June 08, 2014
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Social Progress Imperative (SPI) reveals that Bangladesh has produced another ‘development surprise’ in the SAARC region. According to this report Bangladesh ranked 99 among 132 countries and has scored higher than Pakistan (124), Nepal (101) and emerging economic power India (102).
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In the face of all recent challenges, Bangladesh has made fair enough positive strides in improving working conditions and protecting workers rights. The recent improvements in labour standards are highly appreciated by the international agencies and representatives of various nations.
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Bangladesh stands to lose a lot from the adverse affects of climate change. Despite not being responsible for the current carbon levels, Bangladesh is taking a strong stance on the use of renewable or green energy such as solar power, wind power, and biogas. Recently, Bangladesh is getting global recognition for creating substantial job opportunities in renewable energy sector. In the last 10 years the number of solar powered homes has increased from 25,000 to 2.8 million and the newly emerging sector has generated 114,000 green jobs.
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From 2001 to 2006, Bangladesh saw an alarming rise in terrorist activities. From 2009 however, the tide has turned for the better. Tough anti terror legislations coupled with a strong political and social campaign against militancy and terrorism has made it difficult for local, regional and international terrorists to consider Bangladesh a safe haven.
Youth Voice in Politics & Development
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‘Policy Café’ created a platform for public discussion on National ICT Policy of the country as the government is going to have major programmes and projects regarding ICT sector. Young IT professionals, experts, and entrepreneurs shared their dreams about ‘Digital Bangladesh’ with Mr. Sajeeb Wazed Joy (honourable IT adviser to Prime Minister) and other policy makers present in the event.
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In Policy Café on “ICT, Education & Employment”, students from Dhaka University, BUET, and United International University (UIU), ULAB, NSU participated in an interactive discussion program and shared their discontents, appreciations, and recommendations regarding ‘ICT in education’ and ‘education in ICT’ with Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Honourable Minister (Ministry of Primary and Mass Education) and Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Honourable State Minister (ICT Division under Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology).
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Let’s Talk is the platform which offers young citizens to interact with the politicians and policy makers and to express their ideas related to politics, national issues and development of Bangladesh. This time the floor offered future leaders the opportunity to meet new ministers of two different ministries: honorable State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak ICT Division under Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Honorable State Minister Nasrul Hamid Bipu of Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. Students came up with suggestions regarding de-centralizing Dhaka and expand employment facilities outside of Dhaka, deep sea port of Bangladesh, E-payment facilities and lots more.
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After carrying out 11 successful Let’s Talk all around Bangladesh, mostly in different cities, this time the spotlight fell on Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Young participants were happy to get the chance to intearct face to face with him.
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Policy Study Circle’ is a unique podium for the youth to know & study the policies of the nation. Here, they discuss about policy framework, raise recommendations, and dream about their own policy. Thus, they progressively perceive themselves as the policy stakeholders of the nation. In University of Dhaka and United International University premises different university clubs took part to arrange the study circles.
Shared Learning
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On 15th May 2014, Democracy International undertook a shared-learning session with CRI. The general topic of the day-long event was ‘public opinion research’. Mr Glenn Cowan, co-founder and principal of DI, Mr. David Dettman, the Chief of Party for DI in Bangladesh and Executive Director of CRI were the key speakers in the session. They exchanged their experiences of conducting political research with CRI team.
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CRI, as a youth oriented “research zone”, has successfully taken part in the occasion of Eradicating Extreme Poverty day. Via a unique but active participation CRI showcased solutions to extreme poverty through the engagement of youth.
Centre for Research and Information
House 2, Road 11 (new) 32 (old)
Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209
Tel: +88029111260, Fax: +88029111319