Concerted efforts of all the government, non-government and volunteer organisations concerned have become an urgent need for sustainable development through eliminating disparity.
Utmost emphasis should be given to bringing the left-behind communities, including dalit, transgender, ethnic minorities and people with special needs, under the country's development process together with their empowerment.
Government officials and development activists came up with the observation while addressing a view-sharing meeting with government officials and stakeholders concerned at Victoria Convention Hall in the city on Sunday.
On behalf of its "Empowering Left behind minority communities to effectively participate in the Development process of Bangladesh (ELMC)" project, Wave Foundation organised the meeting co-funded by the European Union.
Some other like-minded organisations, including Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, Citizens Initiatives, Christian aid and Left No One Behind (LNOB) Coalition, supported it.
With LNOB Coalition President Shaheen Akhter Rainy in the chair, the meeting was addressed, among others, by Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development ATM Golam Mahbub, Upazila Vice-chairman Parveen Akter, Upazila Women Affairs Officer Habiba Khatun and LNOB Coalition Vice-presidents Akbarul Hassan Millat and Foyzulllah Chowdhury.
During his keynote presentation, Manuel Tu du, divisional facilitator of ELMC Project, gave an illustration of the project along with its aims, objectives, implementation strategy along with so far achievements.
Around 50 people consisting of the Advocacy Network Committee presidents and members from nine upazilas in Rajshahi and 11 upazilas of Naogaon districts, joined the meeting together with sharing views on the issue.
They also talked about the challenges and best learning of the important activities adopted by the ANCs in the project covering areas and raised the positive issues before the local authorities.
In her remarks, Shaheen Akhter Rainy said the present government under the prudent and farsighted leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly for improving living and livelihood conditions of the underprivileged and disadvantaged communities.
She also urged the participating ANC leaders and members to improve the living and livelihood conditions of their respective community members by availing of the government's anti-poverty steps properly.
