Shamim Ara Begum
Executive Director
The mass uprising of July 2024, involving the youth and all sections of the populace in our country, and its aftermath, have profoundly impacted the entire nation. As a consequence, individuals including children, women, and men of various ages have been martyred. We pray for the eternal peace of their departed souls. We are hopeful that Bangladesh will undoubtedly advance towards its cherished goals, enriching itself in step with the global community.
Alongside the government, various non-governmental organizations are continuously striving to contribute to the nation's development by participating in development activities. In Pollisree's operational areas, the participation of the target population, especially women in development activities, has significantly increased. The target groups are becoming notably more aware and are preparing themselves in various ways for their own development. As the programs are being implemented with continuity, the engagement and impacts of the previous year will be evident in this report.
Adolescents and youth in the operational areas are able to engage in various development activities alongside their studies, which will play a vital role in their forward progression. In this regard, we are optimistic that the organization's experiential campaign, 'Safe,' will help reduce child marriage and assist women in pursuing higher education and securing employment opportunities. However, consistent follow-up on this matter is crucial. The active participation and continues follow-up of families and communities in this area must be specifically ensured.
We note with regret that the rate of violence against women and children has recently been on a significant rise. It is also noteworthy that the nature of abuse has taken on various forms, multi-dimensional aspects, and different manifestations of severity. We are apprehensive that this will substantially hinder development activities. Therefore, it is now imperative for the public, as well as social and state institutions, to enhance awareness and ensure effective legal measures. We desire that every individual can live with dignity, civic rights, security, and in a normal state.
Furthermore, Bangladesh is being significantly affected and damaged by climate change. As a result, human vulnerabilities and poverty conditions are intensifying daily, alongside increasing various risks. In such a situation, maintaining the continuity of development is essential. Here, I would like to mention that the impacts of climate change in the northern region are not always highly visible, yet the depth of its damage is no less than that of other regions. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to conduct research and implement remedial measures on these issues, and I request everyone's attention to this matter.
Pollisree believes that challenges and adversities will always exist; hence, it is crucial to make development more sustainable, continue it consistently through public and private efforts, and ensure the participation of all, including youth and women. We hope that through collective collaboration, the momentum of development will remain uninterrupted.