Dhaka:Ramon Magsaysay Award-2026 winner Runa Khan has pledged her organization Friendship's support to Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal for enhancing living conditions in the haor areas of Netrokona. The assurance was given during a courtesy meeting at the Deputy Speaker's office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting included discussions on socioeconomic development, humanitarian initiatives, and strategies to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal congratulated Runa Khan on her prestigious award, highlighting it as a source of national pride and an encouragement for others involved in public welfare.
Kayser Kamal outlined the challenges faced by the Netrokona haor region, emphasizing issues in education, healthcare, communication, and employment. He proposed setting up a satellite hospital and introducing water ambulances to address healthcare accessibility in the region. He also advocated for better educational infrastructure and transport facilities to improve access to quality education for local students.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the region's untapped economic potential in fisheries, agriculture, biodiversity, and tourism, urging for a special task force to coordinate development activities. He highlighted the need for sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring the participation of local communities in water-body management to protect their rights and livelihoods.
Runa Khan commended the Deputy Speaker's dedication to the region's development, asserting that coordinated efforts are crucial for bringing about meaningful change. She reaffirmed Friendship's commitment to supporting healthcare, education, and employment initiatives in the Netrokona haor areas, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by officials from Friendship and the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.