Press Release
ActionAid Showcases 38 Years in Bangladesh
ActionAid Bangladesh, Dhaka, 23 October 2021
ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) exhibited its glorious 38 years of journey with a colorful daylong event titled ‘ActOnAid! Exhibition’ at a hotel in the capital’s Banani area on Saturday (23 October 2021).
The exhibition provided an opportunity for supporters to gain an in-depth knowledge of ActionAid Bangladesh’s initiatives, socialize with fellow patrons and meet some of the young minds who overcame adversities through long-term engagement and development initiatives.
This exhibition featured mainly the strategic priority programmes, special initiatives, success stories and impact on the communities of ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) and how one can support its mission and vision to achieve social justice, gender equality and poverty eradication.
"I am amazed visiting this exhibition! ActionAid Bangladesh works in the grassroots; their initiatives are remarkable. I like the Happy Home initiative of ActionAid Bangladesh where they ensure safe and secure living conditions for the girls, healthy meals, hygiene, and sanitation along with life education, skills development, psychosocial counseling, and recreation”, said a visitor.
Alongside the exhibition, Ms. Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) hosted and moderated a panel discussion titled “Inclusive development partnerships towards attaining the SDGs” with industry leaders, philanthropists, celebrities, young changemakers, academics and activists.
"ActionAid Bangladesh started its journey from Char Fasson, Bhola. No one knew about Char Fasson in those days, but we were there to support the communities affected by flood and cyclone. Since then, we have been here working with the most marginalised, in the very hard to reach places and in different geographical locations”, said Farah Kabir. She urged everyone to play a role in society as active citizens and contribute towards attaining the SDGs and for a beautiful green Bangladesh.
In this panel discussion, Nahim Razzaq, Member of Parliament, Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh, and Co-Chair of UNYSAB; Shams Mahmud, Director & Immediate Former President, Board of Directors, DCCI; Professor Selim Raihan, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, and the Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modelling (SANEM); Tareen Hossain Manju, Executive Director and Publisher, The Daily Ittefaq; Jannatul Mawa, Founder and Executive Director of Bindu; Sadat Rahman, Social Entrepreneur, and winner of International Children's Peace Prize in 2020 and founder of Cyber Teens; Shakil Ahmed, Educator, Futurist & Storyteller, Ridiculous Futures; Shamima Akhter, Head of Corporate Affairs, Unilever Bangladesh were present.
Member of Parliament, Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh, and Co-Chair of UNYSAB Nahim Razzaq remarked, “ We have not been able to give proper narrative to youth. Hearing the voice of the youth is important. At the same time, we need to have ownership of those voices”.
“We still have not been able to inspire enough for united effort towards a progressive country. From private sector, we do not see enough contribution. There is disconnect in terms of policies and we need synergy of public and private partnership to resolve this”, he added.
After panel discussion, there were some exciting activities including live music, dance, poetry, and drama by the girls of Happy Home. Renowned singer Bappa Mazumder and F Minor, an all-women ethnic minority origin band performed in the event as well in show of support. Prominent comedian & columnist Naveed Mahbub also graced the event with a special performance.
ActionAid Bangladesh’s Happy Home goodwill ambassadors - Sumon Patwary, actor; Raba Khan, Influencer & Entertainer; Anik Khan, poet and executive editor of Unmad also joined in this event.
Notably, ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB), an affiliate member of ActionAid Federation, has been working in Bangladesh since 1983 in solidarity with the poor and excluded people to end poverty and injustice. AAB aims to facilitate and empower people to challenge poverty and exclusion underpinned by its Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA).
