In line with the current global trend of streamlining the role of the state, the governments in most countries have transferred some of their economic activities and basic services to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which are now considered partners in governance. In the developing world, some of the largest and most well-known NGOs are in Bangladesh where the government has formed partnership with these NGOs in various sectors with a view to enhance human development and social empowerment in rural areas. But in reality, such partnership has been quite ineffective (and even unfavorable) to achieve this goal. This article briefly introduces the current debate on governance based on partnership between the state and NGOs; explains the forms and dimensions of such partnership in the case of Bangladesh; and evaluates this partnership experience in terms of whether it has achieved the stipulated objectives of development and empowerment. It also explores major factors and interests (internal and external) behind this partnership and offers some suggestions to rethink partnership and overcome its drawbacks in Bangladesh.
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