Her Excellency Dr Lilly Nicholls, High Commissioner for Canada in Bangladesh, met with the Secretariat of the Citizen’s Platform, which is hosted by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). The meeting took place on Tuesday, 08 August 2023, at CPD. Her Excellency was accompanied by Ms Sameya Karim, Development Advisor, High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh.

The discussion was initiated by recalling the long-standing partnership between Canadian High Commission and CPD as well as with the Citizen’s Platform. The Citizen’s Platform is being supported for the second time by the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) to implement a project titled “Aligning Policies with Bangladesh’s Aspirations: Strengthening Demand Side from the Perspectives of Marginalised Groups”.

Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD, in her introductory remarks, recalled the history of CPD’s partnership with the Canadian High Commission and the ongoing activities of CPD. Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, CPD, highlighted the challenges of LDC graduation in Bangladesh and the possible role of Canada. Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan, Senior Research Fellow, CPD, appraised the guests about the ongoing and planned activities of Citizen’s Platform. The discussion was moderated by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Convenor, Citizen’s Platform and Distinguished Fellow, CPD.

The high guest was also briefed about the nationwide consultation undertaken by the Citizen’s Platform to check out the national development narrative in 2022. 

A snapshot of the meeting

Dr Fahmida Khatun presenting Her Excellency Dr Lilly Nicholls with a flower bouquet and a gift hamper. From the left Ms Tarannum Jinan, Network Focal Point, Citizen’s Platform and Senior Administrative Associate, CPD; Mr Avra Bhattacharjee, Joint Director, CPD; Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan, Senior Research Fellow, CPD; and Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya. From the right Ms Salsabil Hayat, Executive Associate, CPD; Ms Sameya Karim, Development Advisor, Canadian High Commission, and Professor Mustafizur Rahman.