Dhaka: Experts at a dialogue here today laid emphasis on an inclusive democratic society to help deliver Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) groups. They mentioned that delivering SDGs for LNOB groups must resonate in the election manifestos.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the observation was made during a dialogue on ‘National SDG Report (VNR) 2025; Addressing the Interests of LNOB Communities’ at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in the city. LNOB is a central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized groups to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving the SDGs.
The Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, in collaboration with the government of Bangladesh and the UNDP, with support from Switzerland, prepared the study on the National SDG Report (VNR) 2025. The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh Stefan Liller, Swiss envoy to Bangladesh Reto Renggli, and Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed attended the dialogue’s closing session as guests of honour.
Convener of the Citizen’s Platform and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya moderated the closing session. Senior Research Fellow of CPD Towfiqul Islam Khan delivered an overview presentation on ‘National SDG Report (VNR) 2025’ at the opening session.
In his speech, Debapriya Bhattacharya laid emphasis on ensuring the voting rights of marginalised communities ahead of the upcoming elections. “Political parties have begun drafting their election manifestos. If there are no specific commitments for marginalised communities in education, healthcare, and the economy, they will not accept these manifestos,” he added. He also stressed the importance of presenting accurate data rather than misleading narratives of development, noting that disparities persist despite overall progress in Bangladesh.
Lamia Morshed acknowledged that development had not extended beyond Dhaka for a long time and that real data had not been presented. She noted the challenges faced by communities vulnerable to climate change, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minority people, Dalits, and women and emphasized the need for significant efforts to address these.
Towfiqul Islam Khan highlighted Bangladesh’s comprehensive reform agenda focused on institutional integrity, democratic governance, and economic inclusivity. The interim government is prioritizing electoral process enhancement, judicial independence, and press freedom to establish a governance framework conducive to stability and equitable development. He also underscored the importance of skill development, digital infrastructure expansion, and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth and marginalized communities.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation, Towfiqul Islam emphasized the urgent need for strengthened international cooperation. He noted that a collective global development relies on robust multilateral collaborations and commitments to climate finance, debt relief, and technology transfer. “Together, the global community must build a future where prosperity is shared, and the aspirations of each individual are realised, leaving no one behind,” he added.