The committee has identified eight inter-related goals for the vision. Earlier this month, consultations on the first six goals were held. Those goals are: to become a participatory democracy; to have an efficient, publicly accountable, transparent and decentralised government; to become a poverty-mitigated middle-income country; to have a health-endowed nation; to have a skilled and a creative workforce; and to become a globally integrated economic and commercial regional hub.

Over the next 15 years, an increased size of the population, greater urbanisation and economic growth will present environmental challenges such as increased levels of soil degradation and industrial wastewater, a rise in domestic sewage and hazardous wastes, and a depletion of our water and coastal resources. Increased levels of air and water pollution and the loss of natural habitats --primarily due to deforestation --will also be some of potential negative environmental consequences of Bangladesh's growth over the coming years.

A strategy for better management of our environment will have to be based on collaborative efforts by a determined government, conscious citizens and responsible businesses. Al these and many more relevant issues will be deliberated and consulted upon at today's session, says CPD press release.

The outline of the Vision 2021 for Bangladesh has been drafted on the basis of recommendations and aspirations propagated by a large umber of people attending the regional civil society dialogues at various places of Bangladesh, which are being organised collaboratively by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and Channel-i. The Nagorik Committee 2006 is now going through a process of consultation with expert groups about the draft outline.

The Vision 2021 for Bangladesh will eventually be presented to the next elected government and parliament with a more detailed description of short and medium term strategies.