A total of 107 residents from low-income communities in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) received sewing machines, IT equipment and business carts under the Livelihoods Support for Urban Poor Communities in Bangladesh (LSUPCB) project at a distribution ceremony held today at the DNCC Auditorium.

The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Local Government Division (LGD), Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, with financing from the Global Development Fund(GDF) under China’s South-South Cooperation.

The initiative aims to strengthen economic resilience among 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 (CDCs). Beneficiaries receive three months of skills training followed by productive assets based on their skills and business plans.

During 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 to support small-scale trading.

Addressing the ceremony as Chief Guest, Md. Safiqul Islam Khan, Administrator, DNCC, said, “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”.

Chairing the event, Mohammad Ashaduz Zaman, Chief Executive Officer, DNCC, said, “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”.

Yugesh Pradhanang, International Technical Advisor and Project Manager, Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project, 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, 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.