ISPAT dialogue highlights NGO–government coordination for SDGs

A divisional policy dialogue with NGO representatives and local administration was held today (13 July) in Rangpur under the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project.

The initiative is jointly implemented by the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Chief Adviser's Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Australian High Commission.

Running from July 2024 to June 2027, ISPAT aims to enhance the institutional and professional capabilities of the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), streamline service delivery through automation, foster NGO innovation, and ensure better coordination among stakeholders to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Md. Shahidul Islam, ndc, Divisional Commissioner of Rangpur, attended as the chief guest. "Our NGOs play a vital role at the grassroots level," he said. "Today's dialogue helps us understand their challenges and work toward public service delivery that is faster, more transparent, and inclusive."

Presiding over the event, Md. Daud Miah, ndc, Director General of NGOAB, highlighted the agency's digital transformation: "With support from UNDP and the Australian High Commission, the ISPAT project is modernising our operations through automation and digital tools. These reforms will help NGOs deliver more efficiently and effectively."

Special guest Muhammad Rabiul Faisal, Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur, stressed the importance of joint action. "Issues like poverty, child marriage, and dowry demand close NGO–NGO-government collaboration. Together, we can build a more inclusive Bangladesh."

Representing the Australian High Commission, Asif Kashem, Senior Programme Manager, said: "Australia is proud to support this initiative to strengthen institutions, improve accountability, and deliver better services for the people of Bangladesh."

Md. Anwar Hossain, Director of NGOAB, moderated the open discussion, summarising key field-level recommendations to simplify and improve NGOAB's service processes.

Azizul Haque Sarder, Project Manager of ISPAT, presented the keynote paper. Other speakers included Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, and Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist at UNDP, as well as SM Jamal Ahmed, Senior Assistant Secretary, NGOAB.

The dialogue brought together over 45 participants, including NGO leaders, development partners, and public officials, to inform ongoing policy reforms and institutional capacity-building.