Abstract:
State of Cities: Urban Governance in Dhaka is the first Report on urban governance published by the
Institute of Governance Studies (IGS), BRAC University. Alongside the annual State of Governance in
Bangladesh Reports, which offer extensive review of contemporary governance concerns at the
national level, the State of Cities Reports have been launched to promote research and analysis on the
urban phenomenon in Bangladesh and aim to advance innovative, in-depth and empirically grounded
propositions on urban governance and development. This Report is the product of a long-term
research programme started by IGS in recognition of the challenges faced by local governments,
private organisations and citizens to respond effectively to the unprecedented, rapid and dynamic
changes in the urban environment. In light of the mounting challenges of urban economic growth,
urban poverty, public services and newer concerns over climate change and security, there is need for
innovative ideas to improve the quality of urban governance, while also recognising the continuing
relevance of long-standing governance concerns on accountability and effective public authority and
finding more locally contingent ways of achieving them.
The present Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the historical, political, economic and
social dynamics which shape various arenas of urban life and governance in Dhaka city and is intended
to provide the foundation for more robust and nuanced analysis of the urban situation with an
attendant focus on urban governance reform.
