This report provides a political economy analysis of how governance dynamics shape the delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on the governance vacuum created by the political transition in August 2024.
| Title | Navigating uncertainty: a political economy analysis of power and legitimacy in WASH service delivery at the local government level amidst Bangladesh's political void |
| Publication Type | Research Report |
| Year of Publication | 2026 |
| Authors | Rasul, MG |
| Secondary Authors | Huda, RB |
| Pagination | 28 |
| Date Published | 2/2026 |
| Publisher | WaterAid Bangladesh |
| Place Published | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Type of Work | Study report |
| Publication Language | English |
| Abstract | This political economy analysis explores how governance arrangements, power dynamics and institutional legitimacy shape the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services in Bangladesh. The study report, gives special attention to the consequences of the political shift that occurred in the country in 2024. The transition created a temporary governance void that disrupted sector coordination, weakened opportunities for participation and shifted the decision‑making authority. Although national policies provided a solid framework, local bodies faced delays, overlapping responsibilities and diminished accountability. The study identifies changing power relations, vulnerabilities within participatory mechanisms and an expanding role for informal stakeholders. It concludes that stronger institutional resilience, flexible planning approaches and continued citizen involvement are essential to maintaining stable water, sanitation and hygiene service delivery during periods of political flux. |
| Citation Key | 92175 |
