‘Need concerted commitment for char development’

Bangladesh has gone through amazing socio-economic transformations, but the fruits of this progress could not be distributed as equitably as desired across the country within 50 years of independence, eminent economist and former governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Atiur Rahman said on Monday.

“Char areas are among such poverty pockets. Hence, on the eve of the golden jubilee of our independence, we expect concerted commitments for char development from all stakeholders,” he said.

“Along with government and non-government efforts, the burgeoning private sector can also significantly contribute towards development of these areas,” Dr Atiur said while delivering the opening remarks at an online workshop organised by Shamunnay and National Char Alliance.

The workshop was titled “Scope of Private Sector Engagement in Char Development,” according to a press release.

Managing Director of Express Leather Products Kazi Jamil Islam and Assistant Sales Manager of Incepta Pharmaceuticals Md Ayub Hossain — who recently visited char areas — shared their views about challenges and economic potential of char areas.

Ayub Hossain highlighted the unavailability of quality healthcare in char areas and inferred that private sector actors can help the char people through operating free-of-cost health camps in those areas.

Kazi Jamil pointed out that through engaging char people in production processes, private companies on the one hand, can increase their income and on the other hand, can contribute in enhancing resilience of the national economy.

Dr Atiur Rahman further added that private sector engagement in char areas should not remain confined to corporate social responsibilities. Rather they should look to utilise the char entrepreneurs as backward linkages to large industries.

Among others, Chief Executive of IPDC Finance Ltd Mominul Islam, FBCCI Vice President Rejaul Karim Rejnu, Managing Director of Plaummy Fashion Ltd Md Fazlul Haque, Head of Business of ACI Ltd Sudhir Chandra Nath, AGM of PRAN-RFL group Ashit Kundu Sajal, and other private sector leaders also participated in the online workshop.