Bangladesh is preparing to introduce the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals Village model, following China, Indonesia, and Uganda. Three villages will be selected in the first phase to implement all 17 SDGs, with authorities closely monitoring NGO activities before expanding the initiative nationwide.

Planning Commission is prioritising climate vulnerability and poverty levels when choosing villages. Officials have already visited several locations in Chittagong Hill Tracts, where a separate model may be developed. Commission members discussed partnership roles with non-governmental organisations during these visits.

SDG Village concept began in 2017 in China's Yunnan province, where UNDP and local partners redesigned Wanzhula Village. Project introduced new income sources, workplace equality for men and women, and initiatives covering agriculture, education, health, sanitation, tourism, and community leadership. Indonesia and Uganda later adopted similar models, emphasising youth participation.

Bangladesh's SDG implementation record at UN level has been weak. Country has regressed on several targets, struggling with integrated planning. Mobilising required 92,800 crore taka outside the national budget by 2030 remains difficult, according to Bangladesh's Voluntary National Review report submitted to UN months earlier.

Officials say the initiative will test whether government mechanisms function properly and whether activities of government agencies, NGOs, civil society organisations, and development partners can be coordinated locally. If model proves effective over 12 to 18 months, it could be scaled up nationwide.

Investment remains a major hurdle. Concerns exist about long-term planning due to potential priority shifts under future governments. Researchers acknowledge the idea is good but argue Bangladesh has adopted this model late. They suggest piloting in only three villages offers limited learning compared to Bangladesh's thousands of villages.

Planning Commission aims to launch SDG Village initiative at the start of the new year if preparations finish on time.