Bagerhat, Apr 29 (V7N) - Bagerhat District Administrator Ahmed Kamrul Hassan has stated that investments will be increased to create environmentally friendly technology training and employment opportunities, and initiatives will be taken soon on how to allocate the local stage budget for this purpose. He made these remarks at a pre-budget advisory meeting organized jointly by Activist Bagerhat and Rampal, in collaboration with Binding Human Development Organization and ActionAid Bangladesh, at the Bagerhat Ladies Club on Tuesday morning (April 29th).

ASM Manjurul Hassan, the Executive Director of Binding Human Development Organization, presided over the meeting. Other speakers at the event included Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Executive Officer SM Mustafizur Rahman, Assistant Commissioner (Land) SM Nurunnabi, Environment Department Deputy Director Asadur Rahman, Youth Development Department Assistant Director Md. Sohrab Hossain, Upazila Agriculture Officer Tanmay Dutta, Bagerhat Press Club President Md. Kamruzzaman, Vice President SM Raj, General Editor Rabiul Islam, former President Babul Sardar, Project Implementation Officer Moses. Nasrin Jahan, and ActionAid Bangladesh Representative Md. Eye With Hossain. Over fifty youth members from Binding Human Development Organization were also present.

The meeting focused on important recommendations regarding equitable distribution of wealth, environmental protection, and youth development. Youth representatives from Binding also presented survey findings on local people's opinions, gathered through surveys managed by the Women Affairs Directorate, Melrin Technology Institute, Technical School and College, Upazila Agriculture Office, Social Service Directorate, and various offices including Shatgamboj, Khanpur, and Karapara unions.

Victim Imran stated that influential groups have long occupied canals in their area and expressed his hope that the New Bangladesh Godara Canal, Mandar Floor Canal, and Mowing Canal would be freed, though he has only received assurances so far despite various efforts.

Arnav Mestri, representing those working on environmental issues, demanded the protection of area canals and swamps and urged for considerations in budget allocation for alternative employment creation and climate adaptation, emphasizing that these environmental issues should be prioritized.

Samia Sulna emphasized the necessity of youth participation for sustainable development and expressed her expectation that their opinions would be given importance in budget planning.

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