M4C Charer Haat’ Inauguration Marks a Milestone in Char Development and Commerce

Entrepreneurial ecosystems
08.08.2023
In a momentous event that signifies a step towards char development and community empowerment, the ‘M4C Charer Haat’ was inaugurated at Kurigram district on 29th July 2023. This groundbreaking initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of infrastructure investments and public-private partnershipsMr. Swapan Bhattacharjee, MP, Honourable State Minister of the Ministry of Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD), and Mr. Md Zakir Hossain, MP, Honourable State Minister of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education inaugurated the haat in Char Bajra Diarkhata, Chilmari, Kurigram.

M4C embarked on a journey to address the critical need for marketplaces in Chars. ‘M4C Charer Haat’ emerges as a vibrant hub for local retailers and service providers, fostering economic activities and prosperity within the char region. The creation of a marketplace helps to reduce transaction time, costs, and efforts for the char dwellers, elevating their economic prospects. Moreover, it exemplifies M4C’s dedication to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. By providing inclusive space allocation and constructing a female toilet facility, M4C strives to foster an enabling environment for female entrepreneurs and contribute to the region's progress.

In his statement, Mr. Swapan Bhattacharya highlighted a significant shift in the priorities of the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), placing greater emphasis on the development of char areas compared to urban and mainland regions. This shift in focus impacts national budget planning, showcasing the GoB's commitment to uplifting socio-economic conditions in these regions and fostering overall prosperity through strategic resource allocation.

During his visit, Mr. Swapan Bhattacharjee inspected the project interventions and engaged in a discussion meeting with local char dwellers in Char Sitai Jhaar. The Minister realized the positive impact generated by M4C's work in the char regions. The State Minister showed keen interest in project matters and committed to supporting M4C's efforts in the region.

‘M4C Charer Haat’ underscores the elevation of the socio-economic landscape of char communities. As Bangladesh's commitment to char development gains fresh momentum, a promising future awaits these previously marginalized areas, poised to play a pivotal role in the nation's advancement.

2012 - 2024
Bangladesh
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Making Markets Work for the Jamuna, Padma and Teesta Chars (M4C)
To reduce vulnerability and increase wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalised char dwellers living in the northern char region of Bangladesh. Chars are riverine land, susceptible to erosion and soil deposition, which remain disconnected from mainland either seasonally or throughout the year. Due to this unique geographical positioning,...