Press Release:

Collaboration of civil society is essential for building an equitable state.
-  Rizwana Hasan, Environment Advisor

Dhaka, 19 October:
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources Advisor, stated that the fight for establishing an equitable society and state is not just an agenda of an interim government, but one for all of us. Achieving this requires the support of civil society. She emphasized that self-reform is also necessary for state reform. Any shortcomings in government initiatives should be pointed out. The government and various commissions are holding discussions to establish an equitable state. Free flow of information is being ensured. When protests arise, representatives of the protestors are being engaged in dialogue. Confidence in the government must be maintained. Things are being handled differently than by traditional governments.

The Environment Advisor made these remarks while virtually joining the national consultation titled "Civil Society: Past, Present, and Future," organized by the CSO Alliance at Lakeshore Hotel in the capital today.

The advisor further noted that civil society and NGOs have contributed significantly to the state. As a community, we need to strengthen our bonds. She mentioned that discussions have taken place regarding GNCC, and progress has been advised. The issue will be raised in the next cabinet meeting, addressing various priorities. NGOs also need self-reflection, and the NGO Bureau must maintain transparency. We must uphold our unique identity and collectively work with that vision. Civil society and NGOs need to prioritize their work.

Present at the event were Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, Adviser, Ministry of Social Welfare & Women and Children Affairs; Rasheda K. Choudhury, Convener, CSO Alliance & Executive Director, CAMPE; Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Former Adviser, Caretaker Government of Bangladesh & Advisory Committee Member of CSO Alliance; Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) & Head of the Anti-corruption Reform Commission; Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Asif Saleh, Executive Director, BRAC, along with other distinguished guests. Important partners from civil society and NGOs participated in the event.

Signed/-
Dipankar Bar
Senior Information Officer
Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
WhatsApp: 01710929596