Analysing the National Plans of Bangladesh for Their Effectiveness in Mitigating Socio-economic and Environmental Vulnerabilities in Char Areas *

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of Bangladesh’s national development planning documents in addressing the socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities of Char areas, which are among the country’s most marginalised rural regions. Using a qualitative methodology, the study combines a structured literature review, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of three major policy documents—the Eighth Five-Year Plan (2021–2026), the Perspective Plan 2041 and the Bangladesh Delta Plan (BDP) 2100—and key informant interviews (KIIs) with government officials, community representatives, non-governmental organization (NGO) workers and rural development experts. The findings reveal that while national plans acknowledge the vulnerabilities of Char communities and propose several targeted interventions, significant gaps remain in terms of implementation mechanisms, coordination among agencies and resource mobilisation. The SWOT analysis highlights both the opportunities embedded in existing policy frameworks and critical threats due to institutional weaknesses. Insights from key informants reinforce the need for stronger participatory governance, better integration of local knowledge into planning and enhanced social protection measures for Char populations. The article concludes by recommending policy adjustments to ensure that development strategies more effectively address the unique challenges of Char areas, contributing to inclusive rural development and advancing Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Keywords

Char socio-economic vulnerability environmental vulnerability sustainable development policy documents

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