The Role of Civil Society in Promoting Good Governance: A Qualitative Inquiry Into Bangladesh's Experience

Abstract

This research is driven by the aim to comprehensively examine the multifaceted role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advancing the cause of good governance, particularly within the distinctive context of Bangladesh. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study relies on in-depth interviews conducted with an array of stakeholders, including representatives from CSOs, government officials, and members of the community. Qualitative content analysis is employed to extract key themes from the interview data, complemented by an extensive review of pertinent literature. The findings of this research illuminate the nuanced understanding of good governance among participants, emphasizing its broader significance beyond development as a fundamental cornerstone of social justice and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights. CSOs, as highlighted in the findings, serve as central actors in the promotion of good governance, engaging in advocacy, monitoring, capacity building, and citizen engagement. They play instrumental roles in driving policy reforms, ensuring transparency in governance, and bridging the divide between government institutions and local communities. While acknowledging challenges faced by CSOs, including legal constraints and resource limitations, the research identifies opportunities for enhancing their impact through collaborative efforts, technology utilization, and the promotion of internal transparency and accountability. Though assessing the impact of CSOs remains a complex task, participants underscore the feasibility of context-specific indicators and demonstrable outcomes. The research also recognizes limitations, such as potential participant bias and the qualitative nature of the study, and provides significant implications for policymakers, CSOs, and scholars. Recommendations encompass legal reforms to bolster CSOs, fostering increased collaboration, actively engaging with youth and marginalized communities, promoting international cooperation, and prioritizing capacity building to strengthen CSOs’ contributions to the advancement of good governance in Bangladesh.