Experts at a programme on Friday said community radio may play role in achieving SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as the SDGs localization activities can be further accelerated by working closely with Community Radio.

They came up with the remarks in an experience-sharing meeting was held on SDG-16: Connecting and Empowering Voices for Just Inclusive and Peaceful organized by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) with the support of the Switzerland Embassy in Bangladesh.

The meeting was Chaired by Md. Mafidul Islam, Chief of the GED while AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, BNNRC presented the keynote address at the discussion held at the GED conference room in the Bangladesh Planning Commission in the capital.

AHM Bazlur Rahman in his presentation said public participation is one of the key issues in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “To achieve SDGs, all stakeholders need to be involved in the implementation process.”

He mentioned that this program of BNNRC is working on localization through 18 Community Radio at the local level and various activities are being implemented at the national level.

Speaking as chief guest Dr Md. Kawser Ahmed, member (Secretary) of the GED said Community Radios have been playing their role in building an inclusive and peaceful Bangladesh as per Bangabandhu's instructions without any discrimination between men and women, without leaving any distinction between village and town.

“To achieve SDGs, we have to work with all our aspirations and spread its benefits among all in a coordinated and equal manner. SDGs localization activities can be further accelerated by working closely with Community Radio. Community radio needs to be made more efficient by developing its capacities,” he said.

Mafidul Islam, Chief of General Economics Division, Bangladesh Planning Commission said Community Radios have been working to bring the strategy to the local people.

Munira Begum, Joint Chief, Md. Forhad Siddique, Joint Chief, Rahnuma Nahid, Deputy Chief, Mohammad Asaduzzaman Sarker, Deputy Chief, Md. Mahbubul Alam Siddiquee, Deputy Chief, Mohammad Fahim Afsan Chowdhury, Senior Assistant Chief, Shimul Sen, Senior Assistant Chief, GED, Hosne Ara Begum, Senior Assistant Chief, Shamim Muhammad Babar, Assistant Secretary, GED took part in the open discussion.