Dhaka:Humanitarian actors have emphasized the need for effective implementation of the 'Grand Bargain' commitments in Bangladesh, focusing on localization, equitable partnerships, quality funding for local and national actors, and accountability to affected populations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, concerns were raised during an online seminar titled 'Grand Bargain beyond 2026 Locals' Perspective,' organized by COAST Foundation, BDCSO COAST, and the Cox's Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF). Participants expressed worries about the limited progress in localization, noting that direct funding is reaching only a small number of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) despite existing commitments.
The Grand Bargain, adopted at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May 2016, aims to channel more financial and operational resources directly to people in need and enhance the efficiency of global humanitarian action. However, Md. Iqbal Uddin of BDCSO COAST highlighted serious questions about the implementation of localization commitments, particularly in the Rohingya response, where United Nations agencies lead all major sectors.
Funding figures presented at the seminar showed that UN agencies received 87.96% of the funding, international NGOs (INGOs) received 7.78%, and national NGOs received 4.26%, with no allocation for local NGOs. Netai Chandra Dey Sarkar, Director of the Directorate of Disaster Management, stressed the importance of capacity exchange and called for stronger capacity development and at least 25% direct funding for local NGOs.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, urged that UN agencies and INGOs should focus on facilitation while allowing local NGOs to lead in implementation. Clarence Sutharshan, Country Director of Tearfund, reiterated the organization's commitment to locally led humanitarian responses.
Several speakers, including Md. Abdul Alim of ActionAid Bangladesh and Md. Zahangir Alam, raised concerns about funding practices, the need for a country-level definition of localization, and the concentration of funding in particular NGOs. Md. Khalilur Rahman of POPI in Dhaka suggested mapping local NGOs at the district level to enhance donor engagement.
Mujibur Rahman, adviser to Shushilan in Cox's Bazar, pointed out the mindset of UN and INGO leadership as a barrier to localization, while Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD moderated the seminar. Other participants included Md. Shibly Sadick of SATHI in Natore and Shibu Baidyo of Ganochetona Foundation in Satkhira.