The programme, first of its kind in the area, was jointly organised by Manusher Jonno Foundation, a national NGO and Agragati Sangstha, a local NGO.

Over 1,500 people took part in the day long 'open budget session' which was presided by local UP chairman Alhaj Sheikh Alamgir Haidar while Agragati Sangstha director Abdus Sabur was present as chief guest

Chairman Alhaj Sheikh Alamgir Haidar presented a budget of over Taka 52, 95,100 and urged the people to cooperate with local government leaders to implement development programmes.

It was a different day for people in the area as the UP leaders faced local people who for the first time wanted to know from them about their agendas to develop their union adjacent to the Sundarbans.

The UP chairman replied to various questions at the session.

Lauding the initiative of local government body leaders for holding the open budget session, the chief guest said it would help greatly to ensure accountability of local government bodies.

Speakers said transparency and accountability is vital for good governance at the grass roots level.

Local government leaders also urged the government to allocate more fund for local government institutions from the national budget so that UP can undertake more development projects independently.

The UP chairman urged local people to work unitedly to make their union a 'model' for the country.

Among others, Zulekha Zaman, Mazed Gazi, Surat Ali, Rahima Parvin, Samsuddin Ahmed, Abdul Gaffar, Aklima Khatun, Sunnat Ali, Anwarul Hasan and Nuruzzaman addressed.

Teachers, farmers, journalists, businessmen, students and elite including women attended.