustainable management
of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Ensure access to affordable, reliable,
sustainable, and modern energy for all.

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8. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Promote sustained, inclusive, and
sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Build resilient infrastructure,
promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequality (SDG 10): Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Make cities and human settlements
inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Ensure sustainable consumption
and production patterns.
13. Climate Action (SDG 13): Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water (SDG 14): Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine
resources for sustainable development.
15. Life on Land (SDG 15): Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial
ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land
degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): Promote peaceful and inclusive
societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build
effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Strengthen the means of implementation and
revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

(c) Challenging Factors of SDGs in Bangladesh:

While Bangladesh has made significant progress in various areas aligned with the SDGs, several
challenges persist:
1. Poverty and Inequality: Despite economic growth, poverty and income inequality
remain challenges. Achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality)
requires sustained efforts.
2. Climate Change Vulnerability: Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change, with
frequent cyclones, floods, and other natural disasters. Addressing SDG 13 (Climate
Action) is a complex challenge.
3. Population Pressure: The high population density in Bangladesh poses challenges to
achieving goals related to sustainable cities, health, and education (SDGs 3, 4, and 11).
4. Healthcare Infrastructure: While progress has been made in healthcare, challenges
persist in achieving universal health coverage (SDG 3) and building resilient health
systems.
5. Quality Education: Ensuring quality education for all (SDG 4) faces challenges such as
inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and educational inequality between urban
and rural areas.
6. Water and Sanitation: Access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) remains a
challenge, particularly in rural areas, impacting health and well-being.
7. Gender Equality: Despite progress, achieving gender equality (SDG 5) faces challenges,
including gender-based violence, limited economic opportunities for women, and cultural
norms.

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8. Urbanization: challenges in ensuring sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11),

including issues of housing, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
9. Corruption: Corruption remains a challenge for good governance (SDG 16) and hinders
effective implementation of development programs.
10. Partnerships and Financing: Achieving the SDGs requires effective partnerships (SDG
17) and adequate financing. Mobilizing resources and ensuring effective collaboration
among stakeholders are ongoing challenges.

Addressing these challenges requires sustained commitment, effective governance, and

collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that Bangladesh
progresses toward achieving the SDGs by 2030.

Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach:

• Policy reforms: Implementing effective policies that address poverty, inequality, climate
change, and other challenges.
• Increased investment: Mobilizing resources from both domestic and international
sources to finance SDG programs.
• Technological innovation: Utilizing innovative technologies to address development
challenges and improve efficiency.
• Community engagement: Empowering communities to participate in decision-making
and contribute to local solutions.
• International cooperation: Working together with other countries and organizations to
share knowledge, resources, and best practices.

To Conclude, By addressing these challenges and working collaboratively, Bangladesh and the
global community can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs and creating a
better future for all. Achieving the SDGs is a collective effort. We all have a role to play, no
matter how big or small. By working together, we can create a more just, equitable, and
sustainable world for everyone.

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Define good governance. (b) Challenges of good governance. (c) How do you ensure
good governance in Bangladesh.

Good governance in Bangladesh:

a. Definition:
According to McCarney (1995)- Governance is “the relationship between civil society and the
state, between rulers and the ruled, and the government and the governed.”

Governance involves decision-making processes, policy implementation, and the interaction

between various stakeholders.

Overall, It plays a crucial role in shaping the functioning and development of societies.

Good governance emerged as a concept in the late 20th century, Good governance refers to a set
of principles and practices that contribute to effective and accountable decision-making,
transparency, rule of law, and participation which adds a normative or evaluative attribute to the
process of governing.

The World Bank and other international organizations have highlighted the importance of good
governance in achieving sustainable development.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has defined the concept “as a broad concept covering all
aspects of how a country is governed, including its economic policies, regulatory framework, and
adherence to the rule of law”.

Good governance is a multifaceted concept encompassing principles and practices that ensure
efficient, transparent, accountable, and equitable use of power and resources for the common
good. It involves:

• Rule of law: Equal application of laws and regulations without favoritism or bias.
• Transparency: Openness and accessibility of information and decision-making
processes.
• Accountability: Public officials and institutions are answerable for their actions and
outcomes.
• Participation: Meaningful engagement of citizens in decision-making and policy
formulation.
• Responsiveness: Institutions and officials are sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the
people.
• Equity and inclusiveness: Fair and just treatment of all citizens, regardless of
background or status.
• Effectiveness and efficiency: Achieving desired outcomes with minimal waste of
resources.

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b. Challenges of good governance in Bangladesh:

Despite significant progress in recent decades, Bangladesh faces several challenges in achieving
good governance:
• Corruption: Widespread corruption erodes public trust, hinders development, and
diverts resources from essential services.
• Political interference: Undue influence of political parties and vested interests in
bureaucratic processes and policy decisions.
• Weak institutions: Lack of capacity, professionalism, and accountability within
government institutions.
• Limited citizen participation: Low levels of public awareness and engagement in
decision-making processes.
• Inequality and discrimination: Persistent social and economic inequalities hinder
inclusive development and participation.
• Environmental degradation: Unsustainable practices and inadequate environmental
regulations pose challenges for long-term development.

c. Ensuring good governance in Bangladesh:

Several measures can be undertaken to strengthen good governance in Bangladesh:
• Strengthening institutions: Investing in capacity building, promoting professionalism,
and enforcing accountability within government bodies.
• Promoting transparency: Increasing access to information, public disclosure of
government activities, and open decision-making processes.
• Combating corruption: Implementing anti-corruption measures, strengthening law
enforcement, and fostering a culture of integrity.
• Empowering citizens: Enhancing citizen participation through public forums,
community engagement initiatives, and civic education.
• Strengthening the rule of law: Ensuring independent judiciary, fair legal processes, and
respect for human rights.
• Promoting decentralization: Empowering local government bodies and fostering
community-driven development initiatives.
• Addressing inequalities: Implementing policies and programs to promote social and
economic equity and combat discrimination.
• Protecting the environment: Enacting and enforcing environmental regulations,
promoting sustainable practices, and raising public awareness.

These efforts require continuous commitment from both the government and civil society to
build a Bangladesh where good governance prevails and benefits all citizens.
It's important to note that achieving good governance is a complex and ongoing process,
requiring sustained effort and collaboration from various stakeholders. While Bangladesh faces
challenges, significant steps have been taken in recent years to address these issues and move
towards a more just and equitable society.

Introduction to Development Studies | Prep. By Abdullah Al Noman 21-22