PM to open initiation of 3 SDG Villages on Monday

Three villages in Bangladesh are set to be transformed into SDG Villages by achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, officials said.

The villages are Pankhali in Dacope Upazila of Khulna, Mitinga Chhari in Kaptai Upazila of Rangamati and Nafanagar in Bochaganj Upazila of Dinajpur.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the initiative at Pankhali on Monday, August 10. He will also join virtually with residents of Mitinga Chhari and Nafanagar during the inauguration programme.

The initiative is being taken as part of the government’s efforts to implement the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, officials said.

Dacope Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Borhan Uddin Mithu said priority would be given to transforming the villages through poverty alleviation, resolving waterlogging, addressing climate-related risks, ensuring quality education, improving healthcare and achieving other SDG targets.

The initiative will also focus on reducing maternal and child mortality, expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation, empowering women, promoting renewable energy, protecting the environment, increasing afforestation, developing agriculture and livelihoods, and expanding digital services and technology.

The initiative has generated enthusiasm among residents of Pankhali, who said they had long dreamed of transforming their village.

They hope the programme will bring improved electricity services, new businesses, better agricultural opportunities, quality education, employment and improved basic services to the village.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun visited Pankhali on August 6 and spoke with local residents.

During the visit, he directed officials to provide necessary services and extend all-out cooperation to ensure the village’s development.

Pankhali Union Parishad Chairman Sheikh Sabbir Ahmed welcomed the government initiative, saying the declaration would help improve the socio-economic condition of the coastal village and create new employment opportunities for local residents.