News Flash
RAJSHAHI, July 13, 2026 (BSS)- Experts at a participatory discussion here today unanimously commented that there is no alternative to gender-based and reliable data to ensure inclusive development.
Utmost emphasis must be placed on producing and using quality, gender-based data at the local level to properly reflect the real needs, experiences, and development-related requirements of women and marginalized communities in policymaking.
They made these remarks at a training program titled ‘Gender-Disaggregated Data Generation for SDG Localization’, held at the conference room of the National Research and Training Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in Rajshahi.
Professor Dr. Monsur Rahman, chairman of the Department of Statistics at Rajshahi University (RU), addressed the event as the chief guest.
He stated that if data collection, analysis, and reporting at the local level are strengthened in alignment with the national statistical framework, it will be possible to assess progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) more effectively.
At the same time, the policymaking process will become more data-driven, participatory, and inclusive.
The training was jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) to enhance the importance and practical capacity of using gender-based data in localizing the SDGs.
This initiative, conducted under the project to accelerate SDG localization in Bangladesh, aims to develop an effective ‘Bangladesh Model’ for implementing SDG-5 (Gender Equality) and SDG-16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Special guests at the event included District Superintendent of Police Mohammad Naimul Hassan and UNOPS Partnership Advisor Shirin Sultana.
The technical session was conducted by Md. Alamgir Hossain, Focal Point Officer of the SDG Cell at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. He highlighted gender-related SDG indicators, data sources, and various aspects of using gender-based data at the local level.
Representatives from district and upazila administrations, local government officials, statistical officers, civil society representatives and stakeholders from various organizations participated in the training.
The programme emphasized strengthening the collection, analysis, and use of gender-based data at the local level to formulate evidence-based and inclusive development plans.
Speakers said that sustainable development cannot be ensured without reliable and gender-sensitive data.
In particular, they stressed that improving the quality of local-level data is urgent for implementing the government’s national priority targets and SDG-5 and SDG-16 related indicators.
The importance of data was also highlighted in ensuring women’s participation, good governance, access to services, accountability, and gender-sensitive policymaking.
In the open discussion, participants raised the challenges and opportunities of collecting gender-based data at the local level, as well as the need to strengthen coordination among various institutions.
The organisers hope that this initiative will enhance the capacity for preserving and reporting gender-based data at the local level, enrich the national SDG tracker, and play a significant role in achieving the goal of creating 190 ‘SDG Data Champions’ across Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Chattogram divisions.
