ZCZC
BSS-48
UNDP-DEAL-SDGS
UNDP, CZM ink deal for financing SDGs
DHAKA, Jan 15, 2020 (BSS) – The United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) and the Centre for Zakat Management (CZM), signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) today for unlocking financing opportunities that would
help to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammad Ayub Miah, Chief Executive Officer, CZM
and Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh on behalf of
their respective Organisations, at the latter’s office in Dhaka, an UNDP
press release said.
Under the agreement, both the parties will work on exploring different
financing tools with a focus on Zakat, best utilization of the Zakat fund
that is aligned with the SDGs and evaluate the effectiveness, measure
efficiency and impact of Zakat-based development programs. Dialogues will be
arranged to identify different instruments and to enhance understanding on
SDGs for Zakat fund.
Signing the MoU, Sudipto Mukerjee said, “UNDP is happy to partner with CZM
and maximize developmental returns from Zakat. Conceptually, unlike CSR,
where there is an expectation for visibility, Zakat is completely
unconditional. I believe, coming together we can achieve more.”
Dr. Mohammad Ayub Miah, in his remarks said, “Zakat strongly aligns with a
number of goals in the global 2030 agenda. CZM is looking forward to working
with UNDP and thus further enhancing credibility in mobilizing and disbursing
Zakat Funds.”
Among others, Niaz Rahim, chairman, Arastoo Khan, treasurer, Munir Ibn
Hafiz from CZM were present, while from UNDP, Sonia Mehzabeen, operations
manager, Rezwana Hoque Chaity, programme support manager, Md. Mozammel Haque,
policy specialist, Md Shariful Hoque, project coordinator, SFLP and Md Abdul
Quayyum, head of communications were also present.
BSS/pr/MRI/RY/20:20 hrs