Khulna: Aiming to improve the quality of life for citizens through awareness-raising, collaboration with local government, promotion of service activities, protection of citizens’ rights, and establishment of accountability, the “Community Forum Project” was launched today at the Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of Khulna City Corporation (KCC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the ADAMS Foundation, a non-governmental development organization, and was presided over by KCC Secretary Sharif Asif Rahman. KCC Secretary Asif emphasized that true development lies in improving the lives of ordinary people, and efforts must be made to serve them better. He highlighted the need for enhancing the quality of services across every sector.
The project is being implemented in 24 designated wards under the Khulna City Corporation area. Each ward committee comprises 40 members, and the formation of 24 youth committees across these wards is ongoing. Under this initiative, 960 members from the 24 committees are receiving training in gender equality, human rights, basic and reproductive health awareness, and income-generating activities.
Furthermore, the project seeks to bridge the gap between service-providing government agencies, particularly Khulna City Corporation, and the general beneficiaries, aiming to foster a collaborative and effective relationship through partnership. Additionally, 480 female members of the 24 committees are receiving financial support to become self-reliant. To ensure the Community Forum’s credibility, balance, and influence, members of civil society, including development workers, local dignitaries, slum leaders, and retired government and private sector employees, have been included.
Special guests at the event included ADAMS Foundation Executive Director S.M. Ali Aslam and President of the Community Forum Central Committee Sheikh Kamruzzaman. KCC officials, ward-level officials, and the presidents, general secretaries, and members of the Ward Community Forums also participated in the event.