Dhaka: Along with other actors, media can play a critical role in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing public oversight through objective and effective reporting on delivering the international development agenda.

Leading economists came up with the view at a daylong workshop on Saturday saying Bangladesh is on the path of graduating from the category of the least developed countries (LDCs) and is also pursuing implementation efforts to achieve the SDGs.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised the Appreciation Course titled LDC Graduation in the context of SDGs Achievements at BRAC Centre Inn Auditorium in the city.

CPD organised the workshop under its flagship programme Independent Review of Bangladesh’s Development (IRBD).

Thirty-two journalists from print, TV, news agency and online media of Bangladesh took part in the workshop that included lecture sessions by CPD professionals and implementation of group assignments by participants.

Head of Dialogue and Communication Division Anisatul Fatema Yousuf, introducing the workshop explained the need to better understand the complex realities of Bangladesh through the lenses of LDCs and SDGs.

CPD Executive Director Prof Mustafizur Rahman delivered the lecture on “Graduation from the Least Developed Country Category: Is Bangladesh Ready for a Smooth Transition?”

He presented the LDC graduation process, difference between LDCs and Middle-Income Country categories, and prospects, pathways and preparedness of Bangladesh for a smooth transition.

In his lecture, Distinguished Fellow of CPD Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya highlighted the distinguishing features of SDGs, the implementation challenges for Bangladesh, and the review and follow-up process of the global agenda. 

In his presentation titled “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Framework Issues and Implementation Challenges,” he emphasised the role of media in the multi-stakeholder approach of the SDGs.

CPD Research Director Dr Fahmida Khatun and Additional Research Director of CPD Dr Khondoker Golam Moazzem chaired the two sessions.

Group work sessions were facilitated by CPD Research Fellow Towfiqul Islam Khan. 

Eminent educationalist and member, CPD Board of Trustees Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam distributed certificates among the participants.