UK MPs visit the CLP

On 2 November 2009, five UK Members of Parliament visited CLP activities in Belkuchi. The MPs from the International Development Committee, are reviewing activities financed by the UK through the Bangladesh office of DFID (UK Department for International Development).

 They visited CLP core beneficiaries in the village of Boro Chamtara in Sonatoni Union where they witnessed CLP activities including homestead plinth-raising (part of the cash-for-work programme), cattle (provided during the asset transfer programme), homestead gardening and small poultry-based enterprises. The MPs were escorted by Chris Austin (head of DFID-Bangladesh) and Malcolm Marks (CLP team leader).

During the visit, the MPs spoke to Chainbhanu (photo) who, in 18 months, transformed her asset transfer of 15,000 Tk (£150) into two enormous bulls valued at ten times the original sum. They also were impressed by Fozila who originally bought a bull with her asset transfer money but after selling the animal for the Eid festival of 2008, purchased a lease on more than one hectare of land and has also built a thriving poultry rearing business with more than 70 hens and chicks.

 Chainbhanu with one of her prized bulls

The visit concluded with the MPs joining a social development group meeting (photo) in order to speak with the 20 CLP beneficiaries.

The women also asked many questions of the MPs, especially about life in the UK. One question answered by an MP was “do you suffer from flooding like us?” “Yes, sadly”, he replied!

The UK MPs & CLP staff gather at the end of their visit 

MPs in the photo are: Hugh Bayley, MP for City of York (2nd left); Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing Southall (4th left with folder); Mark Lancaster, MP for Milton Keynes NE & Shadow Minister for International Development (5th left); Malcolm Bruce, chair IDC & MP for Gordon (6th left in hat) & Andrew Stunnell, MP for Hazel Grove (centre holding hat).

Accompanying the MPs are Chris Austin, Head DFID-Bangladesh (7th left, next to Mark Lancaster); Malcolm Marks, team leader CLP (between Malcolm Bruce & Hugh Stannell) and Porresh Sarker, Programme Coordinator NDP (1st left).