DHAKA, Aug 21, 2023-A signing ceremony was held at the Economic Relations Division at Sher-e-Banglanagar on Sunday marking a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society in Bangladesh.

The project document of the "Partnerships for a More Tolerant and Inclusive Bangladesh (PTIB)" initiative was ceremoniously signed, symbolising the joint commitment of the Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Norwegian Government, a UNDP press release said here today.

This multi-year initiative, aimed at understanding and preventing hate speech, cybercrime and other different issues related to online in Bangladesh, was initiated with a successful pilot phase from 2016 to 2017, which paved the way for its continued implementation.

In alignment with the global call by the UN Secretary-General for coherent and contextual strategies to counter violent extremism, the PTIB project underscores the significance of inclusive institutions, transparent politics, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

The signing ceremony was graced by distinguished representatives, including Sharifa Khan, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of the UNDP Bangladesh, who signed the project document on behalf of their respective organisations. The collaboration reflects the shared commitment to nurturing an environment of peace, tolerance, and coexistence in Bangladesh.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Silje Fines Wannebo, Charge d’ affaires of the Norwegian Embassy here, said: "The collaboration among the Bangladesh Government, Norway, and UNDP will only strengthen the objectives of the project, preventing hate speech and ensuring that Bangladesh evolves into a more inclusive and tolerant society."

Speaking on the occasion, Md Abu Sayed, Project Director of PTIB from the ICT Division, emphasised the transformative potential of the project, saying, "With a view to coexistence peacefully, this project will help a lot, I believe, and I would like to thank UNDP, the Norwegian government, and the ICT Division for this joint initiative."

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of the UNDP Bangladesh, expressed his enthusiasm for the project's next phase, remarking.

“We are very pleased to have signed the second phase of the partnerships for a more tolerant and inclusive Bangladesh project. This collaboration, which has been ongoing for several years, aims to promote a more tolerant Bangladesh by engaging with diverse partners, including youth groups, different ethnic communities, and various religious groups through a range of events and activities,” he said.

The PTIB initiative holds a vision of a harmonious Bangladesh where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity prevails. By building local research capacity and integrating findings into the project activities, the initiative aspires to contribute to national, regional and global discussions on preventing online harm and promoting inclusive digital transformation.

This collaborative endeavour underscores the commitment of the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP, and the Norwegian Government to promote tolerance, inclusivity, and harmony within the country. As the project progresses, it is expected to usher in a brighter, more tolerant future for Bangladesh.