Australia distributes sheep in Bogra

Australia distributes sheep in Bogra

The Australian High Commissioner Dr Justin Lee and his spouse Jeane Lona visited Bogra on 29 and 30 September to distribute sheep and poultry to widows and their families. The livestock distribution project was organised by Lighthouse, a Bogra-based NGO focusing on poverty alleviation, governance and health issues.

At the distribution ceremony, the Executive Director of Lighthouse Harun-or-Rashid explained that widows are among the most vulnerable people in rural areas. Under the pilot project 100 widows will be given sheep and poultry and training on livestock rearing to start their own small farm.

The High Commissioner commended Lighthouse, upazila and sub-district officials for their efforts to implement the project. He praised their commitment individually and as a community to attend to those most disadvantaged and in need. The High Commission contributed funding to the project under its Direct Aid Program.

During his visit, the High Commissioner also witnessed BRAC’s programs to help the ultra-poor in Siraganj. Under its Challenging the Frontiers of Poverty Reduction (CFPR) program, BRAC is providing assets, training and assistance to access services to many very needy people, again especially widows.

Dr Lee spoke directly to women and community leaders about their experiences of the program. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and other international partners have been helping with the program.

Also in Bogra, the High Commissioner and his spouse visited some of Bangladesh’s famous archaeological sites, including the ruins of ancient Pundranagar, the earliest city site in Bangladesh dating back to the 3rd century BC and the ruins of Gokul Medh, a Buddhist temple dating back to the 6th century AD. Both sites provided an impressive glimpse of Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage.

Australian High Commission, Dhaka
1 October 2009
For further information contact:
Senior Political & Economic Research Officer, AHC, Dhaka.
Tel: 8813105, E-mail: [email protected]