Local Government Response to Covid-19 Crisis: A Study on Union Parishad in Bangladesh Anam Abu Saief Mohammad Towhidul Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-342, Bangladesh, Email id: saief.anam@juniv.edu Online Published on 24 August, 2023. Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the role of local government (UP) in supporting rural communities in Bangladesh during pandemics. The commonly utilized disaster management practices (prevention, preparation, response, and recovery) have been examined across six union parishads from two districts. The findings indicate that a suite of disaster management policies is available at all levels, from national to grassroots, and specific preparedness plans have been developed to combat the deadly COVID-19 virus. However, despite being on the frontlines, local government has been unable to fulfill its anticipated role under varying circumstances. As a result, despite the level of preparedness, the response at the local level has been somewhat disappointing. Several factors affecting the performance of local governments during this global emergency have been identified, including an ineffective committee system, inadequate resource allocation, improper relief distribution, and a lack of emergency management. However, these challenges can be addressed by strengthening the core capacity of the UP to handle any emergency with a long-term vision, reorienting the committees towards greater inclusivity and efficiency, ensuring coordination among local government representatives, and enhancing institutional strength. In this way, future emergencies may be managed more efficiently, and the socio-economic impact on communities may be mitigated. Top Keywords Covid-19, Local government, Union parishad, Disaster management, Response. Top |