Ways Forward to Rural Development of Bangladesh: Lesson from South Korean Saemaul Undong Movement

Abstract

Modern Korean development stands on the movement of Saemaul Undong. It is the key approach that was responsible for prompt and sustainable rural development in Korea. The main spirits of the saemaul Undong are identified as the diligence, self-help and cooperation. Under this approach, resources are mobilized through community participation with strong government support and sponsorship to motivate, participate and change attitude and awareness for the rural development. In order to formulate relevant and effective rural development policy in Bangladesh, this study set its objectives as to evaluate Saemaul Undong Movement with respect to Bangladesh, compare between the Saemaul Undong Movement of South Korea and Sonirvor Andolon of Bangladesh and develop an approach for the management strategy of the Sonirvor Andolon. To fulfill the research objectives, this study depends upon the literature survey for detection of facts, findings and success of Saemaul Undong and tries to identify the major differences between the Saemaul Undong  and Bangladeshi Sonirvor Andolon. Based on the successful performance of Saemaul Undong in Korea, this study suggests that strong political commitment from political leaders, more support for better performed villages through proper evaluation of village performance, equal importance on urban, rural and agricultural sectors and categorization of  the villages as the basis village, self-help village and self-reliant village are the important attributive factors for formulation of  relevant rural development policy in Bangladesh and others similar countries. The findings of this study will help to achieve the main goals of SDGs in Bangladesh. This study also provides a robust basis for policy makers, planners, researchers, and development partners for further research, project implementation in the rural areas and developing specified policies.