A Regional Public Gathering 2025 was held in Noakhali on Monday with a collective call for tax justice, accessible healthcare, and social protection for all.
The day-long event took place at the NRDS Centre in Noakhali district town, jointly organized by SDG Action Alliance and non-governmental organization NRDS, with support from G-CAP. The gathering brought together a diverse group of participants, including citizen representatives, youth leaders, professionals, and development stakeholders from across the district.
In the welcome speech, Abdul Awal, Executive Director of NRDS, remarked, “Only 15% of the SDG promises have been fulfilled so far. Per capita income does not reflect true development as inflation continues to severely affect the quality of life. Developed nations must be held accountable for environmental degradation.”
Grassroots women leader Ayesha Begum highlighted the rising cost of healthcare and said, “If tax justice is ensured, public healthcare can become more affordable and people-friendly.” She urged the government to strengthen community clinics to provide basic healthcare for marginalized communities.
Youth representative Arafat Hossain expressed concern over the lack of government initiatives for climate refugees. “Due to widespread tax evasion, the benefits of social protection are not reaching everyone. With tax justice, much of the loss and damage from climate change could be mitigated,” he said.
Several civil society leaders present at the event pointed out that wealthy individuals often evade taxes, depriving the state of revenue that could be invested in the development of vulnerable coastal communities. They called for utilizing such funds to improve living conditions in these areas and demanded a unified movement against inequality to achieve sustainable development.
The event was presided over by Aminuzzaman Milon, Executive Director of NGO Bondhon.
Panel discussions featured rights activist Farzana Kawsar Tithi, farmer representative Nur Uddin, and community leaders Sabita Rani Talukder and Fahida Sultana. Other speakers included Abdur Rashid, Amir Hossain, landless organizer Mohiuddin, media representative Mahbubur Rahman, Jamal Hossain Bishad, and teacher representative Nazrul Islam.
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