JS, UNDP launch orientation to strengthen oversight of SDGs, public resources

The Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Switzerland, on Sunday launched a two-day orientation programme for members of parliament to strengthen parliamentary oversight of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), public resource management and development projects.

It aims to equip parliamentarians with practical knowledge to monitor national development progress, scrutinise public spending and ensure that development initiatives deliver results for people, according to a press release. 

Organised under UNDP’s Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) project, the programme was attended by senior officers of parliament secretariat and members of parliament.

Speaking as the chief guest, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said, “It is not only the allocation of funds that matters; completing quality work within the stipulated time and budget, and ensuring that people benefit from it, are equally important”.

Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who chaired the opening session, said, “Achieving the SDGs by 2030 will not be difficult if we take it up as a challenge and approach it with goodwill, accountability and transparency. We need to advance the whole country towards sustainability, for a better future for our children”.

Stephen Rodriques, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said, “This is not a commitment that Bangladesh made to the United Nations. It is a commitment that Bangladesh made to the people of Bangladesh. Every taka that parliament approves represents an investment by the people of Bangladesh in their own future.” 

He added, “Parliament therefore has a key role in ensuring that as much of that investment as possible reaches the people it was intended to serve – all Bangladeshis.”

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said, “Achieving development goals is closely linked to the proper use of public funds. When allocated funds are used well, they translate into real development for people. This discussion is timely, and it will help members acquire the skills needed to ensure that.”

Earlier, Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan, secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of providing members with the information and institutional support needed to carry out their parliamentary responsibilities effectively.

The first day focused on Bangladesh and global progress towards the SDGs, national development priorities and parliamentary tools for monitoring implementation. 

The second day will cover public procurement rules, transparency in procurement processes, project management and the effective use of public resources.

The SDG sessions covered the global SDG snapshot, Bangladesh’s progress and priorities towards 2030, including findings from the 2025 Voluntary National Review, and the tools available to parliament, such as committees, budget scrutiny and debate. 

Facilitators included Owais Parray, country economic advisor, UNDP Bangladesh; Monzur Hossain, member (secretary), General Economics Division; and SM Abdul-Awal, principal coordinator (SDG affairs), Prime Minister’s Office. 

The procurement and project management sessions will be led by Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman, chief executive officer (secretary), Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority.

Through practical orientation and open discussion with experts, the programme aims to help members use reliable evidence in parliamentary questions, debates and committee work, so that development benefits reach people across all regions and population groups.