In order to strengthen inclusion and participation in decision-making and accountability mechanisms in Bangladesh, Cabinet Division of Bangladesh in association with British Council Bangladesh has launched a program titled ‘Platforms for Dialogue’ (P4D) recently at Hotel Radisson Blu, Water Garden today. Mr. Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Cabinet Secretary, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present as the Chief Guest.
Ms. Rensje Teerink, Ambassador and the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Dr. M Aslam Alam, Rector, Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre, Mr. Md. Mosharaf Hossain, Rector, Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy, Ms. Barbara Wickham, Director, British Council Bangladesh were also present as the special guests.
Platforms for Dialogue (P4D) will support the promotion of inclusive governance at local and national levels and will give emphasis on mutual responsibilities to foster a more collaborative relationship among the Government, Citizen, and the Civil Society.
At the district level, local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and representatives of local government will get training for capacity building in 21 districts (Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Bandarban Hill District, Feni, Brahmanbaria, Munshiganj, Gopalganj, Kishoreganj, Jamalpur, Netrokona, Bagerhat, Jashore, Kustia, Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna, Panchagarh, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Moulvibazar and Sunamganj).
After completion of the project, the CSOs will develop a range of skills and gather knowledge to engage with the local government and local administration in decision-making.
At the national level, P4D will support government institutions to attain the targets set in the 7th Five Year Plan and policies centered in the National Integrity Strategy (NIS), the Right to Information Act, 2009, Citizens’ Charter and the Grievance Redress System. New tools and policy platforms will be developed both at regional and national levels for effective and transparent Government-Civil Society/Citizen engagement on policy matters.
The project will be completed in June 2020. As for the estimated budget, 34 lakh taka will be provided by the government of Bangladesh and 13 million Euro will be funded by the European Union.
With this project, accountability and responsiveness of government officials will be raised through the enhanced capacity building of decision makers and engagement of CSOs. New tools and policy platforms for more effective dialogue between citizens and government will be developed also.
