Divisional Dialogue in Rangpur to Simplify NGOAB’s Services and Boost SDG Progress

A Divisional Policy Dialogue with NGO representatives and the local administration was held today, 13 July 2025, in Rangpur under the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project. The project is jointly implemented by the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Chief Advisor's Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the Australian High Commission.

Running from July 2024 to June 2027, ISPAT aims to strengthen the capacity of the NGO Affairs Bureau to efficiently manage foreign donations and enable NGOs to contribute more effectively to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The project focuses on building institutional and professional capacity, simplifying and digitalising services, promoting NGO innovation, and improving coordination among stakeholders to ensure an enabling policy environment for NGOs across Bangladesh.

Addressing as the chief guest, Md. Shahidul Islam, ndc, Divisional Commissioner, Rangpur Division, said "Our NGOs play a vital role at the grassroots level. Today's dialogue helps us understand their challenges and ensure that public service delivery becomes faster, more transparent, and more inclusive for all. Strengthening internal resource mobilisation is equally important to make sure no one is left behind."

Chairing the dialogue, Md. Daud Miah, ndc, Director General, NGO Affairs Bureau, highlighted the office automation and digitisation of the NGO Affairs Bureau. He said:
"Through the ISPAT project, with support from UNDP and Australian High Commission, we are transforming our services with modern automation and digital systems. This will make our processes faster, more transparent, and accessible, so NGOs can deliver their work more efficiently for the people of Bangladesh."

Special Guest Muhammad Rabiul Faisal, Deputy Commissioner, Rangpur, said, "Challenges like poverty, child marriage, dowry demand close collaboration between NGOs and the government. Together, we can tackle these issues and build an inclusive Bangladesh where no one is left behind."

Asif Kashem, Senior Program Manager, Australian High Commission, stated: "The Australian Government is proud to support this initiative, which aims to strengthen institutions, enhance accountability, and ensure better services for the people of Bangladesh."

Md. Anwar Hossain, Director, NGO Affairs Bureau, moderated the open discussion and highlighted key recommendations for improving and simplifying NGOAB's service delivery processes.

Among others, Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative and Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP spoke at the event along with SM Jamal Ahmed, Senior Assistant Secretary, NGO Affairs Bureau.

Earlier, Azizul Haque Sarder, Project Manager, ISPAT presented the keynote paper.

The dialogue brought together over 45 NGO leaders, government officials, and development partners to gather field-level insights that will help strengthen NGOAB's capacity to deliver efficient services and manage foreign donations, advancing Bangladesh's progress towards the SDGs.