A meeting bringing together representatives of donor agencies, development partners and policymakers from the administrative level was held in Dhaka to strengthen mutual trust and build a foundation for long-term collaboration in development initiatives, a press release said.

The meeting was organized by Food for the Hungry (FH) Association, an international development organization, at Agargaon in the capital. FH has been working in Bangladesh to strengthen the capacity of local communities, reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.

The information was disclosed in a press release issued by the organization on Monday. According to the press release, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to promote sustainable and people-centered development.

The event was attended by Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau Dr. Mohammad Zakaria as the chief guest. Joint Secretary of the NGO Affairs Bureau Dr. K. M. Mamunuzzaman attended as a special guest. FH Asia Regional Director Romel Fuerte and Country Director Bully Hagidok were also present.

Representatives of various donor and development organizations, senior officials of the NGO Affairs Bureau, senior leadership and officials of FH Association, and representatives of partner organizations also participated in the forum.

During the discussions, participants shared their experiences and recommendations on Bangladesh’s current development landscape, ongoing initiatives, emerging partnership opportunities, strategies for creating effective and sustainable change at the local level, optimal use of resources, and prospects for future collaboration. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening mutual cooperation to expand the impact of development initiatives.

A senior FH official said, “Mutual trust, transparency, accountability and long-term partnerships are the key to ensuring sustainable, inclusive and people-centered development in Bangladesh.”

FH Association also briefed the participants on its ongoing programs, achievements, field-level experiences and future priorities. The meeting highlighted the need for effective coordination among local partners, donor agencies, government and private-sector organizations, and other stakeholders.

Representatives of donor agencies and development partners shared their valuable feedback and recommendations on FH Association’s activities and expressed their interest in continuing collaboration in the future.

The press release further stated that FH Association believes such partnership platforms can play an important role in strengthening mutual understanding among development partners, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and opening new avenues for future collaboration.