Focus Group Discussion
Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held on 1 July at the Mymensingh AIC office. Participants included the farmers, laborers, shopkeepers, fishermen and students. The discussions were arranged to elicit suggestions from the participant's for further effectiveness of TIB's Advice and Information Centre (AIC). Valuable recommendations were made for more and better publicity for the AIC office & identification of the needs of the people the AIC wishes to serve. TIB Research Officer Sydur Rahman Molla was present at the FGDs as moderator.
Study Circle
TIB has formed six-study circle with the objective of nursing democratic practice at the local level, curbing corruption, ensuring transparency and accountability. The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is giving technical and financial support for this initiative. Initially, TIB has embarked upon a 6-month pilot programme at Nalitabari Upazilla of Sherpur and Modhupur Upazilla of Tangail. The subjects are transparency and accountability in primary education and primary health care. Two orientation ceremonies were held on 4 July at Poragaon and Baghber Unions of Nalitabari. Representatives from various classes were present at the programmes. The Convener of Nalitabari CCC M A Hakam Hira presided over the ceremonies.
Two other orientation ceremonies were held on 5 and 6 July at Jalsatra and Dhanbari Unions of Modhupur. The Convener of Modhupur CCC Professor Golam Samdani presided over these programmes.
A training programme was arranged for the Facilitators and Organizers of the Study Circle project to give them a clear idea about the issues. Twelve participants attended the programme held at Proshika Regional Human Resource Development Center, Mymensingh between 9 and 11 July 2003. Programme Specialist of TIB Abu Zayed Mohammed, Research Director of NDI Abdul Momen and Programme Associate of TIB Samapika Halder took part as instructors.
Tea Party
TIB and the Modhpur CCC arranged a tea party in honor of the newly elected Chairmen and Members of Modhpur union council on 9 July at the Agriculture Extension Center. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tangail Md. Illias was present as chief guest.
Chaired by the CCC convenor Professor Golam Samdani, those who spoke on the occasion included UNO of Modhpur Enamul Hoque, Local politicians Khondoker Anawerul Hoque, Abdus Samad, Bappi Siddique, Programme Officer of TIB Ekram Hossain, CCC members Gias Uddin Ahmed and Abdus Samad Talukder.
