Development-Human Security Nexus: A Study on Padma Bridge Resettlement Areas

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized a Book Launching Seminar on “Development-Human Security Nexus: A Study on Padma Bridge Resettlement Areas”, on 02 April 2024 at BIISS auditorium. H E Ms. Waseqa Ayesha Khan, MP, State Minister, Ministry of Finance, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Director General of BIISS Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, ndc, afwc, psc, G+ delivered the welcome address. Dr Razia Sultana, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS, introduced the book to the audience. Mr Md. Rafid Abrar Miah, Research Officer, BIISS, presented the major findings of the book. Professor Dr. Delwar Hossain, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka and Member, Bangladesh Public Service Commission and Shaikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan, Country Representative, IUCN, Bangladesh and General Secretary, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), were present as the discussants. The session was chaired by Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman, BIISS. In his welcome speech, the Director General of BIISS Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan said that the Padma Bridge is a project of immense importance. Not only it has far-reaching economic impacts, it also represents a shift in Bangladesh’s development diplomacy and showcases the country’s growing confidence and its potential to act as a lucrative hub for foreign direct investment. The Chief Guest H E Ms. Waseqa Ayesha Khan, MP, emphasised on inclusive and sustainable development and suggested that development should not come at the expense of human security. She said that the government of Bangladesh is well aware of the human security dimension of development endeavours and the Padma Bridge is the best example of it. Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman, BIISS wrapped the seminar. He concluded the seminar by saying that neither the imperatives of megaprojects nor the sustenance of lives and livelihoods of the affected communities can be overlooked. To navigate such a paradoxical situation, he suggested finding a rational and equitable solution referring to the case of the Padma Bridge. Senior officials from different ministries, members of the diplomatic community, former ambassadors, senior civil and military officials, media, academia, researchers, faculties and students from various universities, the business community and representatives from international organisations participated in the book launching ceremony