Press Release
15 October, 2026, 11:15 am
Last modified: 15 October, 2026, 11:19 am
A total of 107 residents from low-income communities in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) received sewing machines, IT equipment and business carts at a distribution ceremony at the DNCC Auditorium today (15 October).
The assistance was provided under the Livelihoods Support for Urban Poor Communities in Bangladesh (LSUPCB) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, according to the press release.
The project is financed by the Global Development Fund under China's South-South Cooperation.
It aims to strengthen the economic resilience of vulnerable urban households through skills development, entrepreneurship support and livelihood assets, creating income opportunities for women and youth.
In DNCC, the project supports 16 low-income communities through community development committees. Beneficiaries receive three months of skills training, followed by productive assets suited to their skills and business plans.
At the ceremony, 36 beneficiaries received sewing machines for tailoring and home-based businesses, 30 received IT equipment for digital services and technology-based enterprises, and 41 received business carts for small-scale trading.
Md Safiqul Islam Khan, administrator of DNCC, attended as the chief guest.
"These assets are not simply equipment; they are opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods. Beneficiaries must use them responsibly to generate income, strengthen their businesses and create a better future for their families," he said.
Mohammad Ashaduz Zaman, chief executive officer of DNCC, chaired the event.
"Skills development becomes more meaningful when people have the resources to put their training into practice. This support will help beneficiaries turn their abilities into income-generating opportunities," he said.
Yugesh Pradhanang, international technical adviser and project manager of the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project at UNDP Bangladesh, said, "Providing livelihood assets alongside practical training helps people move towards financial independence. Our focus is on enabling vulnerable women and youth to build sustainable livelihoods."
The LSUPCB project operates across six cities and towns in Bangladesh, supporting employment, entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance among vulnerable urban communities.
Mohammad Mamun-Ul-Hassan, deputy secretary and chief social welfare and slum development officer of DNCC, delivered the welcome address.
Through government and development partnerships, the initiative seeks to strengthen household incomes, promote small-scale entrepreneurship and create sustainable economic opportunities for urban poor communities.