DHAKA: British High Commissioner Robert Gibson and Australian High Commissioner Greg Wilcock visited Chars Livelihoods Programme (CLP) in Tangail and Bogra.

CLP aims to improve the livelihoods, incomes and food security of 1 million extremely poor and vulnerable women, children and men on island chars in north western Bangladesh.

After the visit, Gibson said “This was the first time I have visited the chars and I was struck by how fragile the environment is. We met many households who have been forced to move their home many times to escape the floods.”

He also said, “I saw with my own eyes how CLP is making a real and sustainable difference to poor people’s lives.”

Moreover, Wilcock said “I was struck by what the CLP has been able to help char dwellers strengthen and build their homes, health, assets, businesses, and communities.”

“In so doing, CLP has also built the resilience of these communities amid a difficult natural environment.  Australia is proud to have supported CLP”, he added.

The CLP is jointly funded by UKaid through the Department for International Development (DFID) and by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD&C) has partnership to implement the program.

The two day visit completed on May 19.

BDST: 1804 HRS, MAY 24, 2015
BD/RS/SMS