THE COMILLA MODEL

Introduction
The Comilla Model, a pioneering Rural Development Program, was launched in 1959 under
the auspices of the Pakistani Academy for Rural Development (PARD). Today, it bears the
name Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) and stands as a testament to the
enduring legacy of rural development initiatives. Nestled on the outskirts of Comilla town,
this program was spearheaded by the visionary Akhter Hameed Khan, who served as its
inaugural director.
At its inception, the Comilla Model was guided by a profound vision: to instigate
transformative change within rural communities by nurturing indigenous leadership from
within, recognizing that true progress in rural society would only arise when the villagers
themselves could drive that change.

The Comilla Model integrated four key components:

•Training and Development Centers (TTDCs),
•Road-Drainage Embankment Works,
•Decentralized Small-Scale Irrigation,
•Cooperative Systems.

Indicators of the Comilla Model

Comilla Programme is the most successful among all the schemes and projects of rural
development. For being a model, the Comilla program has to go through some development
activities and follow some indicators. These indicators are given below:

1. Raising the Living Standards

Removing poverty from rural area can raise the living standard of rural people. Basically,
development depends upon the living standard.

2. Increasing Life Expectancy

A long and healthy life is very important for development purposes. By removing poverty,
people can lead a healthy life and it helps to increase life expectancy.

3. Education
Education is the key to development. It helps to acquire knowledge and create awareness.
The formation of new educational institutions and reconstruction of the old institutions is
very important for this purpose.

4. Increasing Employment Opportunities and Equal Distribution of Income

In rural areas, it is very important to increase employment opportunities for rural people.
Also, equal distribution of income is also needed in this respect.

5. Participation
Participation of rural people in planning, decision-making, implementation, etc. can play a
vital role in rural development. All the indicators were followed by the Comilla Programme
and helped to be Comilla Model.

Two-tier cooperative system of the Comilla Model

After the independence of Bangladesh, a tier co-operative structure of Comilla Model was
formed to reach the national level rural development programme.

Among two tire Cooperative system , the primary level of cooperative system is called Krishak
samabay samity which is a village level organisation . and the last one is called Thana Central
Cooperative Association which is a Thana level organisation.

At present, the number of registered farmers' cooperative societies is about 90 thousand

which is 49 percent of the total countries cooperative societies. The total number of central
cooperative societies is 1209. (Daily samayer kantha)

The activities of all these cooperative societies are assistance to farmers in capital formation,
assistance in obtaining loans, technological innovation, irrigation projects and training.

Based on the initial success, the second phase of the comilla approach adopted an integrated
Rural Development Program (IRDB).And in 1982, IRDB was transferred into Bangladesh Rural
Development Board (BRDB).

BRDB has successfully implement some specialized project such as :

• Women development program(1973)

• Youth Development Program (1978)
• Fundless Program (1984)

In the present context BRDB is implementing several specialized project with different aims
and objectives-

• In the present context, BRDB is implementing several specialized projects with

different aims and objectives -
• Employment Guarantee Program for the poor in Northern Areas
• Major Crops Production, Conservation, Processing & Marketing Program Irrigation
Extension Program
• According to 2010 Survey by Bangladesh Institute of Research and Development
(BIRD), BRDB contribution to GDP is 1.93%.
• The line with MDG, Vision-2021 and 6th Five Year Plan, seven development projects
of BRDB are currently underway, which highlights a milestone of rural as well as overall
national development.

Capital Formation

Provision of Loan Assistance

 Creation of Human Organisation

Objectives of the Comilla Model

• Poverty Reduction

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty, supported by

sustained economic growth. Based on the international poverty line of $1.90 per
person per day, poverty declined from 44.2 percent in 1991 to 13.8 percent in
2016/17. In parallel, life expectancy, literacy rates and per capita food production
have increased significantly. Progress was underpinned by 6 percent plus growth
over the decade and reaching to 7.3 percent in 2016/2017, according to official
estimates. Rapid growth enabled Bangladesh to reach the lower middle-income
country status in 2015. In 2018, Bangladesh met the eligibility criteria for graduation
from the United Nation’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list, and is on track to
graduate in 2024. Sustained economic growth has increased the demand for energy
and transport, and spurred urbanization. Insufficient planning and investment have
resulted in increasingly severe infrastructure bottlenecks. To achieve its growth
aspiration of becoming an upper-middle income country by its 50th anniversary
needs to urgent Implement structural reforms, expand investments in human capital,
increase female labor force participation, and raise productivity through increased
global value chain integration. Improving infrastructure as well as the business
climate would allow new productive sectors to develop and generate jobs.
 "After I earned my diploma in computer technology from the Bangladesh Sweden
Polytechnic Institute in 2008, I started my career as a computer trainer. But I wanted to be
independent and help others. So I started my own firm ‘Knowledge Source Computer
Learning Center.’ Today my firm gives training to people from all across the country- I am
proud of my students! "
— Bijaya Chakma, a beneficiary of the Skills and Training Enhancement Project (STEP), which
provides technical and vocational education, and training in Bangladesh
• Agricultural Development

Agriculture is a major source of rural jobs in Bangladesh. Over 87 percent rural people
derive at least some income from agriculture. However, two thirds of rural households
rely on both farm and non-farm incomes. Pro-poor agriculture growth has stimulated the
non-farm economy in Bangladesh: a 10 percent rise in farm incomes generates a 6
percent rise in non-farm incomes. As non farm incomes continue to Agriculture is a
major source of rural jobs in Bangladesh. Over 87 percent rural people derive at least
some income from agriculture. However, two thirds of rural households rely on both
farm and non-farm incomes. Pro-poor agriculture growth has stimulated the non-farm
economy in Bangladesh: a 10 percent rise in farm incomes generates a 6 percent rise in
non-farm incomes. As non-farm incomes continue to grow, the government needs to
focus on fostering a more robust rural non-farm economy.
• Empowerment of Women

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in the last 20 years in improving the lives
of women and girls. The maternal mortality rate has decreased by more than two-
thirds since 2000 and continues to fall. The fertility rate is declining and there is
greater gender parity in school enrollment. Bangladesh has also advanced
regulations for protecting women’s rights and privileges, and, due to more women
receiving education, progress continues to expand in women’s participation in the
labor force. This workforce participation, however, remains constrained to limited,
low-paying sectors. Three million women are employed in the lucrative ready-made
garment sector, Bangladesh’s largest export industry. Increasing numbers of women
are involved in small and medium enterprises, but there remain large finance gaps
that women face despite government initiatives. Additionally, inequality continues to
persist; child marriages and gender-based violence (GBV) are common and even
increased at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across its programs, USAID is
committed to addressing many of the challenges facing women in Bangladesh.

• Credit and Microfinance

It is to provide accessible and affordable credit and microfinance services to rural

communities, enabling them to invest in income-generating activities, improve their
living standards, and reduce reliance on high-interest moneylenders. Microfinance
institutions in Bangladesh, on average, have had high loan repayment rates, often
exceeding 95%. This reflects borrowers' commitment and the microfinance model's
effectiveness in rural areas.
➢ The Grameen Bank, founded by Muhammad Yunus in 1983, is a prime example of
successful microfinance in Bangladesh. It started as a small experiment in the village
of Jobra, near Chittagong, and expanded rapidly across the country.
For instance, Grameen Bank had provided loans to millions of borrowers,
predominantly women, in Bangladesh. It had a loan recovery rate of over 97%,
showcasing the effectiveness of microfinance in reaching the underserved.

• Human Resource Management

It has two parts,

➢ Education and Skill Enhancement: One of the key objectives of human resource
development in the Comilla Model was to improve education and skill levels among
the rural population. This was done through the establishment of schools, vocational
training centers, and adult education programs. For example, literacy rates in
Bangladesh increased from around 21% in 1974 to over 73.69% in 2023, indicating
significant progress in education.
➢ Healthcare and Nutrition: Another important aspect was to enhance the health and
nutrition of the rural population. This involved setting up healthcare facilities,
training healthcare workers, and promoting better nutrition practices. Over the
years, Bangladesh has seen improved healthcare infrastructure and decreased child
mortality rates. For instance, child mortality per 1,000 live births dropped from 199
in 1990 to 21.556 in 2023.

• Community Participation

It is aimed to empower local communities by involving them in decision-making

processes related to development projects, resource allocation, and addressing local
challenges. This approach recognized that communities themselves often possess
valuable insights and knowledge about their needs. It emphasized the importance of
local involvement in development efforts.
The model had taken many effective strategies like-
➢ Village-Level Committees.
➢ Local Resource Allocation.
➢ Community-Driven Projects.
➢ Women's Participation.

• Rural Infrastructure: It aimed to foster rural development through integrated

planning and the improvement of rural infrastructure.
➢ Road and Transportation infrastructure: For example, building a paved road
network allowed farmers to transport their products more efficiently to markets,
reducing post-harvest losses and increasing income.
➢ Irrigation Facilities: Access to water for agriculture is crucial in rural areas.
Developing irrigation systems such as canals, ponds, and tube wells was a priority.
For example: Constructing a canal system in a rural village improved crop yields,
leading to increased food production and higher incomes for farmers.
➢ Electricity and Energy Infrastructure: Providing rural areas with access to
electricity and alternative energy sources enhances the quality of life and enables
economic activities.
For example: The installation of solar power systems in remote villages not only
improved lighting and household chores but also supported small-scale businesses
like phone charging stations.
 Replication of the Comilla Model in the current time
The Comilla Model of rural development in Bangladesh is a pioneering approach that has
been widely recognized for its success in addressing rural poverty and promoting
community development. Replication in the context of the Comilla Model refers to the
process of adopting and adapting the principles, strategies, and practices that have proven
effective in Comilla and applying them to other rural areas in Bangladesh or similar contexts.
Here's a broad definition and explanation of replication in the Comilla Model, along with
relevant references:

Definition and Explanation:

Replication in the Comilla Model of rural development involves the deliberate and
systematic transfer of successful development strategies and practices that were first
implemented in the Comilla district to other rural regions in Bangladesh and potentially
beyond. This process entails customizing the model to align with the specific needs,
resources, and challenges of different rural areas while preserving the core principles of
community participation, local empowerment, and sustainable development.

Key Elements of Replication in the Comilla Model:

Identification of Best Practices: Replication begins with identifying the best practices and
innovations that have been instrumental in the success of the Comilla Model. These may
include community organization, cooperative farming, and social mobilization
strategies. Reference: Khan, A. H. (1984). Comilla Approach to Rural Development: An
Experiment in Integrated Rural Development. Oxford University Press.

Adaptation and Customization: To replicate the Comilla Model effectively, development

practitioners and policymakers must tailor the model to suit the unique context, needs, and
resources of other rural areas in Bangladesh. This adaptation may involve considering local
variations, cultural diversity, and resource availability. Reference: Uphoff, N. (1986). Local
Institutional Development: An Analytical Sourcebook with Cases. Kumarian Press.

Local Capacity Building: Successful replication often necessitates strengthening the capacity
of local organizations, community leaders, and residents to implement and manage the
model. This includes providing training and support for community members to assume
ownership of their development. Reference: Chambers, R. (1997). Whose Reality Counts?
Putting the First Last. Intermediate Technology Publications.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial in assessing
the effectiveness of the replicated Comilla Model in diverse areas and making necessary
adjustments based on local feedback and conditions. Reference: Bamberger, M., Rugh, J.,
& Mabry, L. (2012). RealWorld Evaluation: Working Under Budget, Time, Data, and Political
Constraints. SAGE Publications.

Knowledge Sharing: Disseminating knowledge and sharing the principles and success stories
of the Comilla Model through publications, workshops, and peer learning play a pivotal role
in the replication process. Reference: Khan, A. H. (1992). Strategies for Human
Development: A Human Development Paradigm. Oxford University Press.

Sustainability: Ensuring that the replicated Comilla Model is integrated into local systems
and policies is critical for long-term sustainability and impact, in alignment with the
principles advocated by Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan, the founder of the Comilla
Model. Reference: Khan, A. H. (1987). Towards Understanding the Strategy of Integrated
Rural Development. In M. Yunus (Ed.), Rural Development: Theories of Peasant Economy
and Agrarian Change (pp. 93-126). Kumarian Press.

The Comilla Model serves as a seminal example of how replication can be applied in rural
development to empower communities, enhance self-reliance, and promote sustainable
development practices. Replicating this model in various regions can harness the lessons
and successes achieved in Comilla to drive positive change and improve the well-being of
rural populations.

The Success of the Comilla Model in Recent Time

The Comilla model, developed by Akhter Hamid Khan, is often considered a successful and
influential approach to community development.

The success of the Comilla model in recent times are:

1. Creating a sustainable organization in the village,

2. Creating personal and collective capital,
3. Infrastructure development,
 4. Expansion of advanced agricultural technology,
5. Expansion of social development activities including health, education, family
planning, women’s education,
6. Creating an organized village society with the help of people from all levels of the
village,
7. Employment for landless laborers in non-agricultural sector,
8. Establish effective communication with the village and the outside world and
9. Innovation is an effective way to reach government service villages.

Co-operatives: Cooperative literally means working with joint effort and initiative. Through
cooperative poor people help each other to solve their financial and social problems. The aim
of Comilla model cooperative was marginal farmers are organised with the hope that they
will adopt new agricultural technology and will not be exploited by the moneylenders.
According to Comilla model,December 2018 the total number of cooperative societies
registered in Bangladesh was 1,75,310.At present, cooperative societies in Bangladesh are
formed and managed according to the cooperative Act 2001 and cooperative society rules
2004.It has office in every district and even upazila level of the country.Aim up cooperative
societies are economic welfare, formation of capital,Equal distribution of wealth, to be
organized, motivation to work,to achieve self-dependency, to save from exploitation, creating
savings mentality etc.In Bangladesh more than 100 housing cooperative provided housing
facility for 31,000 members of the society. In recent time Bangladesh by using cooperative
approach there are approximately 70 “palli Biddut Samity” now serve 28 million people.

Financial cooperative in Bangladesh, credit unions provide financial services to poor and
marginal farmers. Cooperative credit union league of Bangladesh (CULB) is functioning as a
center society including 753 primary societies and 4,45,000 individual members.

Thana Training Development Centre: Akhter Hamid Khan realised the utmost importance of
the training of rural people to increase their skills and productivity to promote their welfare.
The thana level officers became the trainers of rural people in TTDC. On the other hand, they
are the suppliers of production inputs such as high yield variety seeds,fertilisers, pesticides
and credits. By using this model in present time we see that various services and training
provided by Upazila Agriculture Office for increasing farmers skills and productivity. These
services are:

• Agriculture Rehabilitation Assistance

• Provide training
• Integrated pest management
• Help to open bank account in exchange of 10 taka
• Vegetables cultivation in the homestead yard
• Assistance in obtaining Agricultural loans
 • Technology support

Reasons for failure of Cumilla model:

For various reasons the Comilla model was unable to achieve its goal. It had particular
troubles with government relations and efforts to build strong cooperative institutions.
According to Dr.Khan in actual practice the four Programs suffered from:

1. Distortion

2. Mismanagement

3. Corruption

4. Supervision

There are some ineffectiveness of the Comilla model :

1. The programs do not aim at any radical change in the structure of the government
authority or land. Tenure in rural areas.

2. It has nowhere near the goal of sufficient capital accumulation for achieving financial self-
reliance

3. The benefits of technology diffusion have largely gone up the large landholders.

4. There has been a breakdown in the organisation's discipline and so on.

Are these ineffectiveness currently exist in Bangladesh?

Yes, these ineffectiveness factors of the Comilla model still exist in Bangladesh.

If we look at our countries perspectives:

1. In development, the emphasis is on the model, not on economy formulation and project
evaluation.

2. Emphasis is placed on direct economic regulation.

3. Belief in greater investment.

4. There is an attraction to the fashion of development.

Conclusion:

Although Comilla Model fails to achieve its goals for many.. reasons it paves the way of rural
development in our country. Many non government organisation like German Bank, BRAC
had been initiated by following the footprint of this model of development. Both GOs and
NGOs should come forward to utilize this model for the development of our rural areas.