Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) play a vital role in Bangladesh’s social and economic development. They address critical issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and human rights, contributing significantly to the welfare of the nation. However, to operate legally in Bangladesh, NGOs and INGOs must comply with specific registration and regulatory requirements. Justice Corner Law Firm BD offers expert legal services to guide NGOs and INGOs through the complex registration process.
Key Regulatory Bodies for NGO & INGO Registration
In Bangladesh, the registration of NGOs and INGOs is governed by various laws and regulations. The main regulatory authorities are:
- The NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) – Oversees the registration of local NGOs in Bangladesh.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Handles the registration of INGOs in Bangladesh.
NGO Registration Procedure in Bangladesh
To register as an NGO in Bangladesh, organizations must follow a set of legal procedures to ensure compliance with the NGO Affairs Bureau. The key steps include:
- Drafting the Constitution – The NGO must prepare its constitution, which outlines the organization’s goals, activities, governance structure, and operational framework.
- Application Submission – Submit the constitution along with other required documents, such as the organization’s office address, list of members, and financial projections, to the NGO Affairs Bureau.
- Approval from the Bureau – The NGO Affairs Bureau reviews the application and, upon approval, grants the organization permission to operate in Bangladesh.
- Renewal of Registration – NGO registration must be renewed every three years.
INGO Registration Procedure in Bangladesh
For INGOs, the registration process is slightly different and involves approval from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and other relevant authorities. The key steps include:
- Submission of Documents – INGOs must submit the necessary documents, including the organization’s mission, scope of activities, budget, and details of foreign funding sources, to MOFA.
- Approval from MOFA – After reviewing the documents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which allows the INGO to legally operate in Bangladesh.
- Registration with the NGO Affairs Bureau – After receiving the NOC, INGOs must also register with the NGO Affairs Bureau to formalize their operations.
- Renewal of Registration – INGO registration is valid for five years and requires renewal after this period.
