Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperative Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has announced that the Department of Cooperatives (DOC) will spearhead the implementation of the globally recognized ‘three-zero’ theory and ‘social business’ concepts pioneered by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Asif Mahmud, who also serves as the adviser for the ministry of youth and sports, made this statement during a views exchange meeting with DOC officials and employees.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Mahmud highlighted that the ‘three-zero’ theory is an internationally adopted social and economic vision focusing on achieving zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions. He urged all officials and employees of the department to actively work towards these goals and embrace the ‘social business’ model.
The adviser noted that the institutional activities and performance of the Department of Cooperatives appear to be on a downward trend, and stressed the importance of taking steps to address this issue. He called for amending the cooperatives act to make it more relevant to current needs and emphasized the urgency of filling existing vacancies promptly.
Furthermore, Asif Mahmud instructed officials to initiate pilot projects aimed at connecting all members of the department through a network to help regulate commodity prices. He expressed optimism that the DOC would play a pivotal role in the country’s socio-economic development and the equitable distribution of resources.
The meeting commenced with a multimedia presentation on cooperative activities by Joint Registrar Mohammad Helal Uddin. The session was chaired by Registrar and Director General of the Department of Cooperatives Md. Shariful Islam, with Rural Development and Co-operatives Division Secretary Md. Mokhlesur Rahman attending as a special guest.