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Norwegian aid dips by 40pc

Poor governance, law and order blamed

UNB, Dhaka
Norwegian grants for Bangladesh development programmes have been reduced 40 percent for Tack of good governance and law and order downslidc’.
Norwegian Ambassador in Bangladesh Aud LiseNorheimmade tire observations, also citing slow implementation of development projects and corruption as the other causes of the crunch. Speaking at a "Face to Face" programme with women journalists here yesterday she said increased funding might depend on improvement in the situation, as they are "accountable to the taxpayers" in disbursement oftheir money.
There are lot of possibilities of change in the situation for Bangladesh in the coming days, she said, praising some of the initiatives taken recently, including setting up anti-corruption commission and considering appointment of ombudsman.
The Scandinavian diplomat said even being a less populous country, they allots 0.93 per cent of the GDP to development partners, which is 0.2 percent higher than the grants coming from other donor countries.
It is likely to increase to 1.0 per cent as Norway gives priority to social welfare for any development, she mentioned.
Norwegian annual grants for Bangladesh were worth 16 million US dollars, which went down to 10 million US dollars this year. The area of funding is good governance, education and private sector.
Answering a question, the Norwegian envoy said it is very difficult to see objectively the report on Bangladesh as the most corrupt' country but it caused
concern among the donors to perceive the image of the country.
"It should be taken into consideration of Bangladesh for image building at international level," Lise Norheim told the newswomen.
However, praising the nation as very friendly, the envoy said it is very contradictory to perceive the country vulnerable for women with highest number of repression and violence cases.
From her visits to different rural areas, the ambassador said many women proved their abilities to fight against the discrimination and repression to achieve their rights.
She laid emphasis on their direct involvement in politics.
She also urged the women journalists to play their roles in bringing change in society, saying that women journalists are doubly vulnerable, but have the power to make things different.
Lise Norheim, who also worked as a journalist, said journalists' education is very important in establishing good governance.
The programme, held at Bangladesh Centre for Development Journalism (BCDJC) and Communication conference room, was conducted by RosyFerdous of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. Nayeemul Islam Khan of the BCDJC was also present.