South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) 13th Summit adopted a 53-point Dhaka Declaration to boost economic growth, and combat poverty and terrorism, improving regional relations including the South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA). The launching of SAFTA would mark an important milestone on the road to a South Asian Economic Union ensuring full implementation by 1 January 2006. Experts suggested that the success of SAARC is possible first by promoting friendship and fraternity and second by the expansion of trade, business, and investment across the region. Afghanistan became a new member of SAARC whereas China and Japan would remain as observers.

Bangladesh government in its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) clearly defined how poverty in the country could be reduced in a planned way. Now the Coordination among different government bodies, national and international NGOs, development organizations and donors seemed to be a must for an effective start and fruitful result. The government and development partners formulated an 11-point action plan.

The United Nations Foundation has pledged to give $33 million for immunization programme for about 35 million children of Bangladesh. Remittance inflow has helped Bangladesh cut its poverty by six percent, according to World Bank’s annual, ’Global Economic Prospects’ (GEP) report for 2006.

According to a revised draft of WTO on trade liberalization released on 18th December, the textiles sector, which earns 76 percent foreign exchange for the country, would lose the privilege of duty-free and quota free markets access under the latest WTO deal, said the Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in a report has said crop output in Bangladesh was better than expected and the global rice production also increased. In 2006, the prices might fall by five percent on average based on current supply/demand prospect, predicted by the FAO monitor.

Bangladesh will receive 220 million Danish Kroner (USD 3.5 million) as grant for human rights and good governance. The objective of HRGG programme is to ensure people’s participation in democratic process and to live in an environment of rule of law and enjoy human rights and security.

The Department for International Development (DFID), UK have signed an agreement on 11 December 2005 to give Bangladesh a grant of £57.5 million to supply the poor with low cost electricity in rural areas.

WG Petroleum LLC, a US-based multinational company signed a memorandum of understanding with Madina Gas Company of Bangladesh recently to invest $ 2.5 billion in Bangladesh’s gas and refinery industries.

Thousands of poor people in the northern districts suffered in the October-November lean season due to lack of employment and food. The agricultural day labourers finding no alternative work during this period suffered the most. To tackle the situation, the government allocated 8,450 tonnes of rice for Monga-hit 11 northern districts. Government also started other programmes for alleviating their suffering. RDRS also took short and long-term initiative to address the problem.

Bangladesh passed through a phase of anarchy, terrorism, and fanaticism in recent months. Frequent bomb explosions caused loss of lives and property. Suicide squad of the banned Jama’atul Majahideen Bangladesh (JMB) had taken huge toll of human lives including, 2 judges, half dozen lawyers, and many others in the civil society. The trend of suicide bombers was a new dimension of terrorism in recent time in Bangladesh. Government took stern steps to suppress the rise of religious fanaticism. The law enforcing agencies successfully arrested many of the top leaders and captured huge quantity of arms, ammunitions and bomb making materials from their possessions. As a result, the criminal activities of JMB were significantly curbed.

A total of 1,683 incidents of human rights violations perpetrated against women, most of which were on dowry and divorce related matters, occurred all over the country, according to newspaper reports monitored by the Massline Media Centre (MMC), an NGO. According to MMC, 754 women were killed and 556 were injured in the last three months.

Bangladesh experienced a cold wave in December and a number of children and elderly persons died in the northern part of Bangladesh due to acute cold and cold related diseases. RDRS distributed the warm clothes, quilts and blankets among the cold wave affected people.

2. Programme Development

Voter Education for National Election: As the National Election is due at the end 2006 or early next year, under its civic engagement programme, RDRS developed a proposal on promoting Voter Education of Vulnerable Groups in Northwest Bangladesh through Increasing Access to Electoral Process was submitted to the EU. The main objective of the project is to increase access and participation of the election-vulnerable groups (women, disable, minorities and elderly) in national election through promotion of civic activism and facilitation at grassroots and community level.

Participation of ethnic communicates in National Election: A Proposal on Promoting civic empowerment and participation of the ethnic communities of the Northwest Bangladesh in the electoral process was developed and submitted to The Asia Foundation (TAF) with the aim to make the ethnic people more aware and knowledgeable about the electoral processes, relevant laws and procedures and above all, about their civic rights and responsibilities which forms the basis of their civic and political empowerment. They will also have equal understanding about the election codes pertaining to the vulnerable groups especially the women and the disabled.

Community Forest: A project proposal on Sustainable forest resources management through promotion of community forest enterprises in northwest Bangladesh was submitted to EU Brussels on 31 October 2005. The overall objective of the project is to achieve sustainable improvements of the natural environment and economic life of the poor in RDRS working area (northern part of Bangladesh) through sustainable forest resources management. The project intend to ensure sustainable management of forest resources by involving community people in the protection of natural environment and promote ecological balance.

Comprehensive Disaster Management: A Project proposal titled Community Capacity Building Developing local Network for disaster risk reduction to vulnerable community for Comprehensive Disaster Management Unit in Lalmonirhat District submitted on 6 October 2005 with aim to increase community capacity to handle disaster at local level to reduce disaster impact.

Integrated Food Security Project: The 4th cycle for one year 2006 signed on 18 October. Under this project 46 Unions of 16 Upazila in 3 Districts of Lalamonirhat, Kurigram and Nilpahmari will be covered.

Addressing Monga (lean season): To address Monga and help the poor during lean/unemployment season, RDRS took initiative on its own. A total of 250 hard core Families were selected from 5 villages (poor) through Focus Group Discussion. The major activities under this initiatives included:

RDRS engaged poor people in ground rising and household repairing as part of creating wage employment.

Provided them 2-month long mat making training to create long-term wage employment. During the training the trainees received minimum wage compensation. After the training they would be able to earn 800- 900(USD13) Taka per month.

Assets transfer – each family received Taka 2, 000 (USD 31) for purchase assets or transfer assets.

Federations: RDRS continued its support to strengthen the institutional capacity of Federations (apex body of organized Groups of poor people trained by RDRS) till now a total of 140 received government registration with the Department of Social Welfare. With institutional identity, Federations exploring resource for and during this period, 8 Federations received fund from NGO foundations for the development activities.

Women’s Rights Coordination (WRC) Unit:
During this period, WRC unit emphasised on proper implementation and utilization of Gender policy at all level. The unit also published a Bangla journal through compilation of assisting laws related to Women and Children affairs. The main objective was to make aware about the laws among different stakeholders. The WRC unit also developed a gender calendar containing information of gender policy and poster on trafficking and shared with government official, Federation centers, other NGOs and placed in public places.

The meeting of the Central Women’s Forum was held on 18 December 2005 in Rangpur. With participation of Director, Community health, WRU Coordinator and Women’s Rights Officers and other senior women staff members, the meeting strongly emphasised on proper implementation of gender policy at all levels. Managers of all projects will be trained on gender and development. It was proposed to organize a Women’s Conference on International Women’s day. The meeting has encouraged female staff to ride motorcycles and to work sincerely and diligently. They are also advised to take training on motorcycles repairing.

With the support of RDRS, poor woman Radha Rani filed a court case against Rafiqul Islam and Yusuf Ali for their gang rape and physical torture on her. After long 2 years of the incidence, on 10 November 2005, Thakurgaon court gave the verdict in favour of Radha Rani and court ordered life sentence to Rafiqul Islam and Yusuf Ali and fined taka one hundred thousand each of them. The Judgment of this thrilling court case created confidence and has encouraged the poor people to face such incidences boldly.

SUCCEED project: RDRS is implementing a Project titled SUCCEED in collaboration with Save the Children, USAID. The main objective of the project is to provide education, equity, and technical assistance in the area of disability, gender and ethnicity through innovative learning model i.e. Early Primary Education (EPE) and Early Childhood Development (ECD). Under this initiative RDRS developed an Education Equity Directory which will be used as resources guide for the orgnsations working for.

The SUCCEED team organised a day-long validation workshop in RDRS Dhaka office on 16 October 2005 where about 30 selected experts and individuals from specialized organization in the related field attended. The main objective of the workshop was to receive comments and suggestions on draft EE Directory. The suggestions were incorporated while finalizing the EE Directory. The final Directory was shared with the Save the Children USA and USAID.

Manusher Jannay Project: RDRS is implementing a project titled civic education to ensure quality education for the children. Under this project a daylong workshop was organised in Keshorgonj upazila, Nilphamari district on 10 November 2005. The main objective of the workshop was to aware different stakeholders about quality education.

National Workshop on Food Security and Hunger:
In the recent past in association with Bread for the World (Germany), RDRS has undertaken study on “Food Security and hunger in Bangladesh”. The study was conducted with the assistance of number of Partner NGOs in Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to explore and assess possibilities of assistance in regards to reduce food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition for the

underprivileged, poor and ultra poor people of the community.This study focused a number of issues and key questions regarding the nature, extent and trend of poverty and level of food security and hunger of the ultra poor.

RDRS organised a National workshop on 27 November 2005 to present the finds from the study and sensitise the members of civil societies, government departments and other stakeholders to fight against hunger and poverty. Create space to explore suggestions for advocacy strategies to address government policies. Sensitise members of civil societies and other stakeholders to involve in taking programme to address ultra poor and hungry people. About 100 participants from different organizations, research institutions, government officials and donor agencies attended the workshop.

ACT International Study: In 2001 ACT International emergency committee established an ACT Forum in countries with more than one ACT member. As part of Fora case studies, a study of ACT Bangladesh Forum was held during 16 –23 December 2005. The objective of the study was to establish the difficulties, advantages and lessons learnt by the forum in Bangladesh and to draw conclusions on the forum’s capacity-building and other strengthening/support need and priorities. An international consultant along with a national consultant jointly visited the ACT member in Bangladesh and discussed with the organizations.

3. Relation with local partner

Celebration of Rokeya Day: Begum Rokeya was a pioneer of spreading women’s education in Bangladesh. Rokeya day was celebrated on 9 December with the theme of women’s education and their rights. WRC unit developed poster and leaflet on this occasion. The Federations celebrated the day with different programme like essay competition, rallies, discussion on Begum Rokeya and cultural programme.

WRC unit organised a daylong workshop at upazila level on dowry and mediation. The government officials, NGOs representatives Federations leaders attended the workshop.

Federations awarded prize: To encourage the Federations and Federation Leaders have been awarded prize for their proficiency and achievement. 37 Federations and 50 Federation Leaders have been selected for this award considering their organizational strength including the status of economic condition, civic engagement, social awareness, women empowerment, and leadership and so on. On the other hand, leaders have been chosen on their performance in leadership in terms of organizational development of Federation during 2005.

Environment and Disaster Preparedness Coordination Unit (EDPCU): EDPCU unit initiated to establish a Regional Disaster Network with the 15 NGOs in RDRS working areas. The main objective of the network is to respond to any disaster unitedly. A daylong discussion meeting was held to identify potential areas to work together to address disaster preparedness and responses.

Children Park/play ground:
The children in the cities are now basically confined to their homes watching TV and playing computer games due to lack of open space. As a result, their mental growth and physical strength may slow down. The cities in RDRS working areas are not different. Although there are some small parks and playgrounds for the children for playing, but most of these are occupied by illegal authorities for shops, stocking materials and

other purposes. RDRS is identifying those and intends to gradually take initiative to turn these spaces into the children’s playing ground for recreational purpose. In cooperation with the Pouhrashava (municipality) local government, RDRS took initiative for the first time to renovate a small park/play ground in Kurigram town for the children.

In the evening children rush to the park/playing ground and enjoy for passing their leisure time. The local people highly appreciated this initiative of RDRS and send their children to the park. RDRS also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pourashava to maintain discipline, keep the park clean and take care of the playing instruments and trees inside the park.

Training/Orientation on Earth Quack: A one-day orientation on Earthquake was organized for staff member in Dhaka and Rangrpur. The main objective was to orient staff aware on basic information o Earthquake on 16 November 2005.

4. North Bengal Institute (NBI)

Foundation Course: Foundation course on development issues for post-graduate women is an important regular programme of NBI. The course is designed to build basic interest, knowledge and skills among women. The initiative has already been proven as an effective measure for competent women candidates for employment in national/ international development organizations.

The sixth batch training started from 1 December 2005. 21 participants already completed month long classroom/academic training part. They are now attending a month-long practical field orientation.. Since inception of the programme in 2002, a total of 117 university graduate women received this training and most of them, by now, is employed in different development organizations/NGOs.

Begum Rokeya Forum: Begum Rokeya Forum, named after Begum Rokeya, an 18th century local pioneer in education and women’s advancement, was established by NBI to device educational and cultural initiatives for women empowerment. The members of the forum represent local educationists, journalists, social workers, lawyers and NGO officials.

During the quarter, Begum Rokeya Forum

formed its executive committee and finalized the constitution. The forum also took advocacy initiative to incorporate Begum Rokey’s literarture in school and college textbooks. Besides conducting regular monthly meetings, the forum facilitated number of events like observance of Begum Rokeya Day on 9 December, distribution of Begum Rokeya’s Portrait and Books (Rachana Samagra) to different educational institutes at Rangpur. In the long run, the forum is expected to operate independently using its own resources and capacities.

Capacity Building for Local NGOs: One of the major mandates of NBI is to facilitate and promote capacity building of local NGOs and CBOs operating in the northern part of the country as well as RDRS working area. During October-December quarter 27 participants from 24 different NGOs have received capacity building training on ‘NGO Management’ at Lalmonirhat training center and the training was facilitate by an external expert.

Internship Programme: During this quarter, NBI hosted routine Internship Programme for 3 foreign interns from Norway and Canada during this quarter. They studied on social development arena.

5. Executive Director’s visit

RDRS Executive Director attended ICCO Partners’ Conference in Soesterberg, The Netherlands, during 14-18 November 2005 and later visited Uppsala, Church of Sweden during 19-23 November 2005. He also attended AZZECON Annual Planning meeting in Pokkhra, Nepal during 6-15 December 2005.

Visitors: Visitors during the reporting quarter were as follows: