Dhaka: A recent White Paper Report has proposed that the government of Bangladesh organize a comprehensive forum in early 2025 to engage in extensive discussions with four key groups of international development partners. These groups include providers of external development finance, providers of preferential market access, hosts of Bangladeshi migrant workers, and foreign investors. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the suggested Forum for Inclusive and Sustainable Development aims to be held in Dhaka and is designed to enable the Interim Government to clearly communicate its medium-term development goals and reform strategies. This initiative is expected to attract both financial and technical support from international partners. The forum, planned to span one and a half days, is proposed to be organized by the Government of Bangladesh under the leadership of the Office of the Chief Adviser. It will involve active participation from the Principal Coordinator for SDGs Affairs, supported by the Eco nomic Relations Division (ERD) and in collaboration with the Local Consultative Group of International Development Partners (IDPs). The forum will bring together government agencies, the four identified groups of IDPs, experts, domestic investors, labor unions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other relevant stakeholders. The primary objectives include aligning the priorities of IDPs with Bangladesh's development goals, enhancing coordination between the government and IDPs, and discussing policy reforms. The forum also aims to identify measures to improve the effectiveness of development cooperation. The White Paper emphasizes that the forum's format should feature an inaugural session with a keynote address by the Chief Adviser, followed by sector-specific roundtable discussions, a feedback session, and a closing session where an outcome document will be adopted. This document will outline Bangladesh's future development cooperation agenda, providing a strategic roadmap for the country's ongoing de velopment efforts.
