Desk Report:
Runa Khan—a distinguished social activist, founder and executive director of the non-governmental development organization ‘Friendship,’ and recipient of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award—paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, MP.
The meeting took place on Wednesday (November 4, 2026) at the Deputy Speaker’s office in the National Parliament House.
During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker extended his sincere congratulations to Runa Khan on receiving this international recognition. He remarked that such an achievement by a Bangladeshi citizen on the global stage is a source of great pride for the entire nation. He noted that international recognition for those dedicated to human welfare, social development, and improving the quality of life will inspire others in the country to engage in public-interest work.
The two discussed Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, public welfare activities, humanitarian initiatives, and the role of individual and institutional efforts in uplifting marginalized communities. Addressing Runa Khan, the Deputy Speaker said, “You are an asset to our country—you are our future.”
During the discussion, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the socio-economic conditions of the people in his home district, Netrokona—specifically the long-standing deprivation and daily struggles faced by the inhabitants of the haor (wetland) region. He noted that the people of the Netrokona haor areas remain deprived of basic amenities, including education, healthcare, connectivity, and employment opportunities. He explained that the lack of accessible transport and essential infrastructure has made life in this region exceptionally difficult.
He emphasized the importance of establishing a ‘satellite hospital’ to ensure healthcare access for the people of the haor region. Furthermore, he underscored the need for ‘water ambulances’ (boat-based medical transport) to facilitate the urgent transfer of patients—particularly pregnant women, children, and those in critical condition—to hospitals. The Deputy Speaker further noted that, driven by the need to earn a living, many people from the Haor region are compelled to leave their homes and move to various parts of the country, where they often end up in occupations such as pulling rickshaws. Yet, there was a time when this region was self-sufficient in food production. Due to a lack of well-planned initiatives and sound management, the immense potential of this region remains largely untapped.
Regarding the management of jalmahals (wetland water bodies) in the Haor region, he pointed out that, in many instances, wealthy and influential individuals lease these water bodies for commercial fish farming. It is, however, essential to ensure the participation of genuine fishers to protect their livelihoods and rights. Establishing the rights of ordinary fishers and the local community in the management of these water bodies would expand livelihood opportunities and facilitate better nutrition and food security for the local population.
Highlighting the limitations within the education system in the Haor region, he mentioned that many students must travel two to three miles daily just to reach their schools. Due to poor connectivity, a scarcity of educational institutions, and a lack of essential facilities, many children are deprived of quality education. To address this, it is necessary to improve educational infrastructure, enhance transport accessibility, and ensure a conducive learning environment.
The Deputy Speaker added that the Haor region possesses vast natural and economic potential. Through well-planned development initiatives centered on fisheries, agriculture, biodiversity, and tourism, it is possible to generate employment for the local population and significantly improve their quality of life. To this end, he urged the government to form a special task force—comprising relevant ministries and departments—to oversee the comprehensive development of the Haor region, ensure the sustainable management of its natural resources, and safeguard the rights of the local people. In his view, the Haor region should not be viewed merely as a geographical area, but rather as a vital hub for the national economy, food security, fisheries, and biodiversity.
Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker called for the implementation of various public welfare and development projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the people of Netrokona. Additionally, emphasis was placed on taking effective initiatives that take into account the needs and realities of the local population.
In response, Runa Khan commended the Deputy Speaker’s sincere efforts and vision for improving the quality of life of the people in the haor (wetland) regions. She remarked that there is no alternative to collective action when it comes to transforming the lives of marginalized and disadvantaged segments of society. In particular, she stressed the critical importance of ensuring access to healthcare, education, and employment, as well as safeguarding the fundamental rights of the people living in these haor areas.
Runa Khan pledged full support from her organization, ‘Friendship,’ toward initiatives aimed at the welfare of the people in the haor regions of Netrokona—specifically regarding the improvement of their quality of life, the provision of healthcare, and the creation of opportunities for education and employment. She expressed a keen interest in working in coordination with the Deputy Speaker and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the needs and realities of the local people remain the primary focus.
The meeting took place in a very cordial atmosphere. Officials from ‘Friendship’ and representatives from the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat were also present.
