Govt, dev partners need close collaboration
Former BB governor Dr Salehuddin says at Cirdap's 39th anniversary programme
Former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed yesterday said the government needs to closely interact and collaborate with the private sector, the donors and NGOs to enhance its rural development efforts.
He made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of a programme marking 39th anniversary of Centre for Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (Cirdap) at its auditorium in the capital.
“An overloaded bureaucracy of the government and fragile NGOs competing with each other or working separately will not be beneficial for the country,” said Dr Salehuddin, now a rural development expert at Cirdap.
Along with the government, NGOs have emerged as one of the institutions that are most effective in the alleviation of poverty in the country, he said.
“Rural development strategy must combine both growth-oriented programmes and target-oriented programmes,” he added.
The Cirdap anniversary programme comprised of six different sessions including four technical ones in two days.
Mashiur Rahman Ranga, state minister for local government, rural development and cooperatives, said the government is committed to ensure that Cirdap excels in its mandatory role and functions.
SM Ghulam Farooque, secretary of rural development and cooperatives division, said Cirdap has been implementing 21 programmes including research and pilot projects in Bangladesh this year.
The programmes will benefit government officials and students, he added.
Cirdap Director General Tevita G Boseiwaqa Taginavulau stressed the need for ensuring dignified life for rural population in the 15 member countries in Asia and the Pacific.
Former DG of Cirdap Durga Prasad Paudyal also spoke at the inaugural session.