DHAKA, Sept 4, 2025 (BSS) - Experts at a seminar here highlighted the critical role of community-led initiatives in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh by 2030.

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), held a high-level roundtable on “The Power of Local: How Grassroots Communities Drive SDG Achievement in Bangladesh” at the BIISS auditorium here today.

Senior government officials, diplomats, academics, youth representatives and grassroots discussed how Bangladesh can leverage local innovation and governance to address enduring development challenges, the discussants added.

Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen was present as the chief guest while Executive Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun moderated the opening session. 

Director General of BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Sudhir Muralidharan, Dhaka University’s Development Studies Professor Dr Maruful Islam, Planning Ministry Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Head of Development Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh Dr Michal Krejza and Nijera Kori Coordinator Khushi Kabir, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, as chief guest commended Bangladesh’s progress while stressing the need for stronger local institutions: “Bangladesh has shown remarkable development progress. Investing in local governance is not an option, it is essential for ensuring lasting and equitable growth.”

Delivering the keynote address, Dhaka University professor Dr Maruful Islam of Development Studies department identified gaps in data and governance at the local level: “We have the vision, but to realize it we must empower local actors, safeguard their autonomy, and strengthen data and institutions to turn plans into tangible outcomes.”

Opening the dialogue, Director General of BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis said, “Real progress lies in the hands of our local communities. Their lived experiences and solutions are invaluable in shaping policies that truly leave no one behind.”

Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Sudhir Muralidharan underlined the importance of collaboration saying, “Together with BIISS, we are amplifying local voices and efforts. Sustainable, equitable change is only possible when it is rooted in inclusive planning and driven by community-led action.”

Planning Division Secretary of the Ministry of Planning as representing the government of Bangladesh, Iqbal Abdullah Harun in his speech reaffirmed official commitment and said, “Our priority is empowering local government bodies to lead SDG implementation. Their success is our nation’s success.”

Head of Development Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh Dr Michal Krejza added: “The SDGs cannot succeed through a top-down approach. Involving local communities is paramount. The EU has consistently supported Bangladesh in localizing the SDGs, with women at the center.”

Bringing a grassroots voice, Coordinator of Nijera Kori Khushi Kabir stressed the importance of community-driven solutions and said, “When communities design and drive their own development, outcomes are more sustainable and just. This roundtable is a step towards recognizing that power.”

The discussion concluded with a collective call to strengthen local data systems, improve financing mechanisms, and advance deeper collaboration among government, development partners, and civil society to accelerate progress toward the SDGs.

The BIISS is a premier research institute dedicated to advancing policy-relevant studies on international and strategic affairs while UNOPS supports the UN and partners worldwide in delivering peace-building, humanitarian and development projects through expertise in infrastructure, procurement, human resources and project management.