In late November, Bangladesh took a significant step toward modernising its regulatory framework for civil society when the Council of Advisers approved the draft Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The reform aims to simplify foreign donation procedures, NGO registration and fund disbursement, addressing long-standing operational challenges faced by non-governmental organisations. It reflects years of sustained advocacy by civil society and extensive policy dialogues conducted at both divisional and national levels.
The ordinance emerged through the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation project, led by the NGO Affairs Bureau in collaboration with UNDP and supported by the Australian High Commission. This multi-stakeholder initiative focused on aligning regulatory reforms with practical needs on the ground, ensuring that the updated framework responds to the realities faced by NGOs working across Bangladesh.
To support effective implementation, a dissemination workshop was held in Dhaka in late December to familiarise stakeholders with the revised ordinance and its practical implications. Representatives from government agencies, development partners, national and international NGOs and civil society organisations participated in detailed discussions on compliance requirements and the introduction of new digital systems designed to improve efficiency and transparency.
The workshop created space for hands-on engagement around key operational areas, including NGO registration, project approval, fund mobilisation, financial management and reporting. Emphasis was placed on helping organisations align their internal policies and procedures with the updated regulatory provisions, reducing uncertainty and administrative bottlenecks.
Senior officials from the NGO Affairs Bureau highlighted that the revised ordinance is intended to enhance clarity, streamline processes and strengthen accountability across the sector. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued consultation with NGOs as subsidiary rules are developed, signalling an inclusive approach to ongoing regulatory refinement.
UNDP representatives underscored the importance of non-state actors in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development and emphasised that transparent and efficient management of foreign donations is essential for achieving national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. International support, particularly through partnerships such as ISPAT, was acknowledged as instrumental in advancing these reforms.
Overall, the reform represents a meaningful shift toward a more enabling regulatory environment for NGOs in Bangladesh. By fostering collaboration between government institutions, development partners and civil society, the revised ordinance is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen trust and enhance the development impact of foreign-funded voluntary activities across the country.
