An Appraisal of the Memorable Contribution of Nobel Laureate Professor Elinor Ostroin in the Perspective of a few Case Studies in Bangladesh

Abstract

The present paper is an outgrowth of a research work based on a few case studies of Bangladesh in light of the memorable contribution of Nobel Laureate Prof. Elinor Ostrom. The paper observes that the resources meant for the common people are wasted in the process of self-interest of the ruling coterie and the elite. While citing the Comilla experiment (located in Bangladesh) as the first case study, it is found that authors observed cooperatives to have fallen prey to elite capture in many rural communities. While citing the Dhaka city as the second case study, it is observed that a harmony between the density and the supportive infrastructure is crucial in formulating a sustainable built environment, and not the Floor Area Ratio. This challenges the concept of the commons in relation to utilities (gas, electricity, water, etc.). While citing the BRDB model and comparing it with the NGO model as the third case study, it is observed that in the public sector human development was accepted in its programmes. The target group approach with conscientization as the core element has a potential to lessen the aggravation of inequality in the society. The ‘common resource’ could then be relatively safe and pave the way to avoid tragedies of the ‘common’. So, clearly Elinor Ostrom’s contribution to lessening the sufferings of commons seems most pertinent in this situation.