A seminar titled "Awareness on Livelihood Development Project for Marginalized Communities" was held under the second phase of “Livelihood Improvement Project for Marginalized Occupational Groups in Bangladesh” at Charfesson upazila in Bhola district.
The event took place on Wednesday at 11:30 AM at Upazila Mini Conference Room and was organized and implemented by Charfesson Upazila Social Services Office.
The session was moderated by Upazila Social Services Officer Mamun Hossain, with the keynote presented by Rajat Mridha Sarkar, Deputy Director of Bhola District Social Services Office.
Upazila Executive Officer Rasna Sharmin Mithi presided over the seminar.
Prominent figures who spoke as panelists included former General Secretary of Charfesson upazila unit BNP Motahar Hossain Alamgir Maltia, COAST Foundation’s Regional Team Leader Rashida Begum, President of Charfesson Press Club Nasiur Rahman Shipu Farazi and Upazila Livestock Officer Ramiz Ali.
During the seminar, it was revealed that around 5,202 individuals in Charfesson upazila rely on traditional occupations such as blacksmithing, pottery, bamboo and cane crafting, folk arts, shoe repair, barbering, handmade instrument crafting, nakshi kantha embroidery and shital pati weaving. These artisans often struggle with limited market access for their products, resulting in financial hardship and, in some cases, career shifts.
The seminar also noted that 690 residents from Charfesson have already applied to participate in the project.
Discussions emphasized the importance of training, financial assistance and proper marketing channels to ensure these communities can achieve economic self-reliance.
Deputy Director Rajat Mridha Sarkar shared that the second phase of the project will be implemented in Charfesson and Tazumuddin upazilas. Selected beneficiaries will receive entrepreneurial training and financial support to enhance product quality and promote sustainable marketing practices.
The project aims to empower marginalized professionals by transforming them into successful micro-entrepreneurs and ensuring a better quality of life through inclusive development initiatives.
SF/SH
