National Development Program Organizes Dissemination Workshop

To further strengthen sustainable development, policy formulation, and multi-dimensional partnerships in Bangladesh, the National Development Program (NDP) organized a dissemination workshop titled ‘Voices of Development’. The workshop, held under the theme ‘Bridging Sustainable Development through Dialogue, Policy, and Partnership’, took place on Monday, 20 July, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku attended as the chief guest. He highlighted the country’s overall economic progress as well as the plans and activities of the current government.

Noting the daily decline in gas pressure, the Energy Minister said that the situation has created significant challenges. He stated that the country cannot continue to rely on fossil fuels and must shift toward renewable energy. He called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to come forward in this effort.

The Minister added that NGOs can play an effective role in expanding renewable energy across the country, particularly by working in rural areas. He assured that the government would provide all forms of support, including funding, to organizations that advance in this sector.

Special guests at the event included Mohammad Zakaria, Director General (Secretary) of the NGO Affairs Bureau, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin, Executive Vice President of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA).

The program was moderated by Sanjida Kaiyum. Discussions featured contributions from NDP Executive Director Md. Alauddin Khan, TMSS founder Professor Dr. Hosne Ara Begum, Manusher Jonno Foundation Executive Director Shahin Anam, and Practical Action Bangladesh’s Ishrat Shabnam.

The National Development Program (NDP) recently successfully completed an 18-episode talk show series titled ‘Voices of Development’. Prominent policymakers, development experts, corporate representatives, academics, entrepreneurs, and experienced professionals from various fields participated in the series. They exchanged views on the current challenges, opportunities, and future actions for Bangladesh’s development.

The talk show addressed the new realities in the development sector resulting from the reduction in international development assistance and donor funding. Discussions emphasized alternative financing options, innovative initiatives, and effective partnerships. Particular importance was given to strengthening coordination among government and private sectors, educational and research institutions, and social initiatives.

The dissemination workshop placed special emphasis on effective dialogue, knowledge exchange, and enhanced partnerships to advance sustainable development. According to the organizers, the experiences, research findings, and policy recommendations from the workshop and talk show series will be presented to policymakers, development partner organizations, financial institutions, educational and research institutions, civil society, and development professionals.