Transformation of Bangladesh Local Consultative Group
The LCG Working Groups (WGs) are considered to be the heart of the LCG mechanism and are expected to provide strategic inputs to LCG. LCG WGs, formerly called LCG Subgroups, were established in 1997 to create platforms for in-depth dialogue on sectoral issues and cross-cutting themes essential to development.
In 2010, the Government and DPs reconfirmed their mutual commitment to regular collective dialogue by signing the Joint Cooperation Strategy (JCS) - which defined the LCG as a central element of Bangladesh’s aid coordination architecture and key mechanism to implement the joint vision and partnership commitments captured in JCS. The JCS expired in 2015.
2010-2012 WG Restructuring: following the signing of the JCS in 2010, the LCG structure has been revised slightly in line with priorities reflected in the 6th Five Year Plan, and the number of WGs reduced from 22 to 18.
In 2014, another review was carried out to align/implement the recommendations of the 2012 review. With SDGs and the 7th Five Year Plan implementation, reviving the LCG WGs was essential.
2019-2021 WGs Restructuring: In May 2019, the Government and DPs jointly undertook a review of the effectiveness and relevance of the WGs. The review suggested restructuring the WGs by reducing the number of WGs and ensuring cohesion & consistency between WGs. Based on the review conducted in 2019, aligning with themes identified in the Eighth Five Year Plan and accommodating the views of relevant Ministries and development partners, ERD finally presented the revised 14 LCG WGs at the LCG GoB-DP Plenary meeting held on 21 November 2021. The revised 14 WGs were endorsed at the Plenary Meeting. Accordingly, the lead Ministries restructured their respective Working Groups developing ToR and issuing notification as well.
