Citizen Group members from Noakhali Sadar, Begumganj, Sonaimuri and Subarnachar participated in an orientation meeting under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) programme on 14 August 2025 at Nice Guest House, Noakhali. The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised the meeting in partnership with the Participatory Research & Action Network (PRAAN).
The orientation introduced participants to the programme’s objectives, planned activities and the roles of Citizen Group members, Community Volunteers and Field Coordinators. It also highlighted the importance of improving access to public services, advancing gender equality under SDG 5, and strengthening peace, justice and accountable institutions under SDG 16.
Through interactive sessions, participants explored practical tools for social accountability, including social audits, public hearings and participatory planning. These tools are intended to help citizens engage constructively with service providers, promote transparency and contribute to more responsive local governance.
During the group exercise titled “Bridging the Gap”, participants identified several barriers to accessing public services. These included limited public awareness, lack of trust in service providers, and the inadequate representation of women and marginalised communities in local decision-making processes. The groups also proposed practical ways to strengthen citizen participation and collaboration with Local Authorities.
Speaking at the event, CPD and PRAAN representatives emphasised the importance of collaboration, community participation and inclusive governance. The sessions were facilitated by Mr Avra Bhattacharjee, Additional Director, Dialogue and Outreach, CPD; Dr Dwijen Mallick, Project Coordinator, Nagorikata, CPD; Mr Md Jaouadul Karim, Monitoring and Evaluation Associate, CPD; Mr Md Mozahidul Islam, Project Consultant, Nagorikata, CPD; Ms Umme Salma, Programme Coordinator, PRAAN; and Mr Nurul Alam Masud, Chief Executive Officer, PRAAN.
A total of 88 participants attended the orientation, including 76 Citizen Group members. Among all participants, 49 were men and 39 were women.
The orientation helped participants develop a clearer understanding of active citizenship, social audits and inclusive governance. It also strengthened coordination among Citizen Groups, CPD and PRAAN, while encouraging participants to apply their learning within their respective communities and contribute to improving local public services.
This activity was organised under the project titled “Achieving a Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Society through Enhanced Engagement of Civil Society and Citizens in Bangladesh”, implemented by the CPD under the Nagorikata Programme. The project is jointly supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada, and the European Union in Bangladesh, and is facilitated by GFA Consulting Group GmbH.
