Guidelines for NGO Registration in Bangladesh

What is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)?

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is a non-profit group that operates independently from government control. These organizations are typically focused on addressing social, environmental, humanitarian, or developmental issues. NGOs can be local, national, or international and are an essential part of civil society, playing a crucial role in advocating for change, providing services, and promoting human rights.

Key Characteristics of NGOs

• Non-Profit Status: NGOs do not operate for financial gain. They focus on fulfilling their mission to address social causes.
• Independence: NGOs operate independently of government control, although they may collaborate with governments or other organizations.
• Volunteer-based: Many NGOs rely heavily on volunteers, though they may also employ paid staff to manage operations.
• Focused on Specific Causes: NGOs typically focus on a specific area, such as education, health, the environment, or human rights.
• Global Reach: Some NGOs operate internationally, while others may focus on a specific country or region.

Types of NGOs

• Operational NGOs: These NGOs focus on the implementation of specific projects, often providing services, resources, or relief to individuals in need.
• Advocacy NGOs: Advocacy NGOs work to influence public policies, raise awareness, and advocate for changes in laws or practices.
• Humanitarian NGOs: These organizations focus on providing emergency aid, disaster relief, and addressing humanitarian crises.
• Development NGOs: Development NGOs work on long-term projects that aim to improve social and economic conditions in underdeveloped areas.

How NGOs Operate

NGOs operate in various ways depending on their mission, size, and focus area. They may provide direct services, such as healthcare or education, or they might engage in research and advocacy to influence government policies. NGOs often rely on donations, grants, and fundraising activities to finance their work. Many are governed by a board of directors and may be registered as charitable organizations with regulatory bodies.

The Role of NGOs in Society

NGOs play an essential role in filling gaps in services and support that governments or businesses may not be able to address. They often work in areas where there is a lack of governmental interest or in countries with limited resources. Through their advocacy, NGOs help raise awareness about global issues such as climate change, poverty, and human rights, encouraging people to take action or pressuring governments to make changes.

Challenges Faced by NGOs

• Funding Challenges: NGOs often rely on donations and grants, which can be unpredictable or insufficient.
• Political Interference: Some NGOs face restrictions or scrutiny from governments, particularly those that advocate for human rights or political change.
• Accountability Issues: NGOs are accountable to their donors, beneficiaries, and sometimes governments, and maintaining transparency can be a challenge.
• Operational Constraints: Limited resources, staff, and infrastructure can make it difficult for NGOs to scale their projects effectively.

How to Register an International NGO (INGO) in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the registration of an NGO that receives foreign donations is regulated by the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016 (FDRA). This act outlines the process NGOs must follow to ensure transparency, accountability, and legal compliance when operating within the country.

Registration Process:

Eligibility and Initial Preparation:

Ensure the NGO is formed as a non-political, non-profit organization, focused on voluntary activities such as social, cultural, educational, or health-related initiatives.

Application Submission:

Submit an application to the Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau with the required documentation, including details about expected foreign donations, sources, and intended uses.

Verification and Approval:

The NGO Affairs Bureau conducts a review of the application, in consultation with other relevant ministries. If all requirements are met, a registration certificate is issued, valid for ten years.

Renewal of Registration:

NGOs must apply for renewal six months before the registration expires, providing evidence of satisfactory operations and compliance.

Project Approval and Implementation:

NGOs must submit a detailed project proposal to the NGO Affairs Bureau, which will review it and ensure it aligns with national development goals. Projects must adhere to approved budgets and guidelines, with administrative costs capped at 20%. For urgent projects like disaster relief, funds must be approved and released promptly.

Financial Management and Reporting:

Foreign donations must be received through a designated bank account. The NGO Affairs Bureau must approve the release of funds, ensuring financial integrity. NGOs must provide regular financial reports, including annual audits, to maintain transparency.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

The NGO Affairs Bureau conducts inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and project objectives. Third-party evaluations may be conducted to assess efficiency and effectiveness. Local government authorities and specialized bodies, such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, oversee NGOs in specific areas to ensure cultural sensitivity and regional alignment with development goals.

Recruitment and Travel of Foreign Experts:

NGOs must seek approval for the appointment of foreign experts, including securing security clearances and ensuring travel expenses are covered within the project budget.

Reporting Obligations:

NGOs are required to submit comprehensive annual reports detailing activities, financial statements, and outcomes. They must also report any foreign donations received, including the identities of donors and intended uses.

Required Documents for Local NGO Registration (under FDRA):

• Completed FD-1 Form (9 copies)
• List of Executive Committee members (3 copies)
• National ID copies and passport size photos of committee members (6 copies)
• Plan of Operation and organizational charts (6 copies)
• Letter of recommendation from the parent organization (6 copies)
• Treasury chalan (deposit slip for registration fees)

Required Documents for Foreign NGO Registration (under FDRA):

• FD-1 Form signed by the Chief Executive in Bangladesh (9 copies)
• Certificate of Incorporation from the country of origin (3 copies)
• Plan of Operation, Activity Report, and other relevant documents (6 copies)

This framework ensures that NGOs in Bangladesh operate transparently, with appropriate oversight and accountability, fostering trust and effective community impact.

Conclusion

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are vital players in addressing global challenges and improving lives. While they face challenges, their contribution to social, economic, and environmental causes is invaluable. Through their work, NGOs bring attention to issues that might otherwise be ignored, help vulnerable populations, and influence positive changes in society.