NGO reps call for inclusive data for SDGs

NGO representatives have called for inclusion of accurate data in the country's Voluntary National Review on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

They have also proposed highlighting sector-wise progress and including information about students with disabilities who were injured during recent protests.

These recommendations were made during a dialogue titled "Bangladesh's Voluntary National Review (VNR) and Citizen Participation," organised by the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh today (27 October). The event, held at the Aloki Convention Centre in Dhaka's Tejgaon, was moderated by Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of the platform.

In 2016, the United Nations set the SDGs to eradicate poverty, hunger, and pollution by 2030. Like other UN member countries, Bangladesh is working to achieve these targets and has previously submitted two Voluntary National Reviews to the UN and is scheduled to submit its third review in July 2025.

The chief guest, Lamia Morshed, principal coordinator on SDG Affairs at the Chief Adviser's Office, said that the current government is working towards achieving the goals of zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions, which align with the SDG objectives. 

She mentioned that the government will take steps to remove the institutional barriers faced by the private sector and development organisations in Bangladesh's development efforts. She further assured that the upcoming Voluntary National Review will present accurate data and highlight ongoing reforms.

The event's chair and moderator, Debapriya Bhattacharya, emphasised that the national survey must genuinely reflect the nation and not be limited to government data. He stressed the need to highlight the conditions of marginalised and disadvantaged groups and to acknowledge the contributions of the private sector and NGOs. He also called for addressing data gaps and eliminating distortions.

It is time to evaluate the role of international partners in ensuring a sustainable path for development, he said.

Towfiqul Islam Khan, senior research fellow of CPD, presented the keynote paper at the event. He said in the third Voluntary National Review, Bangladesh's progress in good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, life below water, and partnership for all the goals will be highlighted.

Professor Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow of CPD, noted that new aspirations and expectations have emerged in the current context. He emphasised that the Voluntary National Review should reflect how a better future can be created for the youth, with a focus on generating decent employment opportunities. 

It is also essential, he added, to highlight the support provided by the international community in implementing the SDGs, particularly in trade and investment. 

Prof Mustafiz suggested moving beyond aggregate data to examine developments at a more segmented level and proposed that, alongside the government, civil society could also provide an independent evaluation.

Gwyn Lewis, UN resident representative, said progress should be inclusive. She emphasised that the Voluntary National Review should clearly reflect the contributions of private and development partners, and underscored the need to ensure data quality.

Rasheda K Chowdhury, executive director of the Campaign for Popular Education, questioned whether credible data sources should be limited to government agencies. 

She advocated for the inclusion of data from reputable private research, highlighting that the Voluntary National Review must address issues affecting marginalised groups, such as those living in hill tracts and tea workers, who face setbacks due to child marriage and child labour. 

Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (Shujan), said it is essential to highlight the extent of SDG goal achievement at the local level. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, implementing institutional reforms, and ensuring human rights.

Ahmad Mostak Raja Chowdhury, a core group member of the Citizen's Platform, remarked that achieving targets related to child health and maternal mortality will be challenging. He emphasised the need to improve the health system and make access to quality healthcare affordable.

Shaheen Anam, executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation, said everyone is working together to achieve the SDG goals. "As a result, there should be a reflection of all stakeholders' efforts."

Saidur Rahman, director general of the NGO Bureau, said the contributions of NGOs to social development — particularly in health, education, job creation, and climate risk mitigation — should be reflected in the Voluntary National Review report.