ISPAT project to modernise NGO Affairs Bureau through digital systems

The Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed two projects—Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) Phase II and Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT)—on 9 February 2026 at the ERD in Dhaka.

Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, ERD, and Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, signed the documents on behalf of their respective organisations.

TEPP Phase II will run from January 2026 to March 2028 with a total budget of approximately $3.57 million, funded by the UK Government. The project aims to strengthen Bangladesh's trade and investment policy ecosystem to support a competitive post-LDC transition by enhancing trade negotiation capacity, evidence-based policy analysis, institutional reforms, and investment climate processes through the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

ISPAT will be implemented from January 2026 to June 2027 with a budget of $1.06 million, supported by the Australian Government. The project will strengthen and modernise the NGO Affairs Bureau through digital systems, improved transparency, and gender-responsive service delivery, alongside policy reform and capacity development to enhance NGO oversight and engagement in national development priorities.

Speaking at the signing, Siddiky said, "These initiatives reflect our commitment to a holistic approach to institutional strengthening—building capacity, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering evidence-based policymaking. Through these projects, we aim to develop capable institutions and professionals who can effectively support good governance and Bangladesh's economic transformation, particularly during the post-LDC transition."

Liller said, "These two projects are highly strategic and catalytic, strengthening the institutions and policy ecosystems that underpin Bangladesh's economic transformation and governance reforms. Working closely with government and development partners, UNDP is committed to supporting nationally led, forward-looking reforms that will deliver long-term impact."

The signing reaffirms cooperation among the government, UNDP, and development partners in advancing Bangladesh's economic transition, strengthening public institutions, and promoting transparent, technology-enabled, and citizen-centric service delivery. Both projects are expected to support stronger governance systems, foster private sector competitiveness, and contribute to Bangladesh's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Also present were AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary and Wing Chief (UN), ERD; Md Daud Miah, Director General (Additional Secretary), NGO Affairs Bureau; Md Muzib-Ul-Ferdous, Director General (Additional Secretary), BIDA; Mohammad Khairul Alam, Deputy Chief (Export Wing), Ministry of Commerce; Syed Haider, First Secretary and Head of Development Cooperation, Australian High Commission; Asif Kashem, Senior Programme Manager, Australian High Commission; Anowarul Haque, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP; and Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP.