The virtual platform aims to enhance the outreach of MAB and promote the Local Economic Development model in Bangladesh
Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB), in collaboration with the PRABRIDDHI – Local Economic Development (LED) project, funded by the governments of Bangladesh and Switzerland, co-implemented by the Local Government Division (LGD) and Swisscontact, has launched its revamped virtual platform to foster local economic development and showcase the best practices for municipal development in Bangladesh.
Md Tazul Islam, the LGRD minister, launched the platform at Hotel Amari on Sunday.
The virtual platform aims to enhance the outreach of MAB and promote the Local Economic Development (LED) model in the country.
It connects 329 municipalities through a redesigned website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.
Following the launch, the minister also inaugurated a three-day digital capacity-building training for 40 municipal staff members to equip them with the digital literacy needed to utilize the virtual platform effectively.
Speaking as the chief guest, Md Tazul Islam said: “In alignment with the Smart Bangladesh vision, MAB – an umbrella organization for 329 municipalities – is enhancing its digital presence and outreach with the support of the PRABRIDDHI project.
“This newly designed virtual platform enables all municipalities in the country to easily connect, share their local economic development activities with the public and draw inspiration from each other to implement similar initiatives in their own areas. Consequently, the local economic development process will further accelerate.”
“On this occasion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Switzerland, a long-standing friend of Bangladesh for their continued support towards the development of the country. I also want to thank Swisscontact, which, under the leadership of the Local Government Division, is implementing these timely initiatives through the PRABRIDDHI project,” he added.
AHM Kamruzzaman, additional secretary (urban wing), Local Government Division; Md Kamal Hossain, joint secretary, Local Government Division, and project director, PRABRIDDHI; Nadim Rahman, senior program officer, the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh; Dewan Kamal Ahmed, president, MAB, and mayor, Nilphamari municipality; Md Khalid Hossain, secretary general, MAB, and mayor, Madaripur municipality; Markus Ehmann, team leader, PRABRIDDHI – Local Economic Development, Swisscontact; were among others who spoke at the launch event.
The program also featured a demonstration of the redesigned website and other social media platforms. Additionally, the invited participants enjoyed a laser show.
The PRABRIDDHI project, co-implemented by the LGD and Swisscontact, is currently being implemented in seven municipalities: Bogra, Jessore, Shibganj, Bhairab, Dinajpur, Kushtia and Cox’s Bazar.
News By
