Former Planning Minister MA Mannan appreciated the role of Islamic Relief Bangladesh in poverty alleviation and encouraged both government and non-governmental organisations to collaborate for the betterment of impoverished families.
“More such projects need to be taken up in remote areas of Bangladesh,” he said while attending a seminar titled “Impact Evaluation of the Islamic Relief Model for Elimination of Extreme Poverty (EEP)” as chief guest at the Lakeshore Hotel in the capital on Thursday.
Mohammad Saidur Rahman, Director General (DG) of the NGO Affairs Bureau, Mokhlesur Rahman, Director of NGO Affairs Bureau, and Dr Salma Akhtar, Professor of Sociology at Dhaka University, were present as special guests at the programme. Talha Jamal, the Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh, gave welcome address.
MA Mannan, who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Planning Ministry, said that people now want development along with rights.
Mohammad Saidur Rahman said “Poverty is associated with many factors. Along with livelihood development, education, health and elimination of maternal mortality should also be given equal importance. Development is accelerated if private organizations work along with various initiatives of the government.”
Dr Salma Akhtar said “Sustainable projects are needed to ensure SDG goals. Many times poverty increases due to livelihood inequality. Savings of common people at the grassroots level plays an important role in eradicating their poverty.”
Pirgacha Upazila Chairman Abu Naser Md Mahbubur Rahman said that the “EEP model of this organisation is very effective and exceptional in eradicating poverty. The activities of Islamic Relief Bangladesh along with the government to make poor people aware of various issues including to realise their rights, services of various government departments and to develop families are quite commendable. I expect more scope of this project.”
Talha Jamal highlighted that the project has formed 40 self-reliant groups consisting of 1,000 women members, focusing on discussions, savings, interest-free loans, and skill development.
