BNP’s political commitments predate SDGs: Amir Khosru

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has claimed that the core principles of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were already reflected in the BNP’s political commitments and development vision long before the goals were adopted.

He made the remarks while delivering the closing speech at a three-day SDG conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on Wednesday.

Emphasising the need to improve the livelihoods of grassroots artisans and cultural workers, Amir Khosru said the government has taken an overall plan to provide financial support to rural artisans and help them become self-reliant through better marketing of their products.

He said the initiative would be implemented with the participation of the private sector and NGOs rather than relying solely on the government.

The minister expressed confidence that fully implementing the BNP’s election manifesto would enable Bangladesh to exceed the SDG targets.

He said artisans such as shital pati makers and blacksmiths need more than capital. They also require access to quality raw materials, better product design and branding, and opportunities to market their products through international platforms such as Alibaba, Amazon and eBay.

He also announced plans to establish a “theatre district” in Dhaka to bring together people involved in theatre, including lighting and makeup professionals, and highlighted the potential of a sports economy to create jobs.

Citing Thailand’s “One Village, One Product” model, Amir Khosru said Bangladesh also needs to connect grassroots artisans with global markets through policy support and budget allocations.

He said a committee comprising government representatives, NGOs and private-sector stakeholders has been formed to implement the development plans, with fashion designers, handloom experts and field-level coordinators working together.

Amir Khosru said pilot projects were being implemented in different areas to identify and address shortcomings. He also stressed ensuring the rights and priorities of people with disabilities in government decisions.

The minister said the SDGs should not be viewed as charity but as a means of harnessing the untapped potential of ordinary people.

Referring to previous BNP governments, he said sustainable development initiatives had been undertaken during the tenures of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. He reiterated that full implementation of the BNP’s current political manifesto could take Bangladesh beyond the international SDG targets.

SKS