The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Participants of a daylong programme on 'Accountability of the peoples' representatives: expectation of the youths and discussion between the female ward commissioners with the young citizens' called for extension of power and jurisdiction of the female members and commissioners of local bodies for creating working environment.

The programme was organised by the Barisal Young Citizen Forum, local organ of International Republican Institute (IRI) and held at Faria community centre of the city on Tuesday.

Jeffrey Vanes, resident country director of IRI (?) was the chief guest and Aminul Ehsan, senior programme officer conducted the programme with assistance from Shamima Akter, Iqbal Mahmud, Afroza Begum and Dolon Dey.

Taslima Kalam Poly, Jahanara Begum, Tawhida Akter Luna, Khadiza Nasrin Sefali, Salma Akter Shila, Morsheda Begum Kajol, Rashida Parvin and Jahanara Hossain, 8 out of 10 female ward commissioners of Barisal City Corporation and 150 members of Young Citizen Forum took part in the discussion.

From the discussion it was revealed that female commissioners and members are not only facing non-cooperation from their male counterparts, but also becoming victims of the masculine attitude of the society.

They called to develop friendly environment for the female members in different bodies of local government for better, effective and fruitful result.