A social capital is necessary with unity for sustainable development in Bangladesh

Today on the 3rd day or concluding day of the BDCSO process annual virtual conference, speakers called for localization, inclusiveness, and tolerance that to create social capital, which is necessary for sustainable development in Bangladesh.

The social capital has to be based on four principles of the 1971 liberation war and also with adherence by international actors on an international commitment like Grand Bargain, Development Effectiveness, and Charter for Change.

The session title “Culture of inclusivity and tolerance for unity with common minimum position and greater civil society mobilization” was chaired by Dr. Atiur Rahman; Unnayan Samunnay.

There were three chief guests. They are Judith Herbertson British High Commission; Ignacio Packer International Council of Voluntary Association, and Johannes van der Klaauw representative UNHCR.

Special Guests are Sudanshu Shekar Sing, Humanitarian Aid International India; Sharif Jamil BAPA; and Murshed Alam Sarker POPI and CDF. Panel members are Akbar Hossain RPS; Sayeda Yesmin AFAD; and AHM Bazlur Rahman BNNRC.

The session was moderated by Mostafa Kamal Akanda and Iqbal Uddin, welcome and thanking speech was given by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury; the national coordinator of the BDCSO Process.

BDCSO process is a forum of around 600 grass-root CSO/NGOs from country-wide.

Sudhansu Shekar Singh said that, listening to dissenting and critical CSO should be the primary issue in respect of inclusivity and tolerance.

He urged southern civil societies should create their own agenda, rather than acting around northern agendas.

Judith Herbertson said that, British people are on standby and committed to assisting localization and local civil society, there are already joint need assessment and coordination structures with local NGO/CSOs. The British government wants to see a vibrant civil society here.

Ignacio Packer gives importance to accountability to the affected population, NGO/CSOs need to listen to each other, we need a common minimum position as civil society, in respect of localization we have to create good examples.

Johannes van der Klaaauw, representative of UNHCR said that they give high importance to the repatriation of Rohingyas, UNHCR is fully with the government to contain criminal activities in the camp.

He expressed gratitude to the exceptional generosity of the Bangladeshi population and government.

Murshed Alam Sarker said that, international actors should not mention the capacity deficit of Bangladeshi CSO/NGOs, rather they should leave the operational leadership to the local NGOs.

AHM Bazlur Rahman said that, localization is also necessary to prepare NGOs for preparing themselves for the period after LDC graduation.

Sharif Jamal said that, civil societies in the country have to create movements, which have to be independent of donor funding.

Dr. Atiur Rahman said that, although there are vaccine apartheid and a lot of conflicts worldwide, it is a matter of pride that Bangladesh with its limited capacity. We have given shelter to millions of Rohingyas. There is little effort from international actors and developed countries on repatriation. It's huge pressure on our economy but we are committed for their dignity. Bangladeshis are proceeding toward morality and justice-based society, we will ensure technology for all.