Both the National and Grassroots People’s Assemblies call for urgent action on poverty, inequality and universal social security amid rising economic challenges.

The Noakhali Rural Development Society (GCAP Bangladesh) organised the Bangladesh National People’s Assembly at the National Press Club auditorium, Dhaka with the support of SDG Action Alliance on 21 September 2024. Themed “Eliminating Poverty and Inequality and Strengthening Universal Social Security,” the assembly addressed the nation’s growing economic disparities and called for stronger, inclusive social protection systems.

Speakers at the event highlighted a significant rise in poverty rates in Bangladesh over the past two years, escalating from 18.7 percent to 20.5 percent. This concerning trend, as experts noted, is exacerbated by a widening economic gap that leaves marginalized communities struggling for basic resources and opportunities.

The assembly emphasized that the global economic downturn, escalating conflicts, climate change, and deepening inequality are undermining progress toward poverty reduction. Addressing these challenges, the event underscored the urgent need for universal social security to safeguard marginalized populations, particularly those facing heightened vulnerability due to crises.

GCAP Bangladesh also organized a Grassroots People’s Assembly in Noakhali on 17 September 2024, focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Grassroots People’s Assembly at Noakhali

This event brought together community members, including flood-affected women and leaders of local social organisations, who voiced their concerns regarding the SDG review. They stressed that poverty and inequality are worsening in the face of economic and climate-related crises, and that displaced environmental refugees are increasingly vulnerable. Without comprehensive social protection mechanisms, these communities will remain at risk, they cautioned.

The national and grassroots assemblies collectively called for a charter of demands, which includes robust poverty eradication initiatives, stronger universal social security, and a reinforced commitment to reducing inequality nationwide.

The demand charter sought decisive action across economic justice, health, democracy and climate issues. The charter, crafted by civil society leaders, activists, and community representatives, emphasizes the need for systemic reforms to address rising inequalities, secure universal health and social protections, and tackle climate injustices impacting marginalized communities.

Economic Justice and Social Protection

Assembly participants call for robust measures to tackle inequality and poverty through a universal social protection system that supports marginalized communities and protects local resources.

Key demands include:

• Establishing a universal social protection system that leaves no one behind.
• Broadening the right to food, ensuring farmers’ rights to nutrition, land, and fair trade.
• Implementing agrarian reforms to promote food self-sufficiency, ending land expropriations, and securing community rights over natural resources.
• Advocating for wealth redistribution through taxation reforms, ending corporate monopolies, and establishing a fair global tax system under the UN framework.

Right to Health and Universal Health Coverage

Participants advocate for publicly funded healthcare that ensures equitable access, especially for vulnerable populations, while highlighting the disparities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls for intellectual property reform at the World Trade Organization (WTO) aim to make essential vaccines and treatments accessible to countries in the Global South.

Key health-related demands include:

• Implementation of universal health coverage and community-based healthcare systems.
• Increasing healthcare funding to build infrastructure, enhance workforce capacity, and strengthen supply chains.
• Reforming WTO policies to democratize access to healthcare technology and improve pandemic preparedness globally.

Safeguarding Democracy and Human Rights

The charter emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard fundamental freedoms, including free speech, association, and public gathering, all of which are being stifled under repressive laws. The assembly highlights the rising polarization, censorship, and media repression that weaken civil society and democratic engagement. The charter advocates for measures that ensure civic participation and protect marginalized communities, including women, disabled individuals, and indigenous groups, from discriminatory practices.

Key democratic demands include:

• Respect for freedom of expression and association, and protections for human rights defenders.
• Ensuring secure internet access and civic space for citizen participation and advocacy.
• Provisions to counter religious fundamentalism and majoritarianism, and empower youth in decision-making.

Climate Justice and Disaster Risk Reduction

Climate justice emerged as a central theme of the charter, with calls to address the systemic injustices that disproportionately affect low-income countries. Developed nations and multinational corporations are urged to fulfill their historical obligations by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting climate adaptation measures that respect indigenous and community rights. The assembly emphasizes the necessity for a transition to renewable energy, decentralized systems, and livelihood opportunities for communities on the climate frontlines.

Key climate action demands include:

• Imposing a moratorium on new fossil fuel projects and ending subsidies for fossil fuels.
• Implementing gender-sensitive and community-focused disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Investing in education to raise awareness of climate justice, linking it with broader social and environmental rights.

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