The Dynamics of Disempowerment: A Qualitative Study of Local Environmental Governance in Rural Bangladesh

Bangladesh is in the list of most environmentally vulnerable countries in the world. The country is under rigorous threats of climate change and environment degradation that has a direct adverse effect on its way to sustainable development. This qualitative analysis evaluates how the Union Parishad (UP) which is the basic form of a local government, changes the structure of environmental governance in rural environments. The primary objective is to explore the on-the-ground realities, perceptions, and systemic challenges that constrain the UP's effectiveness as a key factor in environmental management. This study finds, using a thematic analysis of qualitative data gathered in discussions with key informants and focus groups interviews, a critical gap between national policy and local action. The results reveal a profound disconnect: while communities express high concern over environmental issues, they are largely dissatisfied with and disengaged from the UP's efforts. The study concludes that the UP's capacity is undermined by a triad of crippling issues: severe financial resource shortages, a public trust deficit stemming from corruption, and significant political interference. To address this, the article recommends a paradigm shift towards a governance model that is genuinely decentralized, adequately resourced, highly accountable, and fundamentally participatory to secure Bangladesh's environmental and human future.