‘Connection between Bangladesh and Oxfam is emotional’

The connection between Bangladesh and Oxfam is emotional, not transactional, and the organization will continue to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh, Oxfam Country Director for Bangladesh Ashish Damle has said.

Damle spoke to Dhaka Tribune while attending a daylong event to mark Oxfam's 50th anniversary in Bangladesh at a Dhaka hotel on Wednesday. 

The event brought together Oxfam staff, partners, supporters, and beneficiaries from around the world, and also showcased the organization's achievements and future plans.

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The organization reaffirmed its commitment to finding innovative solutions and partnerships to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Liberation War Affairs Minister A K M Mozammel Huq spoke at the event as the chief guest, while State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Swapan Bhattacharjee, State Minister for Disaster Management Dr Md Enamur Rahman, and United Nations Resident Coordinator of Bangladesh Ms. Gwyn Lewis, were present as special guests.

The chief guest and special guests praised Oxfam's role in Bangladesh since the country's birth in 1971, when it was fighting for independence.

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Oxfam, a global non-government organization (NGO), began its involvement in Bangladesh by assisting cyclone victims in 1970. It then supported the people of Bangladesh again during the 1971 Liberation War.

Remembering the journey, Ashish Damle told this correspondent: “The connection between Bangladesh and Oxfam is based on the soil and psychology.”

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Regarding plans for Bangladesh, the Oxfam country director said: “Bangladesh itself is still changing and migrating into a middle income country from a least developed country. So Bangladesh will face some new challenges and we will initiate some plans in an integrated way. 

"We are going to launch a young leadership program here in Bangladesh. One has already been established here, but where is the new leadership? We will work together with the government and other stakeholders in more sectors in the upcoming days,” he added,

He also said it was amazing and inspiring for him to celebrate 50 years of Oxfam in Bangladesh.

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“I couldn't hold my tears when I observed the early days of Oxfam here in Bangladesh. Definitely, I will bridge these ideas and inspiration to my future endeavourers.”

Reflecting on the organization's accomplishments, he said: “Over the past 50 years, Oxfam has responded to some of the world's most pressing crises and worked tirelessly to empower people living in poverty to create a better future for themselves and their communities in Bangladesh. We have achieved a lot, but there is still much to do. We are committed to building a world where everyone can live free from poverty and injustice."

The event featured a range of activities, including panel discussions and speeches from economist and public policy analyst Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Global Campaign for Education co-founder Rasheda K Choudhury,  Coordinator of Oxfam Refugee Relief Work in India in 1971 Julian Francis, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh, London Tea Exchange Chief Executive Sheikh Aliur Rahman OBE, BNPS Executive Director Rokeya Kabir, former Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh Selina Shelley Khan, along with other key speakers.

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Speakers highlighted Oxfam's work in areas such as humanitarian response, economic justice, women's rights, and climate change.

The audience highly praised a documentary based on an interview of Julian Francis, where he narrates how Oxfam started its journey in Bangladesh during the Liberation War of 1971.

The six-part daylong event also included theatrical and musical performances.

Legendary actress Ferdausi Majumdar enthralled the audience in the play “Kokilara”. She was given a special award by Oxfam for her special contribution to art and culture.

Other than that, Timir Nandi, Shaheen Samad, and other artistes performed patriotic songs. Popular bands Souls and Lalon also performed for the audience.

In his closing remarks, John Samuel, regional director of Oxfam, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation.

"As we look to the future, we are committed to working with partners and supporters to find new and innovative ways to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality. With your support, we can create a world where everyone can live with dignity, freedom and justice," he said.

Oxfam was one of three organizations honoured as Friends of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 2012.

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Oxfam's goal is to create a vibrant and equitable society across Bangladesh, where women and men are empowered, jointly exercising leadership and good governance towards building resilient communities.

Oxfam has worked with a wide range of partners that include civil society organizations, NGOs, media organizations, foreign and local universities, private sector companies, along with different levels of government.