Chairperson of the governing board of Manusher Jonno Foundation Syed Manzur Elahi and Norwegian Ambassador Ingebjorg Stofring exchange documents after signing an agreement at the Norwegian embassy in the city yesterday. Photo: STAR

The Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) signed an agreement yesterday for supporting human rights and good governance activities in Bangladesh.
Under the agreement, the MJF will receive 60 million Norwegian Kroner (Tk 63 crore) over a period of three years to provide funding and technical assistance to 120 organisations all over the country, says a press release.
Syed Manzur Elahi, chairperson of the governing board of MJF, and Norwegian Ambassador Ingebjorg Stofring signed the agreement at the Norwegian embassy in the city.
On the occasion, Norwegian Ambassador Ingebjorg Stofring explained that support for 'good governance and human rights' is one of the main areas for Norwegian development cooperation with Bangladesh.
The embassy believes that the MJF approach has created a strong impact on livelihood, rights and governance issues, she said, adding that the project is reaching the poorest and most marginalised people of Bangladesh. MJF is contributing to important development programmes such as PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper), attainment of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and delivery of essential services to the poor.
Shaheen Anam, executive director of MJF, said she is confident that the support received from the Royal Norwegian Embassy will benefit the poorest and improve the human rights and governance in Bangladesh.
Syed Manzur Elahi said the governing board takes its stewardship role very seriously and assured that complete trust and accountability will be maintained in MJF.
AMM Moniruzzaman, deputy programme manager, DFID, Morshed Ahmed, senior development adviser, Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Ashraful Alam, director, Finance and Administration, MJF, were also present.