Indigenous Peoples

Adivasi/ Indigenous Peoples comment on Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper prepared by the Government of Bangladesh

Consultation Meeting and Comments

Representatives and leaders of adivasi/ indigenous peoples groups were invited to discuss the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) prepared by the Government of Bangladesh at a consultation meeting on 28 April 2005 at IDB Bhavan, Dhaka. The consultation meeting was organized by the General Economic Division, Planning Commission of the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh with the technical support of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Facility (CHTDF) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Secretary for Information and Publicity of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) provided documentation of the consultation comments [ PDF ] made by the adivasi/ indigenous peoples representatives and leaders. Their comments focused on

• Overall structure and language of the PRSP
• Representation, participation and institutional arrangements
• Rights to Development and Constitutional Recognition
• Control over resources and recognition of the customary practices
• Cultural identity and diversity issues
• Gender and other mainstreaming issues
• Guidelines needed to address relevant issues
• Policy Coordination, PRSP and a Course of Action for the Future

The adivasi/ indigenous peoples representatives and leaders also expressed their appreciation to the government of Bangladesh for taking note of the issues and problems of the adivasi/ indigenous peoples in the PRSP.

Bangladesh and the PRSP

In March 2003, Bangladesh produced the National Strategy for Economic Growth, Poverty Reduction and Social Development which outlines the country's strategy to reduce poverty reduction and achieve the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). This strategy was shared with development partners and it formed the "road map" for the development of the full PRSP.

Bangladesh prepared its PRSP through a participatory process involving civil society and development partners, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The PRSP describes Bangladesh's macroeconomic, structural and social policies and programs to promote growth and reduce poverty, as well as associated external financing needs.

The PRSP entitled "Unlocking the Potential: National Strategy for Accelerated Poverty Reduction" is currently in its draft stage and is available for public viewing at the MDG website* of the Government of Bangladesh.

Sources*

• International Monetary Fund [ PDF ]
• MDG -Implementation of Millenium Development Goals in Bangladesh
• The World Bank Poverty Reduction Strategies

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