Sustainable Rural Development in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Three Villages at Gopalganj District
Authors: Islam Shakila , Nabi Md. Mahmudun 
Published: June 2024

Background: Rural development in Bangladesh is crucial for the country's socio-economic progress, given the significant portion of its population residing in rural areas. However, achieving sustainability in rural development poses numerous challenges due to various factors such as poverty, environmental degradation, and limited access to resources. Rural development is the process of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. The term ‘rural development’ is used to describe the deliberate actions made in non- urban parts of a developing country to alleviate or eradicate poverty, increase resilience, promote ecological sustainability and build capacity to meet these and other issues. Rural development has traditionally centered on the exploitation of land, intensive natural resources such as agriculture, aquaculture and forestry. However, change in global production networks and increased urbanization have changed the characteristics of rural areas. According to World Bank estimation, rural population is 66.5% of the total population and remaining 33.5% are urban population in Bangladesh. It is quite evident that without development of the larger portion of the population of the rural area, sustained development is not possible for the country. Rural development is deeply rooted within our society and it is integrated in the way of life, livelihood and culture of the people of Bangladesh Since independence the Government of Bangladesh has been taking constant initiatives in terms of policies, strategies and programmes to promote sustainable rural development in the country. In this connection a research work has been undertaken to know the prospects and challenges for sustainable rural development entitled; “Sustainable Rural Development in Bangladesh: A Case Study of Three Villages at Gopalganj District” during 2022-2023 fiscal year. For this purpose, 03(three) villages beside BAPARD have been selected named Tarashi, Jathia and Satrakanda. Objectives: This research aims to investigate the prospects and challenges associated with rural development in Bangladesh and to identify strategies for enhancing sustainability in this context. A case study approach is adopted to provide an in-depth understanding of the dynamics and complexities involved in rural development initiatives. The specific objectives were: to identify the betterment related to sustainable promotion of development on rural community; to elucidate the prospects and challenges faced on rural prosperity achieving sustainable development; and to suggest possible ways for minimizing the problems and challenges that rural member faced in course of their sustainable rural development. Methods: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary data with qualitative insights gathered through interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. A specific rural area in Bangladesh is selected as the case study site to capture the nuances of local contexts and experiences. Results: Analysis of the data reveals both promising prospects and formidable challenges in the realm of rural development in Bangladesh. On one hand, there are instances of successful interventions that have improved livelihoods and enhanced community resilience. On the other hand, persistent issues such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation continue to hinder sustainable development efforts. Conclusion: Despite the challenges, there exist opportunities to promote sustainable rural development in Bangladesh through targeted policies, innovative approaches, and community participation. By addressing socio-economic disparities, strengthening institutional capacities, and integrating environmental considerations into development strategies, it is possible to create a more inclusive and resilient rural landscape in Bangladesh.