Speakers at a programme on Thursday called for localisation, inclusiveness, and tolerance to create social capital which is necessary for sustainable development in Bangladesh.
The social capital has to be based on four principles of the 1971 Liberation War and also with adherence by international actors on an international commitment like Grand Bargain, Development Effectiveness, and Charter for Change.
They came up with the comment at a session title “Culture of inclusivity and tolerance for unity with common minimum position and greater civil society mobilisation” at the concluding day of BDCSO process annual virtual conference.
Dr Atiur Rahman, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, chaired the programme.
Judith Herbertson, Director of Development, British High Commission, Ignacio Packer of International Council of Voluntary Association, and Johannes van der Klaauw, representative UNHCR, attended the programme as the chief guests.
The special guests were Sudanshu Shekar Sing, Humanitarian Aid International India; Sharif Jamil BAPA; and Murshed Alam Sarker POPI and CDF.
Panel members included Akbar Hossain RPS; Sayeda Yesmin AFAD; and AHM Bazlur Rahman BNNRC.
The session was moderated by Mostafa Kamal Akanda and Iqbal Uddin.
In his speech, Dr Atiur Rahman said although there are vaccine apartheid and a lot of conflicts worldwide, it is a matter of pride that Bangladesh with its limited capacity has provided shelter to millions of Rohingyas. There is little effort from international actors and developed countries on repatriation, it's huge pressure on our economy. Bangladeshis are proceeding toward morality and justice-based society, we will ensure technology for all.
Judith Herbertson said that British people are on standby and committed to assisting localisation and local civil society, there are already joint need assessment and coordination structures with local NGO/CSOs. The British government wants to see a vibrant civil society here.
Murshed Alam Sarker said international actors should not mention the capacity deficit of Bangladeshi CSO/NGOs, rather they should leave the operational leadership to the local NGOs, according to a statement.