ZCZC
BSS-06
EALG-PROGRESS-ASSESSMENT (with picture)
‘Local government bodies contributing to attaining SDGs’
RANGPUR, Dec 30, 2020 (BSS) – Despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic situation, the local government bodies are contributing to attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Rangpur district.
The observation came today at an annual progress assessment meeting of the activities of union and upazila parishads being implemented with the assistance of the Efficient and Accountable Local Governance (EALG) Project in the district.
The district administration organised the event at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room with assistance of the UNDP, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Danish International Development Agency.
Eighty participants including upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, union chairmen and secretaries and district level officials involved in the implementation process of the EALG project attended the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Md. Asib Ahsan attained the event as the chief guest with Deputy Director (Local Government) Syed Farhad Hossain in the chair.
District Facilitator of the UNDP’s EALG Project Md. Matiur Rahman narrated annual progress of the activities being conducted by the upazila and union parishads with the EALG project assistance in two upazilas and 30 unions of six upazilas across the district.
“Along with enhancing capacity of local government institutions in planning and implementing development projects, efforts were put in creating public awareness and changing heath practice to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic situation,” he said.
He said the EALG project is being implemented in 18 upazilas comprising 251 unions in nine districts across the country including two upazilas of Kawnia and Mithapukur in Rangpur for enhancing expertise and capacity of local government institutions.
The chief guest said the present government is committed to strengthening the local government systems and various donor agencies and development partners are interested in this regard.
“Considering importance of the issue, the UNDP is working with the government for over the last one decade,” he said, urging all concerned to genuinely formulate integrated development plans and ensure proper implementation to attain the SDGs on time.
Asib Ahsan especially lauded the union level public representatives for working relentlessly amid the COVID-19 pandemic in preparing lists of beneficiaries, distribution of food items, ensuring home quarantine and creating awareness among the rural people.
He expressed gratitude to the UNDP for distributing huge health care items in a timely manner among the grassroots level public representatives, officials, employees and common people along with strengthening the local government bodies.
BSS/MI/MMA/1340HRS