KHULNA, Oct 31, 2022 (BSS) - Khulna City Corporation (KCC) mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque today said the government is working tirelessly for building Khulna as a green, clean and ICT based modern city by 2030.
 
"Over the years KCC has taken up several initiatives to combat the impacts of climate change and attained Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)", he said at a seminar on 'Strengthening Urban Climate Resilience of Khulna' held in the city's Shaheed Hadis Park as chief guest.
 
The government has already allocated Taka 800 crore to implement the project regarding climate change, he said, adding that the project works has already been started.
 
GIZ Bangladesh in partnership with KCC arranged different programmes in Khulna city today to mark the 50 years of German Development Cooperation in Bangladesh. The programmes included rally, seminar, art, photography and poster competition with the theme ''Towards a Resilient Khulna by 2030".
 
Inaugurated by the KCC mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque, the programmes were attended by the visiting Parliamentary State Secretary to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Dr. Barbel Kofler and officials of the German Embassy Dhaka.
 
Dr. Barbel Kofler highlighted "German Development Cooperation started its journey in Bangladesh in 1972. Over the last 50 years we have worked in different sectors in excellent cooperation with the government of Bangladesh".
 
Students from different tiers of educational institutions participated in art, photography and poster competitions which were aimed at raising the awareness and encouragement among the youth to build a resilient and sustainable Khulna city.
 
Chaired by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KCC Laskar Tazul Islam, deputy director (Local Government) office of the deputy commissioner Mohammad Yousuf Ali and Divisional Director, Directorate of Social Service (DSS) Md Abdur Rahman addressed the event as special guests.
 
Pro-Vice Chancellor of Independent University of Bangladesh Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan presented the keynote paper on "Localizing the SDGs to built Urban Climate Resilience," while Bayzid Khan, assistant professor of Development Studies Discipline of Khulna University presented on "Building a Climate Resilient and Migrant-Friendly Khulna City: Challenges and Opportunities."
 
The day-long programme started with a colorful rally in the city titled "Clean Khulna, Green Khulna". The rally ended at the city's Shahid Hadis Park where different NGOs, community organisations, civil society organisations and Government Departments showcased their activities related to sustainable development.
 
Later, the chief guest distributed prizes among the winners of the art, photography and poster competition along with the best stall of the development fair were awarded with prizes by the guests in the closing ceremony.