To mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a citizens’ assembly was held at the NRDS Centre, bringing together grassroots organisations, community leaders and activists to call for ensuring access to education, healthcare and social protection as essential measures to eradicate poverty.
The assembly was jointly organised by GCAP Bangladesh, ADAB and Noakhali Rural Development Society (NRDS). It was chaired by Advocate Molla Habibur Rasul Mamun, President of the Citizens’ Forum.
Among the speakers were Abdul Awal of NRDS, Aminuzzaman of Bondhon, Nurul Alam Masud of Khani and PRAAN, farmer leader Monir Ahmed, media activist Jamal Hossain Bishad, Abu Naser Monju, Bitul Talukdar, Advocate Mizan Talukder, and grassroots women leaders Panna Akter, Khodeza Akter and Shirin Akter.
The speakers highlighted the urgent need to create alternative livelihood and employment opportunities for rural communities, with particular emphasis on promoting employment for women amid emerging economic challenges, rising poverty and widening inequality.
They also emphasised that, alongside government initiatives, coordinated and effective action by local stakeholders, civil society organisations and communities is essential to building a poverty-free, equitable and inclusive society.
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