Fostering Government Accountability in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is notorious for being the most corrupt country in the world. In order to empower people to end their own hunger, government must become more responsive and accountable to the people, and be free from corruption and violence. To achieve these goals, The Hunger Project has three alliances to work for reform, in addition to the alliance that implements National Girl Child Day.

Self-Governing Union Parishad (UP) Advocacy Group

The Hunger Project has catalyzed the creation of a bottom-up advocacy movement made up of elected union parishad (local government body) representatives, who press the central government to shift more resources and decision-making power to the local level. The UP representatives, many of whom have taken the animator training, are pressing the central government for greater resources and decision-making authority.

SHUJAN, Citizens for Good Governance

The Hunger Project has also catalyzed a top-down advocacy movement of highly respected and influential people, including former government officials and representatives of the media and academia. SHUJAN is organized at both the national and district levels to press for policy reforms to reduce corruption and strengthen local democracy.

BACHAN, Keep Our City Alive

Dhaka is officially the most polluted city in the world, and dirty water and air are major killers of malnourished children. The Hunger Project has catalyzed the creation of an environmental movement which has combined protests against industrial polluters, advocacy for the elimination of plastic bags and high-polluting scooters, and direct citizen action to clean up the city.