Photo: BSS

KHULNA, July 14, 2025 (BSS) - Aiming to improve the quality of life for citizens through awareness-raising, collaboration with local government, promotion of service activities, protection of citizens' rights, and establishment of accountability, the "Community Forum Project" was launched today at the Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of Khulna City Corporation (KCC).

Organized by the ADAMS Foundation, a non-governmental development organization, the event was presided over by KCC Secretary Sharif Asif Rahman.

KCC Secretary Asif said that true development lies in improving the lives of ordinary people, and efforts must be made to serve them better. The quality of services must be enhanced in every sector.

It was informed at the event that the project is being implemented in 24 designated wards under the Khulna City Corporation area.

Each ward committee consists of 40 members, and the formation of 24 youth committees across these wards is ongoing.

Under this project, 960 members from the 24 committees are receiving training on gender equality, human rights, basic and reproductive health awareness, and income-generating activities.

The project also seeks to reduce the gap between service-providing government agencies-especially Khulna City Corporation-and the general beneficiaries, fostering a collaborative and effective relationship through partnership.

Additionally, 480 female members of the 24 committees are receiving financial support to become self-reliant. To make the Community Forum more credible, balanced, and influential, members of civil society-including development workers, local dignitaries, slum leaders, and retired government and private sector employees-have been included.

Special guests at the event included ADAMS Foundation Executive Director S.M. Ali Aslam and President of the Community Forum Central Committee Sheikh Kamruzzaman.

KCC officials, ward-level officials, and the presidents, general secretaries, and members of the Ward Community Forums also participated in the event.