Three villages in Bangladesh are set to be developed as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Villages as part of a government initiative to achieve the United Nations’ 17 SDGs at the grassroots level.
The villages are Pankhali in Dacope upazila of Khulna, Mitinga Chhari in Kaptai upazila of Rangamati and Nafanagar in Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur, officials said.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the initiative at Pankhali on Monday and join the programmes in Mitinga Chhari and Nafanagar virtually.
The initiative aims to translate the 17 SDGs into practical development activities at the village level, officials said.
Under the programme, priority will be given to reducing poverty, addressing waterlogging, strengthening climate resilience, improving the quality of education and healthcare, and advancing other SDG targets, said Dacope Upazila Nirbahi Officer Borhan Uddin Mithu.
The broader objectives include reducing maternal and child mortality, expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation, empowering women, promoting renewable energy, protecting the environment and expanding afforestation.
Agricultural and livelihood development, along with wider access to digital services and technology, will also receive attention under the initiative.
The initiative has generated considerable interest among residents of Pankhali, who hope the programme will bring tangible improvements to their coastal community.
Local residents said they expect better access to electricity, new business opportunities, improved agricultural activities, quality education, employment and other essential services.
Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun visited Pankhali on 6 August and held discussions with local residents.
During the visit, he directed officials to ensure the necessary services and provide all-out support for the development of the village.
Pankhali Union Parishad Chairman Sheikh Sabbir Ahmed welcomed the initiative, saying the SDG Village designation would help improve the socio-economic conditions of the coastal community and create new employment opportunities.
