CSOs urge a renewed focus on adaptability and strategic partnerships to address Bangladesh’s evolving socio-political landscape. They emphasized the need for stronger advocacy for transparent governance, the promotion of inclusive economic development, and the development of resilient community networks that actively engage youth to define the path towards Bangladesh 2.0.
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, a meeting of the CSO Alliance Convening Committee took place at the BRAC Centre. In light of recent political changes and Bangladesh’s transition into a new era, the meeting aimed to discuss the future role of NGOs in contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.
The meeting also focused on organizing a national dialogue involving government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, private sector stakeholders, Bangladeshi academics, and youth representatives. The primary goal was to establish a strategic framework for NGOs to enhance their support for transparent governance, develop inclusive economic growth, and strengthen resilient community networks in alignment with Bangladesh’s Vision 2.0.
Chaired by Rasheda K. Choudhury, Convenor of the CSO Alliance and Executive Director of the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), the meeting brought together NGO and INGO representatives who are part of the convening committee, as well as Advisory Committee members from the CSO Alliance, to discuss the expanding responsibilities of CSOs and the existing sectoral challenges.
Notable attendees included Shafiqul Islam, Regional Director of ADD International; Khairul Islam, Regional Director of WaterAid South Asia; Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC; Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation; Dr. Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad; Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid; Bazle Mustafa Razi, Executive Director of FIVDB; Abdul Hamid, Country Director of Educo Bangladesh; Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh; Qazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation; K.A.M. Morshed, Senior Director at BRAC and Focal Point of the CSO Alliance; and Syed Ahmed, Coordinator of the CSO Alliance Secretariat and CEO of IID.