A policy dialogue with NGO representatives and field administration was held today in Khulna under the project Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT), jointly implemented by the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) under the Chief Adviser’s Office and UNDP Bangladesh, with support from the Australian High Commission, Dhaka.

The event brought together over 70 participants from NGOs, local administration, and development partners to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration, enhance service delivery, and promote digital transformation in the NGO sector.

Md. Anwar Hossain, Director of NGOAB who also chaired the event and Azizul Haque Sarder, Project Manager of ISPAT, presented an overview of the project’s progress, including the digitalization of NGO profiles, development of an online service portal, and training programmes for NGO and NGOAB officials. They also highlighted the creation of a centralized NGO database to strengthen coordination, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.

Attending as the Chief Guest, Md. Daud Miah ndc, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the NGO Affairs Bureau assured that NGOAB would continue its efforts to simplify processes through digital transformation. “We want to build a system where every citizen, regardless of background, has equal opportunity and dignity. The Bureau deeply appreciates the valuable work NGOs are doing at the grassroots level, and we remain determined to stand beside them.”

Special Guest Bitan Kumar Mandal, Deputy Director (Local Government) and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Khulna reflected, “The ISPAT project focuses on important systemic improvements,”. He further added, “But we must also prioritize the economic resilience of people in Khulna. When livelihoods are secure, every other form of development naturally follows.”

Md. Anwar Hossain emphasized the Bureau’s dedication to transforming feedback into action. “We will continue to refine policies, strengthen systems, and ensure that this collaboration leads to real impact on the ground.”

Syed Haider, First Secretary and Head of Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission, highlighted Australia’s continued partnership with UNDP and NGOAB. “On behalf of the Australian Government, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting Bangladesh in strengthening governance, creating safe and inclusive digital spaces, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Among others, Asif Kashem, Senior Programme Manager, Australian High Commission, Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP and Azizul Haque Sarder, Project Manager of UNDP-ISPAT Project also attended. During the open discussion, NGO representatives raised key issues such as audit costs for small NGOs, fund management, VAT and tax implications, and the need for regular coordination between field and central administrations. Participants also proposed developing a national online platform where all NGOs could update and access data in real time.