Staff Reporter:
Speakers at a programme emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between government and non-government organizations to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized orphan children in the country.
They stressed the need for incorporating these children into social safety and income-generating activities to ensure their sustainable development.
Islamic Relief Bangladesh, a UK-based international development agency, organized the event under the banner of “Impact Evaluation Dissemination Session on Alternative Orphan Families Sponsorship through Sustainable Livelihoods” on Wednesday at a city hotel.Keya Khan, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs, attended the programme as the chief guest.
Among the special guests were Md Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General of the Department of Social Services; Sohrab Hasan, Joint Editor of Prothom Alo; Mohammad Hafizul Haider Chowdhury, Additional Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives; Md Anwar Hossain, Director General (in charge) of the NGO Affairs Bureau; Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Barishal; and Abdus Shahid Mahmood, former Director of Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF).
Talha Jamal, Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh, presided over the event, while Enamul Haque Sarkar, Head of Programme of the organization, delivered the welcome speech.In her address, Keya Khan stated, “We must work for the welfare of all people and the development of humanity.”
She urged all government and non-government organizations to work collectively to prevent child marriage and encouraged the promotion of personal savings at the family level.
She also highlighted the importance of training programs for the socio-economic upliftment of extremely poor families.
Talha Jamal noted that the four-year “Alternative Orphan Families Sponsorship through Sustainable Livelihoods” project was launched to enhance the dignity and protection of 900 orphan children and their families in Gangachara Upazila of Rangpur district.
The initiative aims to ensure sustainable development by integrating these families into livelihood opportunities and social support systems. The event provided an important platform for discussion on policy-level interventions and collaborative efforts needed to support orphaned children and their families, reinforcing the urgency of multi-stakeholder engagement for long-term impact.
