RAJSHAHI, May 30, 2024 (BSS)- United efforts of all the government, non-
government and volunteer organisations concerned can be the crucial means of
sustainable development through eliminating disparity.

Utmost emphasis should be given on bringing the left behind communities,
including dalit, transgender, ethnic minorities and people with special
needs, under the country's development process together with their
empowerment.

Government officials and development activists came up with the observation
while addressing the divisional conference of Advocacy Network Committee
(ANC) at Victoria Convention Hall in the city today.

On behalf of its "Empowering Left behind minority communities to effectively
participate in the Development process of Bangladesh (ELMC)" project, Wave
Foundation organised the meeting co-funded by the European Union.

Some other like-minded organisations, including Bandhu Social Welfare
Society, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, Citizens Initiatives,
Christian aid and Left No One Behind (LNOB) Coalition, supported it.

LNOB Coalition President Shaheen Akhter Rainy addressed the opening ceremony
as the chief guest with Mohanpur Upazila ANC President Muradul Islam in the
chair.

During his keynote presentation, Manuel Tu du, divisional facilitator of ELMC
Project, gave an illustration of the project along with its aims, objectives
and implementation strategy along with so far achievements.

Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development ATM Golam Mahbub,
Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs Shabnom Shirin, Anzum
Nahid Chowdhury Lucky from Christian Aid and LNOB Coalition Vice-presidents
Akbarul Hassan Millat and Foyzulllah Chowdhury also spoke.

ELMC Project Coordinator Aniruddho Roy moderated the discussion.

Around 250 people, including the ANC presidents and members from nine
upazilas in Rajshahi and 11 upazilas of Naogaon districts, joined the
conference and took part in its plenary session.

They also talked about the challenges and best learning of the important
activities adopted by the ANCs in the project covering areas and raised the
positive issues before the local authorities.

In her remarks, Shaheen Akhter Rainy said the present government under the
prudent and farsighted leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been
working relentlessly for improving living and livelihood conditions of the
underprivileged and disadvantaged communities.

She also urged the participating ANC leaders and members to improve the
living and livelihood conditions of their respective community members
through availing the government's anti-poverty steps properly.