The third consultation meeting of the National Technical Executive Committee was held today at the official residence of Hon'ble Minister Mr. Md Tazul Islam, to formulate the National Volunteer Policy of Bangladesh. The policy formulation process is being led by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
Mr. Md Tazul Islam, Minister, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives said, “Volunteers spontaneously took part in many welfare activities during the great liberation war, various natural calamities including the ongoing pandemic. The formulation of the National Volunteer Policy will help bring the voluntary activities of individual and group effort, as well as the private sector and development partners into the mainstream and give government recognition to volunteerism. To this end, a National Technical Working Committee has been formed which will hopefully be able to complete the formulation of the policy by June 30 through specific terms of references.’’
Discussing the importance of volunteering, the DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam suggested, "We should incorporate volunteerism and its concept into the school-college curriculum. Volunteers can play an important role in improving our socio-economic situation. So, it is important to recognize them."
Mr. Helal Uddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Department of Local Government, said, ‘’The policy can strengthen volunteer initiatives, enhance their capabilities and create a broader vision for protection by removing barriers."
Mr. Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP, thanked for this great initiative and said, "I believe it will be a successful, coherent and comprehensive policy. The United Nations will assist in formulating this policy and UNDP will provide all necessary assistance."
Ms Shalina Miah, Regional Manager for the Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Volunteers (UNV), thanked the Hon'ble Minister and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives for taking the initiative in formulating the National Volunteer Policy. She said, “Through the National Volunteer Policy, Bangladesh will be able to utilize voluntary activities effectively to achieve SDGs through a specific framework. This will boost the confidence of the volunteers and they will come forward to be a valuable link to the development process at a higher rate.”
Speakers stressed that the national policy would provide substantive guidance and protection to volunteers, which will lead to advance volunteering works in a systematic and productive way to contribute peace and development process and bring all efforts under one umbrella.
The National Technical Working Committee (NTWC) has already conducted two divisional consultation meetings with participants and stakeholders from Rangpur, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal, Chattogram, Sylhet and Mymensingh. Today was the third meeting which was moderated by Mr Dipak Chakraborty, Additional Secretary, Local Government Division & Convenor, NTWC.Dr. Kazi Anwarul Haque, former Additional Secretary & Policy Expert, Member, NTWC shared a presentation on the structure of the policy formulation.
Advisors of NTWC, Mr. Sultana Afroz, Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, PPPA, Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Md. Akter Hossain, Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Members, Mr. Md. Aktar Uddin, Country Coordinator, UNV Bangladesh, Ms. Hasin Jahan, Country Director, WaterAid and representatives from various government agencies, development partners, stakeholders, academiaalso spoke at the session where they highlighted the importance of volunteer policy, volunteer recognition, database, assurance of their safety, inclusivity and skill development.