District Coordination Meeting with Duty Bearers

A District Coordination Meeting with Duty-Bearers was jointly organized by JSKS, PolliSree, and Society for Uddog under the ECSAP initiative, “Expanding Public Space and Strengthening Good Governance through the Participation of Civil Society Organizations,” with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Christian Aid, and the European Union (EU). The meeting was held on 23 September 2026 at the Conference Room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Dinajpur.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Shamim Ara Begum, Executive Director, PolliSree, with Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Deputy Commissioner, Dinajpur, attending as the Chief Guest. The Special Guests included Mr. S.M. Habibul Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General); Mr. Sheikh Hafizur Rahman, Deputy Director, Local Government; Agriculturist Mr. Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension; Mr. Md. Fariduzzaman, Deputy Director, Department of Youth Development; Mr. Morshed Ali Khan, Deputy Director, Department of Women Affairs; Mr. Md. Munir Hossain, Assistant Director, District Social Services Office; Mr. Manjur Morshed Sumon, Director, Dinajpur Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Tasmin Akter, Manager (M&E), MJF; and Ms. Ruma Sultana, Programme Coordinator, MJF, Dhaka.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Umme Nehar, Executive Director, Society for Uddog. Mr. Mustafa Kamal, Executive Director, JSKS, facilitated the meeting and presented an overview of the ongoing initiatives of the three organizations. His presentation highlighted JSKS’s DYD Project, capacity-building initiatives for members of PolliSree’s women’s clubs, and initiatives undertaken by Society for Uddog to promote sustainable empowerment and livelihood opportunities for marginalized women.

During the open discussion, project participants and beneficiaries shared their experiences and reflections on how project interventions had contributed to their increased confidence, skills, economic participation, and self-reliance. Mrs. Aparajita Roy from PolliSree, Mr. Ajay Kumar Hela and Mr. Apu Kumar Hela from JSKS, and Mrs. Parul Roy from Society for Uddog shared their personal stories and highlighted the changes they had experienced through their engagement with the respective initiatives.

In his remarks, Chief Guest Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Deputy Commissioner, Dinajpur, emphasized the importance of collective efforts to bring the Dalit community and other marginalized and disadvantaged populations into the mainstream of development. He highlighted the need for continued collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and communities to promote inclusive development and improve access to public services and opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

The meeting provided an important platform for government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, project participants, and other stakeholders to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration. It also contributed to strengthening linkages between civil society organizations and government duty-bearers for promoting inclusive governance, meaningful civic participation, and improved access to services for marginalized communities.