RCC distributes computers, sewing machines and business carts to support self-employment

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) has distributed computers, sewing machines and business carts among 120 people from marginalized and underprivileged communities to help them become self-employed.

The support was provided under the Livelihood Support for Urban Poor Communities in Bangladesh project, implemented in the RCC area with the support of development partners.

RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton distributed the materials as the chief guest at a programme held on the eighth floor of Nagar Bhaban this noon.

Under the initiative, 31 beneficiaries received computers, 37 received sewing machines and 52 received business carts. Of the 120 recipients, 115 are women and five are men.

Speaking at the programme, Riton said the initiative aimed to create new entrepreneurs and help marginalized and underprivileged people become self-reliant.

He said efforts will be made to expand the project activities to all 30 wards of the city. The RCC will work collectively to reduce unemployment, encourage entrepreneurship and create income-generating opportunities.

He added that necessary support would be provided to unemployed young men and women so they could create jobs for themselves rather than simply wait for employment.

Referring to government initiatives, the RCC administrator said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had formed a Tk 10,000 crore fund at Bangladesh Bank to support entrepreneurs.

He also mentioned the prime minister's announcement of a Tk 500 crore startup fund for young entrepreneurs on National Youth Day on November 1.

These initiatives will play an important role in reducing unemployment and creating new entrepreneurs, he said.

Riton further said development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), are implementing various initiatives to improve the living standards of poor families, increase their income, develop skills and promote sustainable livelihoods in the city.

He assured that the RCC will extend all-out cooperation to expand the activities of development partners in Rajshahi.

On footpath management, the administrator said the footpaths are meant for pedestrians and that efforts to remove illegal encroachments are continuing. At the same time, initiatives are being taken to rehabilitate street vendors.

The programme was presided over by Professor Jasim Uddin, general secretary of RCC's Social Welfare and Slum Development Branch. Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP President Mamun-or Rashid Mamun was also present on the stage.

RCC Chief Executive Officer Rezaul Karim, UNDP Bangladesh Senior Governance Specialist Tanvir Mahmud and CDC Federation President Ayesha Khatun Mukti also spoke at the programme.

Beneficiaries shared their experiences, saying the equipment will help them generate income and become self-reliant.

Under the Livelihood Support for Urban Poor Communities in Bangladesh (LSUPCB) project, implemented under UNDP supervision in cooperation with RCC, 120 unemployed men and women in Rajshahi received three months of training in computer operation and sewing over the past year.

Following the training, they were provided with the equipment to help them start their own income-generating activities.