Bangladesh, Denmark embark on new development programme

Dhaka and Copenhagen have embarked on a new ‘Bangladesh Country Programme’ which is focused on poverty alleviation, climate change, governance and rights for the next five years.

The programme, which will take effect by the end of this year, is aligned to the Bangladeshi government’s Seventh Five Year Plan that aims at achieving middle-income status for the country by 2021, and the new SDGs, the Danish embassy said.

Ambassador Hanne Fugl Eskjaer and Bangladesh’s Senior Secretary of Economic Relations Division Mohammad Mejbahuddin signed the agreement on Thursday at the ERD auditorium.

The ambassador said she was ‘happy’ to sign the agreement.

“Denmark has been a friend of Bangladesh since its independence. The joint agreement we signed today is a testimony to our partnership that will deepen in the coming years as we go forward and turn the programme into practice on the ground,” she said.

The total support for the programme will amount to Danish Kroner 615 million which is around $94 million. The Danish government will contribute Danish Kroner 335 million. The rest will be contributed by the Bangladesh government.

The programme is aimed at “contributing to poverty reduction, growth and sustainable development as well as promoting democracy, respect for human rights, rule of law and good governance.”

It will be implemented in partnership with the ministries or government agencies, right-based NGOs, watchdogs and international organisations.

Several engagements include an effort to address the post-conflict situation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The whole programme consists of three thematic programmes:  Agricultural Growth and Employment; Climate Resilience and Sustainable Energy; and Governance and Rights.

The Thematic Programme on Agricultural Growth and Employment will support farmers to improve their productivity, food security, promote climate smart farming and link them with market actors.

At least 50 percent of the beneficiaries will be women. The Agricultural Growth and Employment Programme is a national programme and will cover all 64 districts of the country.

The Thematic Programme on Climate Resilience and Sustainable Energy will enhance adaptation to climate change by upgrading rural infrastructure in vulnerable areas in southern Bangladesh using labour-intensive approaches engaging and empowering rural poor women.

Access to renewable and efficient energy will be improved by working with the private sector.

Finally, the Thematic Programme on Governance and Rights will contribute to promoting rule of law, accountability and rights for poor and vulnerable people.

The Ambassador said the Programme has a “strong focus on inclusive, pro-poor and sustainable growth. Empowerment of the poor, the vulnerable and the women cuts across all interventions.”

“We have worked closely together while designing this country programme and we will continue to do so during its implementation,” she said.

“Denmark and Bangladesh have much to gain from continuing and further strengthening this strong partnership in areas such as development, climate resilience, business, research and culture”.