While the CSOs can play a key role for the localization, implementation, monitoring and voluntary reporting of SDGs, parliamentarians can foster its implementation through legislation, budget allocation and parliamentary oversight, said the speakers at a discussion session.
At the event, Parliamentarians Caucus on Migration and Development also stressed on the importance of enhanced cooperation between the CSOs and the parliamentarians in achieving SDGs.
These observations came through a dialogue on ‘The Progress of SDG Goals & Target’s Implementation on Migration and Development in Bangladesh’. The event was organized by the Parliamentarians Caucus on Migration and Development and jointly facilitated by WARBE Development Foundation, Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) and British Council’s PROKAS on 1st July 2019 at the Parliament Members Club in Dhaka. Syed Saiful Haque, Chairman of WARBE Development Foundation inaugurated the event.
To achieve migration related sustainable development targets, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah emphasized on the importance of having a practical approach, taking into account the country’s available resources. Highlighting on the need for collaboration, he also said that it would be almost impossible for the government alone to implement the SDGs.
In his keynote speech, Dr Md. Habibur Rahman, an independent consultant, presented the findings from an in-depth progress report of the implementation of SDG targets on migration and development by Bangladesh Government. According to the report, Bangladesh is performing better in remittance transfer cost as a proportion of the amount remitted compared to the neighbouring countries e.g., India, Nepal, Philippines. Human trafficking situation has also improved recently.
However, Dr Rahman pointed out that there is no official injury data for overseas workplaces involving migrant workers. He also recommended to strengthen relevant government institutions and to put in place investment schemes and social security schemes for returnee migrant workers.
Given the technical nature of the SDG platform, Syeed Ahamed, CEO of IID, highlighted the global best practices on the role of CSOs and parliamentarians in implementing SDGs. He also said that the active cooperation between the CSOs and parliamentarians can significantly increase the effectiveness of the Bangladeshi government’s monitoring mechanism of SDGs and help assist the government for proper implementation of migration-related SDGs targets.
Aroma Dutta, MP, urged to work closely with the country’s recruiting agencies to identify and address the loopholes that lie in the recruiting process.
Israfil Alam, MP and Chairman of the Parliamentarians Caucus on Migration and Development, moderated the discussion. Among others, policymakers Rezaul Karim Bablu, Shameem Haider Patwary, British Council’s PROKAS Team Leader Gerry Fox, ILO National Program Officer Rahnuma Salam Khan, RMMRU Programme Director Marina Sultana and Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra Executive Director Sumaiya Islam also spoke at the event.
