Subarnachar (Noakhali) Correspondent

As part of the feasibility study and evaluation of the fifth phase (CDSP-5) of the Char Development and Settlement Project (CDSP) in Subarnachar, a coastal upazila of Noakhali, a delegation of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) exchanged views with the local people and stakeholders at various levels. During this time, the changes in the lifestyle of the coastal towns through past projects, people's participation, achievements, limitations and the expectations and needs of the locals around the new project gained importance.

The exchange of views was held on Saturday (October 31) in the Selim Bazar area of Subarnachar. During the visit, the members of the delegation spoke to local beneficiaries, public representatives, political and social figures, and people from different walks of life.

The inspection team included Dr. Kwesi Maximin Kojo, Chief of Section, Independent Office of Evaluation, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). He listened to the experiences and views of the locals on the benefits of the CDSP and the latest Bridging Project activities, the rehabilitation of landless people, land settlement and the contribution of the projects to socio-economic development.

Prominent politicians and social workers of Subarnachar, Jamal Uddin Gazi, GIS specialist of Gazipur School, Professor Md. Rafiqul Islam, LGED Noakhali Senior Assistant Engineer Kamal Kanti Pal, Subarnachar Upazila Engineer Md. Hafizul Haque, Upazila BNP Vice President Khairul Alam Selim, former General Secretary of Purba Charbata Union BNP, Upazila Krishak Dal Organizing Secretary Sohag Chowdhury Sohan, Charklar Union Parishad Chairman candidate Md. Sirajul Islam Bhuiyan, social worker Md. Abdul Gani Selim, Belal Member and other local dignitaries were present at the exchange of views.

In the exchange of views, locals said that in the past, through the CDSP and Bridging projects, significant changes have been made in the settlement of char areas, land settlement, agricultural development, expansion of communication systems and improvement of the quality of life of people. Many landless and marginalized communities have benefited from these activities.

Highlighting the expectations of launching CDSP-5, the speakers said that if the new project is implemented, the issue of land settlement should be given top priority.

After listening to the locals' statements and expectations, Dr. Kwesi Maximin Kojo said that he came to the area to learn about these issues and spoke to everyone concerned.