Staff Reporter:
The government of New Jersey, USA, has launched a pilot project called “Green Growth” based on the economic development policy formulated by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, now staying in the UK.
The widely discussed slogan of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, “A little initiative, a little effort, will bring prosperity,” has been adopted as the project’s main slogan.
The slogan has been used in all aspects of the project, including vehicles, brochures, membership forms, and other publicity materials.
To ensure food security, the pilot project will be implemented for two years in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with funding from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and under the supervision of the Bangladesh Association of South Jersey (BASJ).
The ins and outs of the project were officially presented during a press conference held at the BASJ building on March 27.
The event was attended by BASJ President Jahirul Islam Babul, Green Growth project writer and project initiator (PI) Ashique Islam, BASJ Secretary Jakirul Islam and Trustee Chairman Md Rafiq.
Apart from them, people from various professions of the local society also attended the programme, among others.
Highlighting the project’s activities, Jahirul said that the primary goal of the initiative is to empower disadvantaged women economically and ensure food security in Atlantic City. In the first year, 30 women will be selected for financial support under the project.
They will grow vegetables using their backyards, open spaces, balconies or any available area. After meeting their household needs, the majority of the products will be sold through the Green Growth in the market.
The Green Growth will provide all necessary support, equipment and marketing assistance free of cost to the women. The project’s vehicles will collect the products directly from the participants’ homes.
The 65% revenue generated from sales will be distributed to producers while 35% to the Green Growth. Furthermore, the top three producers will receive special financial rewards for their contributions each year.
Jahirul further said there are many Bangladesh organisations in many states of the US at present, but the Bangladesh Association is the first of its kind to undertake such an initiative.
“This is a great source of pride for all our members of the Bangladeshi communities. I believe that if we can successfully implement our activities, we will be able to take this initiative to the next level in the future,” he said.
Highlighting the background of the Green Growth project, Ashique said, “A global food crisis is emerging, with rising food prices leaving low-income people struggling. The United States is not immune to this crisis. In response, the government plans to invest $4 million, $13 million and $30 million in three phases to ensure food security.
Among the 21 provinces in New Jersey (similar to districts in Bangladesh), Atlantic City in Atlantic County was chosen for the pilot project.
Since Atlantic City primarily relies on the casino and tourism industry, the number of professional workers in the area is relatively low. Out of the city’s 42,000 residents, 39% belong to diverse communities.
In September 2023, a total of 52 nonprofit organisations, including the Bangladesh Association, submitted their project proposals to the government.
