JICA showcases UGDP achievements, charts roadmap for stronger local governance
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh today hosted a dissemination workshop to showcase the achievements of the Upazila Governance and Development Project (UGDP) and outline strategies for strengthening local governance in Bangladesh.
The event was attended by Dr Mobasser Monem, chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, as chief guest. Md Nazrul Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, joined as guest of honour, while Morikawa Yuko, senior representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, was present as special guest. The programme was chaired by Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, secretary of the Local Government Division, and coordinated by Dr Abu Nasar Mohammad Abdullah, joint secretary and project director of UGDP.
Implemented nationwide, UGDP introduced performance-based financing, digital governance tools, and capacity development initiatives to empower Upazila Parishads as key institutions for grassroots service delivery. The workshop brought together policymakers, development partners, and local government representatives to review progress and persistent challenges in achieving SMART governance—strategic, measurable, accountable, responsive, and technology-enabled.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Key achievements
UGDP is driving innovation to build a sustainable model for local development. Highlights presented at the event include the rollout of Performance-Based Allocation (PBA), a pioneering approach that ties financial initiatives to governance outcomes, encouraging accountability and positive behavioural change. The project has also advanced digital innovation, introducing web-based governance performance assessment that has significantly boosted transparency and operational efficiency in local government operations. In addition, inclusive capacity development initiatives have delivered training programmes for upazila officials, with women and youth central to efforts for better livelihoods and income generation.
Lessons learned
The workshop reaffirmed that financial incentives are powerful tools to drive reform and improve accountability. Sustainability depends on institutionalisation, while strong leadership and effective coordination amplify impact. Continuous capacity development remains the foundation for robust governance systems. While digital governance enhances transparency, a hybrid oversight approach ensures optimal results.
The event highlighted JICA's continued commitment to supporting Bangladesh in mainstreaming UGDP's innovations into national systems. Sustaining progress will require institutionalising performance-based financing, embedding digital systems, and advancing inclusive reforms for resilient local development.
