Dhaka: Experts at a seminar here highlighted the critical role of community-led initiatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh by 2030.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), held a high-level roundtable on 'The Power of Local: How Grassroots Communities Drive SDG Achievement in Bangladesh' at the BIISS auditorium. Senior government officials, diplomats, academics, youth representatives, and grassroots leaders discussed how Bangladesh can leverage local innovation and governance to address enduring development challenges.
Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, H¥kon Arald Gulbrandsen, was present as the chief guest while Executive Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dr. Fahmida Khatun, moderated the opening session. Director General of BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Sudhir Muralidharan, Dhaka University's Development Studies Professor Dr. Maruful Islam, Planning Ministry Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Head of Development Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh Dr. Michal Krejza, and Nijera Kori Coordinator Khushi Kabir, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Ambassador Gulbrandsen commended Bangladesh's progress while stressing the need for stronger local institutions, stating that investing in local governance is essential for ensuring lasting and equitable growth. Dhaka University professor Dr. Maruful Islam highlighted gaps in data and governance at the local level, emphasizing the need to empower local actors and strengthen data and institutions to realize the SDGs.
Major General Iftekhar Anis opened the dialogue by emphasizing the importance of local communities in shaping policies that leave no one behind. Sudhir Muralidharan underlined the importance of collaboration, stating that sustainable, equitable change is possible when rooted in inclusive planning and driven by community-led action.
Planning Division Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Harun reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering local government bodies to lead SDG implementation. Dr. Michal Krejza from the EU Delegation emphasized the importance of involving local communities, particularly women, in the localization of the SDGs.
Khushi Kabir from Nijera Kori stressed the importance of community-driven solutions, noting that outcomes are more sustainable and just when communities design and drive their own development. The discussion concluded with a call to strengthen local data systems, improve financing mechanisms, and enhance collaboration among government, development partners, and civil society to expedite progress toward the SDGs.
BIISS is a premier research institute dedicated to advancing policy-relevant studies on international and strategic affairs, while UNOPS supports the UN and partners worldwide in delivering peace-building, humanitarian, and development projects through expertise in infrastructure, procurement, human resources, and project management.