Speakers at a discussion on Tuesday stressed the need for the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) to revise its operational strategy and design programmes that align with the country’s changing socio-economic landscape, technological advancements, and poverty dynamics to sustainably reduce poverty and ensure inclusive growth.

The economic, social, cultural, educational, health and infrastructural realities of rural areas are no longer the same as they were when PKSF was established in 1990 and so timely changes in its intervention areas, scope of work, and operational methods are essential, the discussants said.

They made these observations at a special event titled ‘PKSF Strategy 2030’ held at the PKSF Bhaban in Agargaon, said a press release.

PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan chaired the meeting while Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader gave the welcome address.

Prominent economists and development professionals including Policy Research Institute Chairman Dr Zaidi Sattar, former Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University Dr MA Sattar Mandal, InM Executive Director Dr Mustafa K Mujeri, former World Bank Dhaka Office Lead Economist Zahid Hussain, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, BIDS Director General Dr AK Enamul Haque and Research Director Dr Kazi Iqbal, and economist Khondoker Bazlul Hoque spoke.

Others who shared insights include Planning Commission (GED) Member Dr Monzur Hossain, Sonali Bank Ltd Chairman Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, Agrani Bank Ltd Chairman Syed Abu Naser Bukhtear Ahmed, Microcredit Regulatory Authority’s Executive Vice Chairman Professor Dr Mohammed Helal Uddin, NGO Affairs Bureau Director General Md Daud Miah, researcher Dr Rushidan Islam Rahman, Financial Excellence Ltd Chairman Mamun Rashid, and Professor Dr Khaleda Islam of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Dhaka.

PKSF General Manager Dr AKM Nuruzzaman presented a keynote titled ‘PKSF Strategy 2030: Financing the Goals for Inclusive Growth’.