Project Inception Meeting of ECDO
Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) officially launched its “Leadership Development of Tea Garden Women Workers on Their Rights” project supported by European Union and OXFAM with an inception meeting held on November 20, 2024, at Conference Room of Deputy Commissioner Office,Sylhet. The meeting was presided over by Lakshmikanata Singh, Executive Director of ECDO where Muhammad Sher Mahbub Murad, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet District, attended as chief guest, Md. Abdur Rofique, Deputy Director of Sylhet District Social Welfare Office, and Shahina Akhter, Deputy Director of Women Affairs Department, Khadiza Akhter Antara, Programme officer of OXFAM Bangladesh, Mr.Faruqe Mahmud Chowdhury, president of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJON), Advocate Emad Ullah Shahidul Islam, former president of the Sylhet District Bar association presented as special guests.
Community leaders from Doldoli, Kewacherra, and Hiluacherra, along with women workers from various tea gardens in the region also attended in the program. The gathering provided a platform to discuss the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and key activities, with engaging speeches from all the discussants.
Muhammad Sher Mahbub Murad, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet District, emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the living and working conditions of tea garden workers. He stated that “Government is committed to the development of tea workers, and we are implementing various programs for their welfare. In addition to government efforts, NGOs must play an active role in initiating development programs.”
Md. Abdur Rofique, Deputy Director of the Sylhet District Social Welfare Office stated that “Alongside empowerment programs, NGOs should consider introducing livelihood initiatives to strengthen the economic stability of tea workers”. The event also featured valuable input from the women workers themselves, who shared their thoughts and aspirations for the project.
The meeting ended by the concluding remarks of Mr. Lakshmikanata Singh, Executive Director of ECDO by expressing his hope for the support of all the participants and attendees of today’s meeting to ensure the success of the project.
