Think about special stimulus programs for Chars: Dr Atiur Rahman

Bangladesh is performing better compared to many other countries during the pandemic-induced economic slowdown because of the stimulus packages worth 4.3% of GDP and the government working relentlessly to implement those, said Dr Atiur Rahman.

“Yet as Char households are overwhelmingly reliant on the informal sector, they are not getting adequate benefits from these stimulus packages,” the former governor of Bangladesh Bank and Bangabandhu Chair Professor of Dhaka University stated on Monday.

He made the remarks while speaking at a National Policy Dialogue titled “Char Issues in Post-Pandemic Development Planning,” organised jointly by the National Char Alliance and Shamunnay. The event was held at the Azimur Rahman Conference Hall at the Daily Star building.

“In this context, government may consider declaring special stimulus packages for Char areas. At the same time, it is also high time to start thinking about special Char focused projects in the Annual Development Program (ADP) of the National Budget,” Dr Atiur Rahman further said.

Gaibandha 1 MP Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary and SDC Deputy Head of Cooperation Corinne Henchoz Pignani were also present as the honorable discussants.

National and international development organizations working in Char areas were represented and local Char alliance representatives from Pabna and Jamalpur participated in the discussion as well.

Shamim Haider Patwary emphasized on medium to long-term planning by the government to ensure sustainable development in Char areas.

Pignani said that the government of Switzerland is ready to collaborate with the government of Bangladesh to improve the lives and livelihoods of the Char people.

Presentations by Oxfam, CARE, Islamic Relief and Friendship informed the audience about the current situation of Char areas across the country and future challenges.

In his closing remarks Shamunnay Emeritus Fellow Khondoker Shakhawat Ali urged the government, NGOs and the private sector to come forward and work together to improve the living standards of the Char people in a sustainable manner.