DHAKA, March 20, 2025 (BSS) – Experts at a dialogue here today laid emphasis on an inclusive democratic society to help deliver Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) groups.

They mentioned that delivering SDGs for LNOB groups must resonate in the election manifestos.

They made the observation at the dialogue on “National SDG Report (VNR) 2025; Addressing the Interests of LNOB Communities” at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in the city.

LNOB is a central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the need to reach the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in achieving the SDGs.

The Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, in collaboration with the government of Bangladesh and the UNDP, with support from Switzerland, jointly prepared the study on the National SDG Report (VNR) 2025.

Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh Stefan Liller, Swiss envoy to Bangladesh Reto Renggli and Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed attended closing session of the dialogue as guests of honour.

Convener of the Citizen’s Platform and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya moderated the closing session.

Senior Research Fellow of CPD Towfiqul Islam Khan delivered an overview presentation on ‘National SDG Report (VNR) 2025’ at the opening session.

In his speech, Debapriya Bhattacharya laid emphasis on ensuring the voting rights of marginalised communities ahead of the upcoming elections.
 
"Political parties have begun drafting their election manifestos. If there are no specific commitments for marginalised communities in education, healthcare, and the economy, they will not accept these manifestos," he added.
 
The economist also stressed the importance of presenting accurate data rather than misleading narratives of development.

"While Bangladesh has made overall progress, disparities persist. Not everyone has benefited equally. Access to development has depended on one's social standing and background," he noted.
 
He pointed out that although the country's average life expectancy has increased, this improvement has not extended to disadvantaged communities.

"School enrolment has reached 100 percent, but not all poor children attend school. Without accurate data, effective policymaking for all remains impossible," he said.  
Lamia Morshed acknowledged that development had not extended beyond Dhaka for a long time and that real data had not been presented.

"Communities vulnerable to climate change, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minority people, Dalits, and women face various challenges. Addressing these requires significant efforts,” she added.

She said the government is collecting real data to formulate policies, and the upcoming National SDG Report (VNR) will reflect these realities.
 
Towfiqul Islam Khan said Bangladesh is currently pursuing a comprehensive reform agenda, one that is anchored in strengthening institutional integrity, restoring democratic governance, and promoting economic inclusivity.
 
The interim government is prioritising the enhancement of electoral processes, safeguarding judicial independence, and reinforcing press freedom, collectively aiming to establish a robust governance framework conducive to long-term stability, accountability, and equitable development, he added.

He said enhancing skill development, expand digital infrastructure, and create sustainable employment opportunities—particularly for youth and marginalized communities—remain high on the national agenda.

“Tackling illicit financial outflows and ensuring public finance accountability will also be pivotal for the country's long-term economic sustainability,” he added.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation, Towfiqul Islam said, Bangladesh emphasises the urgent imperative for strengthened international cooperation, recognising that a collective global development relies fundamentally on robust multilateral collaborations and enhanced commitments to climate finance, debt relief, and technology transfer.

“Together, the global community must build a future where prosperity is shared and the aspirations of each individual are realised, leaving no one behind,” he added.