Strengthening Democratic Local Governance (SDLG) Program in Bangladesh Semi-Annual Progress Performance Report – No. 1

The program aims to build on more than a decade's worth of local government strengthening programs in Bangladesh, combining research and policy advocacy, capacity development for local government associations, and training and technical assistance for local government units at Union Parishad, Upazila Parishad, and Municipal levels. Tetra Tech ARD is the implementing partner for the SDLG Project. The program's core guiding principle is to build on USAID's substantial investment in previous local government strengthening programs, including the Local Government Initiative (LGI) implemented by Tetra Tech ARD from 2001 to 2005, the DAI/DLGP program (2005-2008), and the ongoing Rupantar/ILLG program. The SDLG Project will expand the roles and authorities of local governments, strengthen and expand the capacity of local government associations, improve and expand the service delivery and resource mobilization of local government units, and ensure accountability and transparency of local governments in finances and decision making. The SDLG Project has adopted a strategic approach to achieve its key objectives within the 3.25-year timeframe, given the resources available, and taking into consideration constraints and opportunities posed by the legal and policy framework for local governments. The strategy involves building on USAID/Bangladesh's significant history of local governance support programs, linking with USAID/Bangladesh's and other donor's programs, integrating global and local lessons learned and proven tools for successful and sustainable local governance programming, identifying, developing, and demonstrating to local governments innovative practices to achieve performance standards, integrating gender and youth concerns across the SDLG program while supporting women's participation, and acquiring, developing, and disseminating through multiple media information on the SDLG and local governments in Bangladesh. The SDLG team mobilized quickly to initiate project start-up activities after the December 21st award by USAID/Bangladesh Mission. Key members of the team, including Chief of Party Jerome Sayre and Technical Specialist Kajal Chatterjee, began work in country on January 16th. The team conducted an intensive, three-day work planning session for Year 1 to review and revise proposed activities and timeline. The work planning was followed by feedback sessions with key NGO partners and local government associations. The SDLG team developed the first major project deliverables, including the Project Year 1 Work Plan, the Performance Monitoring Plan, and the NGO Partnering Plan. The team also initiated important logistical and administrative tasks, including searching for office space and investigating in-country registration and bank account opening. The SDLG team submitted draft versions of deliverables to COTR Dianne Cullinane on February 4th, marking the 45th day after project award.