USAID
USAID: Some structural issues to be fixed in Bhasan Char
USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman has said there are some “structural issues” that need to be addressed in Bhasan Char before more people move to the Island.
Those already there need help to meet their basic needs with more livelihood opportunities, she said.
“We did talk about more livelihood opportunities for the people who are living in Bhasan Char. Housing (in Bhasan Char) is certainly an improvement over Cox’s Bazar (camps),” she said during an interaction with a small group of journalists at American Centre on Wednesday.
Also read:USAID launches $20mn project to protect critical forests, wetland areas in Bangladesh
Coleman who visited Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char said it is “more expensive” to support refugees in a “more isolated and remote area” while they will continue to work with their Bangladesh counterparts on the “issues of concerns.”
Talking about environmental impacts, she said it is not yet known. She noted the government’s efforts to protect it from flooding through embankments as it is a “fragile and vulnerable” area.
The efficacy and strength of the infrastructure of Bhasan Char and its disaster protection measures have been tested during the deadly cyclone AMPHAN, says the government of Bangladesh.
To address any extreme situation, it said, there are arrangements for evacuation in a timely manner as per disaster response management framework.
Coleman, who is not optimistic about any immediate repatriation, said every single Rohingya that she met wants to go home but they want to make sure that a safe environment is in place for a “dignified, voluntary and peaceful” return.
“We must all remain hopeful that there will be a day when they will voluntarily return,” she said before wrapping up her five-day Bangladesh tour which she says impressed her due to “incredible progress” that Bangladesh has made on socioeconomic front.
Coleman who will also visit Thailand and Laos as part of her tri-nation tour laid emphasis on giving access to education to all Rohingya children and noted the progress that has been made so far.
Earlier, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, during a meeting with Coleman, stressed that the US may influence ASEAN members to persuade the Myanmar government to stop atrocities on its own nationals and take the Rohingyas back to their own land.
Momen appreciated the announcement of the US government to contribute US$ 152 million under JRP 2022 for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis.
Also read:USAID Deputy Administrator Coleman in Bangladesh
Coleman deeply appreciated Bangladesh for hosting such a big number of Rohingyas from Myanmar stressing on improving provision of basic education, livelihood, communication, and transportation facilities in Bhasan Char.
Responding to a question, she said the ongoing crisis in Ukraine has put an enormous strain on global humanitarian assistance. “We’ll always stand by Bangladesh and the Rohingya people”
However, she said they also have to be cognizant of the strain on the global humanitarian assistance right now in an unprecedented way.
“It’s truly unprecedented,” Coleman said, noting that the food crisis around the world with increased food prices is a very big global issue that is affecting humanitarian issues around the world.
Coleman said they are committed to continuing their support for the Rohingya response making sure that the refugees who are here receive what they need and their basic needs are met. “It’s a priority for us.”
USAID launches $20mn project to protect critical forests, wetland areas in Bangladesh
A new $20 million ecosystems project has been launched to protect critical forests and wetland areas in Bangladesh from degradation.
Planning Minister MA Mannan and USAID Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming Isobel Coleman jointly launched the new five-year project.
The launching ceremony was held in a city hotel on Tuesday afternoon.
Also read:USAID Deputy Administrator Coleman in Bangladesh
USAID Mission Director Kathryn Stevens also joined to launch the new project along with other senior government officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; and the Ministry of Land, including the Department of Fisheries, Department of Environment, and the Bangladesh Forest Department.
The project will bring together government agencies and local communities to protect critical ecosystems, and build resilience to climate change impacts in the Sundarbans Reserve Forest in Khulna, and forests and wetland ecosystems in Sylhet.
The project targets two key areas, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Royal Bengal tiger, and forest and freshwater wetland ecosystems of the Sylhet border region in northeastern Bangladesh.
The project will also help communities build long term climate resilience by adopting climate-smart agriculture approaches and learning business skills to diversify and increase their incomes, moving away from reliance on natural resources from forests for their livelihoods.
The new “Protibesh” programme builds on a long-standing partnership between USAID, the government of Bangladesh (GoB) and local community leaders to protect and sustainably manage the country's biologically rich landscapes and ecosystems.
Also read: USAID launches $5 mn project to empower women in RMG factories
Applying lessons learned from previous interventions to strengthen environmental governance and sustainable forest and wetland management, “Protibesh” will be locally led by community members and GoB counterparts, including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Land, and the Bangladesh Forest Department.
As a result of “Protibesh” conservation, and climate adaptation and mitigation activities, Bangladesh will be able to combat the effects of climate change, protect the country's critical natural resources a rich source of life and livelihoods for the people of Bangladesh and build resilience to climate induced natural disasters, said the USAID.
Over the past 25 years, USAID has worked closely with Bangladesh to combat climate change and strengthen environmental conservation.
Over this period, USAID has worked with local communities and government of Bangladesh officials to protect more than 2.5 million acres of wetlands and forest areas.
With Bangladesh among USAID target countries in USAID's Climate Strategy, USAID is working to substantially reduce carbon emissions and help countries adapt to the climate crisis.
USAID Deputy Administrator Coleman in Bangladesh
USAID’s Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman is now visiting Bangladesh as part of her tri-nation tour.
After wrapping up her Bangladesh tour (May 7-11), she will travel to Thailand and Laos, according to USAID.
Also read:USAID launches $5 mn project to empower women in RMG factories
During her Asian tour, she will assess the needs of regional humanitarian crises, including the Rohingya refugee problem.
The United States appreciates Bangladesh’s compassion and humanitarian response to support over one million Rohingya refugees currently living in Cox’s Bazar district and Bhasan Char Island.
On April 4, USAID’s Administrator Samantha Power met with Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and discussed Rohingya refugee policies, joint climate action to promote clean energy solutions, and methods for improving Bangladesh’s business environment and galvanizing investment.
Administrator Power and Minister Momen commemorated 50 years of Bangladesh-US bilateral relations and reaffirmed their longstanding partnership on development.
The Administrator celebrated the strides Bangladesh has made in health and economic development with the United States at their side, and noted Bangladesh’s promising path to achieve upper middle-income country status over the next ten years.
Also read: USAID hosts workshop for DCAB members
During her trip, Coleman will also advance the United States’ partnership with ASEAN member countries, including Thailand and Laos, on the shared priorities of COVID-19, climate action, economic recovery efforts, and inclusive development.
Throughout the trip, she will also meet with women leaders and entrepreneurs, and local climate and health experts on the frontline of the global COVID-19 response.
USAID launches $5 mn project to empower women in RMG factories
US Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a $5 million project titled “Women Thrive in Bangladesh” to empower women who are working in readymade garment factories in Bangladesh.
With the US government support, CARE Bangladesh will implement the new project and expand professional development opportunities for over 100,000 women working in sector by equipping them with market-oriented leadership skills.
Read USAID: Some structural issues to be fixed in Bhasan Char
Media orientation prog on humanitarian journalism held in Cox’s Bazar
A media orientation programme on ‘humanitarian journalism’ was held at Cox’s Bazar on Monday for local journalists working for national and regional media outlets.
Around 30 journalists representing TV channels, radio stations, newspapers and online news portals participated in the orientation organized by Xposar Communication for World Vision with the financial assistance from USAID, at Hotel Beach Way.
Read: USAID hosts workshop for DCAB members
Anis Alamgir, a senior journalist and columnist, was the key speaker at the programme which was inaugurated by Abdul Moktader, Office in-Charge of Bangladesh Rohingya Crisis Response (BRCR) of World Vision.
Dr Makhan L. Dutta, Md Rajab Ali and Md Abdul Barek of World Vision joined as speakers while Sumon Francis Gomes and Henry Roy of World Vision, among others, were present. Journalist Shiabur Rahman moderated the programme.
Anis Alamgir in his speech advised the journalists to maintain ethics while reporting on any issue, particularly humanitarian crises.
He said all the reporting on any humanitarian crises should aim to contribute to the mitigation of the crises.
Read: 16 Days of Activism: USAID workshop highlights empowering women journalists
Anis Alamgir also highlighted the safety of journalists while reporting on wars or humanitarian crises. “Nothing is more important than life. So don’t endanger your life for any piece of news,” he said.
Md Abdul Barek in his speech focused on different Rohingya crisis response programmes of World Vision.
16 Days of Activism: USAID workshop highlights empowering women journalists
As part of the international campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence," the United States Agency for International Development Agency (USAID) organised a workshop for the Women Journalists Network of Bangladesh Sunday.
The participants talked about the role of journalists in producing constructive reporting and carrying out fact-checking.
Read: Media's role more important than ever to counter misinformation: USAID
They shared ideas on empowering women in the media and helping them overcome barriers and assume leadership positions more widely.
The programme "Women Thrive in Journalism," featured guest presenters, including Roving Asia Editor of the Global Investigative Journalism Network Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, and engaged women journalists on an array of topics.
Change food habit, reduce dependency on rice, Razzaque urges people
Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque on Sunday urged the people of the country to change their food habit gradually and eat other nutritious food and fruits reducing rice intake.
"Per-capita rice consumption in Bangladesh is 400 grams daily which is the highest in the world, in many countries people’s average rice consumption is only 200 grams daily, " he said.
Read: Agro revolution to be seen in saline areas: Dr Razzaque
The minister came up with the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a function titled ‘Bangladesh's 50 years: Achievements and Diversifications in agriculture’.
Bangladesh Agriculture Journalist Forum (BAJF) and Bangla Daily Bonik Barta jointly organised the program at a city hotel marking 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.
Dr Md Shajahan Kabir, DG of Bangladesh Rice Research Institution (BRRI), presented the keynote paper on ‘Rice based agriculture transformation in Bangladesh: research and policy nexus.’
He mentioned in the presentation that so far around 137 varieties of rice have been developed by BRRI which helped to the country become self-reliant in food production.
He also said one taka investment in agriculture research brings 51 times higher return.
Read: Dr Razzaque urges large companies to invest in agro-processing sector
FAO representative in Bangladesh Robert D. Simpson, USAID mission director Kathryn David Steven also spoke at the function as special guests.
President of BAJF Iftekhar Mahmud presided over the function while Editor of Bonik Barta Dewan Hanif Mahmud moderated it.
USAID hands over 200 cyclone shelters
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has handed over 200 cyclone shelters repaired under USAID’s “Increasing Community Resilience to Disaster (ICR)” project, implemented by World Vision in southwest Bangladesh.
The shelters provide over 100,000 community and project participants across Koyra, Dacope, Shyamnagar and Kaliganj sub-districts with access to safe and secure shelters during disasters such as cyclones and flooding and are the latest demonstration of the long-standing U.S. commitment to the people of Bangladesh.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Kathryn Stevens and Ranjit Kumar Sen, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief joined the programme virtually.
As a result of the renovation work, communities are now able to access the shelters with clean WASH facilities, including safe and potable water sources for drinking, toilets and hand washing facilities, which are now more important than ever in light of the Covid pandemic.
Initiative launched to end child marriage in Bangladesh
A new campaign has been launched to encourage people to condemn child marriage in Bangladesh that has thrived in the shadow of the pandemic.
The initiative -- 'Actions to Prevent Child Marriage in Bangladesh' -- is also designed to support every girl’s dream to achieve their aspirations and will help advance the objectives of Bangladesh’s 10-year National Plan of Action to End Child Marriage (2018-2030).
Read: Patuakhali child marriage: case filed against UP chairman and five others
The campaign, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will seek to collect one million pledges from adolescents, parents, community leaders, policy makers, business leaders and civil society representatives to prevent child marriage.
This will remind people that everyone has a responsibility to protect girls from early marriage, create a safe and healthy environment for girls and boys in their communities to help them reach their full potential in life, which in turn, would benefit the society, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.
“Child marriage is a human rights violation. We all must take charge to end a complex issue like child marriage that requires efforts along many fronts," said Xerses Sidhwa, Director of the Office of Population, Health, Nutrition, and Education of USAID.
USAID will continue to work to protect young Bangladeshis from this harmful practice, and work alongside the government of Bangladesh and other partners to eliminate child marriage, which undermines efforts to promote sustainable development, said Sidhwa.
Speaking at the launching event, Women and Children Affairs Secretary Md Sayedul Islam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to eliminate child marriage from Bangladesh by 2041.
"The government, development partners, non-government organisations, the private sector and relevant stakeholders must all work together to make it a reality.”
Read: Child marriage rate still over 80% in Bhola
He thanked USAID for initiating this timely campaign to help reduce child marriage that has thrived in the shadow of the pandemic.
Amir Hossain, Director of Information, Education, Motivation unit of the Directorate General of Family Planning, officials from the US Embassy in Bangladesh, and representatives of other national and international organisations also attended the event.
Bangladesh has made notable progress in curbing child marriage, with several studies showing a decline in the same.
Proportion of girls who married before the age of 16 declined from 46 percent to 32 percent between 2007-2017, while those who married before age 18 (the legal age) fell from 66 percent to 59 percent, according to the studies.
However, Bangladesh is witnessing a sharp rise in child marriages during the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by multiple factors including reduced income, especially in lower-income families, and school closures, said the US Embassy.
Read:13,886 child marriages in 7 months during Covid-19 outbreak: MJF
USAID’s Ujjiban Social Behaviour Change Communication project, implemented by Johns Hopkins University, is leading the public awareness campaign highlighting the health risks of early pregnancy and the high returns of investing in girls’ education.
The campaign will also help generate awareness about the current law in Bangladesh that prohibits child marriage, instruct people how to use existing mechanisms to report incidents in their community, and help victims.
US donates emergency Covid medical supplies to Bangladesh
The United States government on Tuesday donated emergency Covid-19 medical supplies to Bangladesh to help save lives, stop the spread of Coronavirus, and meet the health needs of people.
The US delivery that came through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is worth nearly $3 million.
The medical supplies include personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals and other frontline workers, laboratory equipment to expand Covid-19 testing, oxygen cylinders, and medicines to better manage and ensure timely critical care interventions for Covid patients.
The government of Bangladesh will distribute these supplies and medicines to the health facilities in the border regions where the need is greatest amid the current surge of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Also read: Covid claims 112 more lives in Bangladesh; positivity rate hits 23.97%
“Today’s handover of Covid-19 supplies and medicines are of the many examples of our successful and unique partnership as we find our way through the crisis together,” said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller during the event.
Health Secretary (Health Services Division) Lokman Hossain Miah was also present at the handover ceremony.
These supplies build on the United States’ ongoing efforts to mitigate the challenges posed by the pandemic in Bangladesh.
The USA has worked closely with Bangladesh since the beginning of the pandemic to strengthen the government’s response to prevent and respond to Covid-19, contributing more than $84 million to date in development and humanitarian assistance from USAID since March 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of State.
This assistance has helped save lives and treat individuals infected with Covid-19, strengthened testing capacity and surveillance, enhanced case management and infection prevention and control practices, and improved the supply chain and logistics management systems.
Also read: Massive vaccination to begin in July: PM
US support also focuses on protecting front line workers and increasing the public’s knowledge about Covid-19.
The United States has also provided 100 state-of-the-art ventilators and gas analyzers to help Bangladesh to produce its own ventilators, as well as tens of thousands of pieces of locally produced PPE including KN95 surgical masks, face shields, HAZMAT suits, full body gowns, medical-grade hand sanitizer, surgical gloves, and medical goggles to treatment facilities, law enforcement authorities, first responders, and customs inspectors.
The US support also includes mentoring and training for thousands of doctors and other frontline workers to improve the care given to Covid-19 patients across Bangladesh.
This support builds on the more than $1 billion in health assistance USA has provided to Bangladesh over the past 20 years and underscores the long-term commitment of the United States of America to ensuring access to quality, lifesaving health services for the people of Bangladesh.