Haors need specialised bank, says CPD
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has suggested setting up a specialised “Haor Bank” and adequate budgetary allocations to improve livelihoods in the wetland areas.
The government should focus on improving the quality of public services for the development of haors, according to a statement of CPD.
The observations were shared at a dialogue on “Sustainable livelihood in haor areas: the role of public service delivery” in Sunamganj yesterday. Bangladesh is in its journey to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and it will not be possible if haor people are left behind, said the discussants.
Prof Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at the CPD, shared a summary of the discussions while Towfiqul Islam Khan, senior research fellow, gave a keynote presentation.
The dialogue was organised by the CPD, Oxfam Bangladesh and Sancred Welfare Foundation under an ongoing European Union-funded project titled “Enhancing the participation of community-based organisations and civil society organisations in democratic governance in Bangladesh”.
Chaired by Debapriya Bhattacharya, another distinguished fellow, the dialogue was addressed by Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Ahad as special guest. Tapan Ruram, the foundation’s executive director; Dipankar Datta, country director of Oxfam Bangladesh, and Shila Roy, former chairman of Sunamganj Zila Parishad, were present.
The event was participated by over 200 citizens including community and public representatives, government and non-government officials, journalists and students.
