DHAKA, May 2, 2024 (BSS) - A new initiative titled "Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund" was launched today aiming to empower all Bangladeshis, particularly women, girls, and marginalized people by amplifying their voices and ensuring their rights to equality, privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information.

The Civic Engagement Fund is collaboration between the United States, Canada, Switzerland, civil society, and the Bangladesh government to promote gender equality and robust institutions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16.

Chief Coordinator of SDG Affairs of the Prime Minister's Office Md. Akhter Hossain, Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau Md. Saidur Rahman, US Ambassador Peter Haas, Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Lily Nichols and Swiss High Commissioner Reto Ringgli joined the special inauguration event at a hotel in the city.

The Civic Engagement Fund will increase outreach and mobilise diverse groups of citizens, expand cooperation and partnerships among civil society organizations, provide grant opportunities, and strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations.

The initiative will also increase dialogue between civil society, government and citizens for more responsive and inclusive policies.

"Our support for the Nagorikota Civic Engagement Fund aligns with our commitment to empowering civil society for positive change and sustainable development. We remain dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing accountability, and upholding the rule of law," said U.S. Ambassador Haas.

"Gender equality is at the core of Canada's international assistance programming. Promoting gender equality is the most effective way to address the root causes of poverty. The Nagorikata Civic Engagement Fund supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which promotes gender equality, by empowering women and girls, strengthening their voice, and promoting their human rights. The fund will foster strong partnerships with civil society, strengthen their knowledge and capacity, and ensure that women's organizations, youth and others marginalized groups have a strong voice and achieve transformative change. Canada is a proud supporter of the Nagorikata Civic Engagement Fund, a catalyst for a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Bangladesh," said Canadian High Commissioner Dr. Lily Nichols.

"Switzerland staunchly supports stronger civic voices and citizen engagement at home and abroad and we stress that this is a universal principle that transcends borders. The creation of the Civic Engagement Fund is also a manifestation of Switzerland's long-standing partnership with Bangladesh as a committed, credible and innovative development partner," said Swiss High Commissioner RetoRinggli.