The civil society organizations must urgently strengthen transparency, rebuild public trust, and reconnect with local communities—this was the clear call that emerged from the Chattogram regional consultation held on 18 August 2025. Organized by the CSO Alliance in collaboration with YPSA, the consultation brought together leaders from government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth to reflect on the future of citizen organizations and identify what kind of civil society Bangladesh needs today.

The Chattogram consultation emphasized the need for stronger accountability and transparency within the NGO sector, recognizing that corruption, though ingrained in society, must be eradicated from civil society organizations. Participants called for regulatory reforms to prevent external pressures on NGOs that divert funds from development work, and urged the creation of independent oversight mechanisms to ensure public accountability, including the use of the Right to Information Act. They recommended the formation of community-led monitoring committees, advocating for proactive sharing of NGO financial information and regular audits to restore public trust and ensure effective use of resources.

Discussions also highlighted the need for citizen organizations to engage with politics without becoming partisan, advocating for public needs while maintaining independence.This indicates a crucial gap in civil societies in Bangladesh where these organizations are often seen as either aligned with the government or opposition, undermining their effectiveness. Participants urged NGOs to ground their work in local priorities rather than solely donor-driven agendas, emphasizing that structural issues such as poverty, education, and employment require systemic solutions. Vocational training, skill development, and pre-departure preparation for migrant workers were identified as key interventions to improve livelihoods and maximize social impact.

Inclusivity and grassroots engagement were central to the dialogue. Speakers highlighted the importance of empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities, including indigenous populations, ensuring their voices shape civic initiatives. Collaboration across sectors – including government, law enforcement, private companies, and media – was encouraged to address complex urban challenges like waste management, public health, and youth delinquency. Concrete examples, such as successful school fee refund campaigns, demonstrated the potential of collective citizen action to achieve tangible results.

The Chattogram regional consultation was attended by a wide array of participants representing political parties, academia, government, youth, private sector, civil society organizations, and organizers. Political representatives included Zobairul Hasan Arif, Joint Chief Organizer and Coordinator, Chattogram, National Civic Party (NCP); Muhammad Ullah, Member of Central Majlis-e-Shura and Assistant Secretary, Chattogram Metropolitan, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; and Faisal Muhammad Yunus, Member of Central Majlis-e-Shura and Assistant Secretary, Chattogram Metropolitan, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Academic representation included Dr. Moinul Islam, Ekushey Padak-winning economist.

Government officials present were Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation; Rowshan Ara Rob, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime Management), Chattogram Range; Dr. Jahangir Alam, Civil Surgeon, Chattogram District; and Md. Abu Isa Ansari, Deputy Chief Urban Planner, Chattogram Development Authority. Youth participation included Kirtika Chakma, an entrepreneur from Chattogram.

Private sector representatives included Mohammad Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Director and CEO, Clifton Group; Kohinur Kamal, Chairman, Meridian Group; and Nuzhat Noyeri Kristi, Director, Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CWCCI). Civil society members included Hla Sing Nu, Executive Director, Balipara Nari Kallyan Samity (BNKS); Md. Delwar Hossain Majumdar, President, SONAK-TIB, Chattogram; Engineer Subhash Barua, Vice President, Planned Chattogram Forum; Shamsuddin Ilyas, Bureau Chief, The Business Standard, Chattogram; BB Asia, Panel Lawyer, Bangladesh Women Lawyers Association, Chattogram; Advocate Nitai Prasad Ghosh, General Secretary, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Chattogram Metropolitan; and A.M. Nazim Uddin, Labor Leader, Chattogram.

Organizers included Arifur Rahman, Executive Director, YPSA; Asif Saleh, Co-Convener, CSO Alliance and Executive Director, BRAC; Saeed Ahmed, Coordinator, CSO Alliance Secretariat and Executive Head, IID; Shaheen Anam, Executive Committee Member, CSO Alliance and Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation; KAM Morshed, Executive Committee Member, CSO Alliance and Senior Director, BRAC; and Rasheda K. Chowdhury, Executive Committee Member, CSO Alliance and Executive Director, CAMPE (via online participation).

In closing, CSO Alliance co-convener Asif Saleh thanked participants for their insights and reaffirmed the Alliance’s commitment to promoting integrity, inclusivity, and community-centered civic action. He emphasized that civil society organizations must remain close to the people, transparent in their operations, and focused on solving real issues, laying the foundation for a more accountable and responsive citizen-led development model in Bangladesh.