Dhaka:Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the need for robust partnerships among NGOs, the private sector, and the government to effectively tackle development challenges and secure sustainable financing.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister highlighted the importance of creating a sustainable financing framework with specific timelines for NGOs during a seminar titled 'Beyond Foreign Dependency: The Future of NGO Financing in Bangladesh' held at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS).
Minister Khosru noted the government's efforts to address emerging crises and ensure accountability, stating a preference for providing effective responses rather than merely listening. He advocated for an integrated framework focusing on human development, local culture preservation, and increased private sector participation.
He acknowledged the ongoing contributions of NGOs and other stakeholders in various sectors, including the creative economy, but stressed the need for more structured and policy-driven cooperation. The minister underscored the critical role of NGOs in delivering government services to grassroots communities.
Khosru urged the formulation and implementation of policies within defined timeframes to facilitate sustainable NGO financing. He also encouraged enhancing traditional crafts like Shital Pati through modern designs and marketing strategies to access international markets.
The minister concluded by insisting that all development projects must meet four conditions—value for money, investment returns, employment or entrepreneurship generation, and environmental protection—before approval.