Speakers, at a roundtable discussion, have said that the benefits of the government's developments should be ensured among all the citizens of the country.
The roundtable discussion was organized at Prothom Alo’s office in Kawran Bazar, Dhaka.
“Even though the whole country has progressed, the marginalised communities living in climate-affected islands of the Jamuna-Brahmaputra rivers are still lagging behind. Therefore, improving the fate of these people is integrally tied to poverty alleviation and fighting against climate change is needed in Bangladesh,” said the speakers.
While speaking at the event, State Minister of Planning Shamsul Alam, said that under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has become a developing country from an underdeveloped one. Now the goal is to be included in the list of developed countries of the United Nations by 2026 and that is why the development of the marginalised people is very important.
Dhaka University’s Development Studies Department Professor Kazi Maruful Islam presented the main article in the discussion.
Some causes of poverty were highlighted in the article- the impact of hydrological changes, river erosion, disconnection and unavailability of basic services like health, education, shelter and sanitation.
Friendship Founder Runa Khan said, “Women, girls and disabled people from marginalised areas often fall victims of family violence, injustice and discrimination. Focusing on these issues, Friendship started its operations in 2002 with the dream of establishing dignity for all.
“Friendship's mission from the inception has been saving lives, poverty alleviation, climate adaptation and empowerment.”
"We work towards these commitments- health, education, inclusive citizenship, sustainable economic development, climate action and cultural preservation," said Runa.
The distinguished panellists were Bengal Foundation Director General Luva Nahid Choudhury, Bogura Rural Development Academy Joint Director Abdul Majid Pramanik, Save the Children Country Director Bangladesh Onno Van Manen, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Shelden Yett, RDRS Bangladesh Administration and General Service Head Nazrul Ghani, Brac University Centre for Peace and Justice Director Barrister Shahariar Sadat, National Char Alliance Member Secretary Zahid Rahman, Friendship Inclusive Citizenship Senior Director & Head Barrister Ayesha Taasin Khan.
Associate Editor Abdul Quayum and Assistant Editor Firoz Choudhury of Prothom Alo jointly co-chaired the discussion.
During the discussion, other officials of Friendship were also present.
