Joint strategy suggested to develop coastal areas

The areas, despite having resources, are lagging behind in all fields as there has not been any comprehensive development programme so far. The workshop held at Satkhia Pourasava auditorium was jointly organised by Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), Ministry of Planning and Pradipan, a local NGO, to create awareness about the need for joint efforts by all for sustainable development of the areas.

Mirza Shafiqur Rahman of BIDS (Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies) presented the key-note paper. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Humayun Kabir inaugurated the workshop as chief guest. It was moderated by Pradipan Co-ordinator Sazzadur Rahman Elin.

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Mentionably, the Water Resources Plan Organisation (WARPO) under the Ministry of Water Resources has taken up a four-year project to formulate an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP). Under the project, a 'Coastal Zone Policy' has already been formulated and approved by the government.

The workshop is part of a plan to involve administration officials and all stake holders including representatives from grassroots level in adopting recommendations to formulate a 'coastal development strategy'.

Officials of different government departments, leaders of professional and social- cultural bodies, civil society member, teachers, journalists, lawyers, local government representatives and NGO men took part the discussion and made recommendations to formulate the strategy.