Enact policy to protect locals’ rights: speakers

Civil society leaders yesterday underscored the need to formulate a national policy to protect the rights of those affected during the execution of development projects, which often overlooks the concern of communities.

They made the call at a dialogue titled "Community Right in Development Project: Promises and Reality" organised by Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) in cooperation with Diakonia and Reality of Aid.

Md Shamsuddoha, chief executive of CPRD, said Bangladesh despite its limited resources has been executing small to large development projects across the country. But how much those will benefit people largely depends on project planning, implementation and operation.

"If the participation of the community, project beneficiary and other stakeholders is not ensured, the project fails to deliver its desired result. Unfortunately, Dhaka-Sylhet Highway Expansion Project and Sustainable Water Supply Project were seen devoid of local's participation," he said.

There should be a national policy to protect local communities' rights. If their rights are ensured, the influx towards cities will see a drop.

Mihir Biswas, joint-secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, said given the sensitivity of climate change impact in Bangladesh, development has to be chalked out carefully. Al Imran, research and advocacy officer of CPRD, presented his keynote presentation on two such projects.

Civil society leaders Aminur Rosul, Nikhil Chandra Bhodro and Md Shahjahan spoke, among others.