Inclusive governance, stronger civil society engagement, and meaningful youth participation were highlighted as key priorities for advancing inclusive development at a policy dialogue held in Dhaka on Sunday under the “Nagarikata” programme.
The event, titled “Thematic Networking and Collaboration,” was held at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital with support from the European Union, Canada, and Switzerland. It brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, development partners, and youth leaders to strengthen multi-stakeholder cooperation.
Speaking as chief guest, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forests and Climate Change Affairs Md Saimum Parvez said collaboration among civil society, government institutions, and young people is essential for participatory development.
“We believe in a Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background, has equal opportunity and dignity,” he said, adding that constructive criticism from civil society is welcomed as part of improving governance.
“We have clearly seen how young people are shaping political discourse and social transformation in Bangladesh today,” he said, referring to the social and political shifts that followed the July popular movement.
Additionally, he called for greater engagement of “women and marginalized communities affected by climate change must not remain at the margins of decision-making.”
Shaheen Anam, executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation, outlined four top priorities: youth involvement, gender equality, human rights defender protection, and anti-discrimination legislation.
“An anti-discrimination law has been under discussion since 2013, but it is still not enacted. We need stronger political will to move this forward,” she said.
She also warned that human rights defenders remain vulnerable: “Those who speak for rights are often exposed to threats. Legal protection for them is urgently needed.”
Shaheen Anam further stressed, “Government and civil society collaboration must be evidence-based if we want sustainable and meaningful development outcomes.”
Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union Mikael Kreza described the current period in Bangladesh as a “transformational moment.”
“We are developing a Civil Society Roadmap for Bangladesh to strengthen civil society as a key partner in governance and policy processes,” he said, adding that “local knowledge and community voices must be at the centre of national development planning.”
Law officer of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Masud Parvez called for prioritizing the enactment of anti-discrimination legislation.
“Civil society can even bring forward proposals through private member initiatives in parliament,” he said, adding that “human rights defenders are not adversaries of the state but development partners.”
“Special tribunals and legal aid services are being strengthened to ensure faster justice for women and children,” he added, citing ongoing judicial changes.
Cooperation Chief Stephen Weaver, speaking on behalf of Canada, stated that Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable fortitude in its quest for social change.
“Despite differences in perspective, we must focus on finding common ground and working toward shared goals,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global Sohanur Rahman said young people must be seen as rights-holders, not just beneficiaries.
“Youth are not a demographic statistic. We are rights-holders and stakeholders in governance,” he said.
He added, “From tokenism to real inclusion, from beneficiaries to partners, from restriction to enabling civic space—this is the direction we must move in.”
He further said platforms like the Nagarikata Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) are critical in strengthening civil society action. “These platforms enable civil society organisations with funding and capacity support to expand impact across human rights, women’s empowerment, rule of law, and democratic governance, contributing to SDG 16 and SDG 5,” he said.
He warned, “If we fail to harness the demographic dividend, it can turn into a national challenge rather than an opportunity,” adding that youth must be meaningfully included not only as volunteers but as policy actors.
Stronger alignment between national policy frameworks and grassroots experiences will enhance government effectiveness and increase development results, according to speakers.
More than 100 civil society organizations participated in the day-long discussion, which was a significant step toward strengthening inclusive government, communication, and cooperation in Bangladesh.
Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning, stated at the occasion that the government has launched the “Family Card” program under the social protection framework, which he claimed will be especially helpful for women.
“This initiative has been introduced to ensure the support needed for women in raising families and children,” he said, adding that the programme aims to strengthen household-level social protection.
Highlighting key policy priorities, he said state reform has been identified as a major focus. He also noted plans to increase allocations for education and health in the upcoming budget, alongside measures to address long-standing regional disparities across the country.
Four topical breakout groups were conducted as part of the civic engagement program after the panel discussion. The workshops, which were sponsored by partner organizations under the “Nagarikata” project, addressed gender equality, youth engagement, anti-discrimination laws, and the protection of human rights defenders.
In order to improve cooperation among stakeholders in governance and social development, participants talked about future collaborative work plans, priority activities, coordination gaps, and real-world experiences.
*
Email *
Website
