ADAB meeting stresses stronger government–non-government coordination

The Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB), Dhaka Metropolitan branch, organised a views-exchange meeting titled “Strengthening Government–Non-Government Coordination” on Saturday (September 20).

Ayub Khan, Deputy Director (Registration) of the Department of Social Services, attended as chief guest, while the meeting was chaired by Quazi Baby, President of ADAB Dhaka Metropolitan branch. Among others present were Nasir, Registration Officer of the Department of Social Services; Jesmin Sultana Paru, Chief Executive of ILMA, Chattogram; Md Rabiul Islam, Executive Director of DISHA, Kushtia; and Syeda Shamima Sultana, Member of the ADAB Executive Committee.

ADAB Director A.K.M. Jashim Uddin delivered the welcome speech and presented the keynote paper. Around 60 organisational representatives took part in the discussion.

Speakers described the Department of Social Services as the parent institution of all NGOs and put forward various recommendations. Issues discussed included defining the true scope of NGOs under the Department of Social Services; establishing a single registration authority; reducing harassment in registration, constitution amendments, committee approvals and area expansion; aligning committee tenure and approval processes with MRA, NGOAB and other regulatory authorities; ensuring stakeholder consultation, including ADAB, in policy formulation; involving local district administrations in security verifications; and expanding digitalised services.

Participants further observed that the initiatives of the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) regarding age limits for executive directors, committee tenure, and appointment of independent members were not acceptable to NGOs.

Chief guest Ayub Khan said contributions of both citizens and NGOs, alongside the government, are vital in Bangladesh’s transformation from a developing to a middle-income country. He noted that NGOs often provide farmers with timely assistance when banks cannot. The Department of Social Services, he added, is working to bring all NGOs under one umbrella and move activities online. Matters such as executive directors’ age limits, committee tenure, and independent member appointments, however, do not fall under the jurisdiction of the MRA.

He further stated that conflicting policy issues raised during the meeting regarding other registration authorities and the Department of Social Services could be sent as recommendations to the relevant authorities, and necessary cooperation would be provided in this regard.

Ayub Khan concluded by saying that through collective efforts, national development is achievable and prosperity will surely follow.