UNDP facilitates dialogues among MPs on gender-based hate speech, Delta Plan

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Bangladesh National Parliament, organised a knowledge-sharing event on Tuesday at the National Parliament Building to foster knowledge exchange and enrichment for Members of Parliament (MPs) with essential insights on two paramount issues: Gendered Hate Speech and the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100.

The Foundational Knowledge Exchange session provided a platform for parliamentarians and parliament secretariat officials to gain profound insights into the multifaceted problem of Gendered Hate Speech, a UNDP press release said today.

The discussion encompassed comprehensive definitions, diverse manifestations, and effective strategies to combat this pressing issue.

Additionally, the session facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, emphasizing the pivotal role that parliamentarians play in its successful implementation.

Prof Dr Akhter Hussain, former Chairman of the Department of Public Administration at the University of Dhaka, delivered the keynote address on Gendered Hate Speech, while State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam offered a comprehensive presentation on the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, shedding light on its significance for the nation’s sustainable future.

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, attended the event as a special guest and shared in his remarks, “UNDP is a long-standing and proud companion of Bangladesh on its development journey. Our collaboration with the parliament is grounded in a collective ambition and shared vision of a more equitable, prosperous, and resilient nation: a Bangladesh where gendered hate speech is a relic of the past, and climate resilience is a guarantee for the future.”

The event concluded with closing remarks from the chief guest, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury.

The speaker underscored the need for adopting a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach to effectively address hate speech while ensuring the successful realisation of the Delta Plan 2021.

“Together, we are charting a course toward a more inclusive and resilient Bangladesh. Let us persist in our collective efforts, recognising that our actions today will shape the future we bequeath to future generations,” she said.

The collaboration between the UNDP and the Bangladesh National Parliament signifies their joint commitment to promoting knowledge exchange, collaboration, and decisive action on issues that significantly impact Bangladesh’s future. This Foundational Knowledge Exchange session marks a significant stride toward building a more informed, resilient, and harmonious Bangladesh.

KM Abdus Salam, Senior Secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, moderated the event.(BSS)