Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources Advisor, has said that the struggle for establishing an equitable society and state is not just the agenda of an interim government, but one that concerns all citizens. She highlighted the necessity of civil society's support in achieving this goal and stressed that self-reform is equally important for state reform.
Speaking at the national consultation titled "Civil Society: Past, Present, and Future," organised by the CSO Alliance at the Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka today, Rizwana Hasan stated, "Any shortcomings in government initiatives should be pointed out." She noted that discussions are underway between the government and various commissions to foster an equitable state, and emphasised the importance of ensuring a free flow of information.
Rizwana Hasan mentioned that when protests occur, representatives of the protesters are engaged in dialogue, highlighting the need to maintain confidence in the government. "Things are being handled differently than by traditional governments," she added.
The Environment Advisor further acknowledged the significant contributions of civil society and NGOs to the state, urging the community to strengthen their bonds. She mentioned that discussions regarding the GNCC have taken place and progress has been advised, with plans to raise the issue in the next cabinet meeting, addressing various priorities.
Hasan also stressed the importance of self-reflection among NGOs and the need for the NGO Bureau to maintain transparency. "We must uphold our unique identity and collectively work with that vision," she asserted, urging civil society and NGOs to prioritize their work.
Notable attendees at the event included Sharmeen Soneya Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs; Rasheda K. Choudhury, Convener of the CSO Alliance and Executive Director of CAMPE; Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh and Advisory Committee Member of the CSO Alliance; Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Head of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission; and Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Other distinguished guests and important partners from civil society and NGOs also participated in the event.
