Australia, UNDP back reforms to boost NGO operations

The NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian High Commission, organised a policy dialogue today (September 18) under the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project.

The event brought together government, NGO, and development partner representatives to explore strategies for enhancing service delivery and coordination in Cox's Bazar, which hosts the world's largest refugee settlement.

Supported by the Australian Government, the ISPAT project seeks to enhance NGOAB's capacity, digitise service systems, and create a supportive policy environment for NGOs. These initiatives are essential to address the humanitarian and development needs of nearly one million Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities.

Speaking as the chief guest, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman said: "To build sustainable partnerships, we must move from a reactive to a proactive approach, where NGOs, government, and development partners work hand in hand to deliver meaningful impact. Cox's Bazar's challenges go far beyond the Rohingya crisis. An integrated development approach is essential to unlock the region's full potential, from tackling poverty and malnutrition to harnessing its vast tourism opportunities."

Special guest and Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar, Mohammad Salahuddin, said that strengthening institutional capacity and simplifying procedures would empower NGOs to deliver services more efficiently, addressing the Rohingya crisis while advancing sustainable development in the district.

Clinton Pobke, deputy high commissioner of the Australian High Commission, said: "Well-functioning institutions are the foundation of sustainable development. Through the ISPAT project, Australia is proud to support the NGO Affairs Bureau in strengthening governance, humanitarian response, and effective service delivery for those most in need."

Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh resident representative, said: "Cox's Bazar hosts over a million Rohingya refugees alongside vulnerable local communities. While humanitarian needs remain urgent, we must also support the aspirations of the communities here. This dialogue is a critical opportunity to strengthen institutional mechanisms so that both displaced populations and local communities are served effectively, leaving no one behind."

The dialogue featured presentations on ISPAT's interventions, open discussions on service delivery challenges, and recommendations for policy and operational improvements. Participants emphasised the importance of digitalisation, capacity building, and regular stakeholder engagement to ensure that NGO operations align with national priorities and local needs.

The session was chaired by Md Daud Miah ndc, director general of the NGO Affairs Bureau. NGOAB Director Md Anwar Hossain and UNDP Senior Governance Specialist Sheela Tasneem Haq also spoke.