More than 100 residents of low-income communities in Dhaka North have received equipment to support income-generating activities under a livelihood assistance project aimed at improving economic opportunities for urban poor communities.
A total of 107 residents received sewing machines, information technology (IT) equipment and business carts at a distribution ceremony held at the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Auditorium on Wednesday.
The Livelihoods Support for Urban Poor Communities in Bangladesh (LSUPCB) project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Local Government Division (LGD), under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, with financing from the Global Development Fund (GDF) under China's South-South Cooperation.
The initiative aims to strengthen the economic resilience of vulnerable urban households through skills development, entrepreneurship support and livelihood assets, creating income opportunities for women and youth.
In DNCC, the project supports 16 low-income communities through Community Development Committees (CDCs). Beneficiaries receive 3 months of skills training, followed by productive assets based on their skills and business plans.
At the ceremony, 36 beneficiaries received sewing machines for tailoring and home-based businesses, 30 received IT equipment for digital services and technology-based enterprises, and 41 received business carts for small-scale trading.
Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, DNCC Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan said: “These assets are not simply equipment; they are opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods. Beneficiaries must use them responsibly to generate income, strengthen their businesses and create a better future for their families.”
Chairing the event, DNCC Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Ashaduz Zaman said: “Skills development becomes more meaningful when people have the resources to put their training into practice. This support will help beneficiaries turn their abilities into income-generating opportunities.”
Yugesh Pradhanang, international technical adviser and project manager of the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project at UNDP Bangladesh, said: “Providing livelihood assets alongside practical training helps people move toward financial independence. Our focus is on enabling vulnerable women and youth to build sustainable livelihoods.”
The LSUPCB project operates across 6 cities and towns in Bangladesh, supporting employment, entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance among vulnerable urban communities.
Mohammad Mamun-Ul-Hassan, deputy secretary and chief social welfare and slum development officer at DNCC, delivered the welcome address.
Through government and development partnerships, the initiative seeks to strengthen household incomes, promote small-scale entrepreneurship and create sustainable economic opportunities for urban poor communities.