Staff Reporter :
Institutional impediments and corruption are preventing non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from running smoothly, chief of the interim government’s White Paper Preparation Committee Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the National Economic Council building in the capital’s Agargaon, he said, “These impediments and corruption have been committed sometimes willingly, sometimes with the help of the government. NGO officials have blamed the agency responsible for overseeing them for letting this happen.”
Debapriya said the NGO representatives expressed frustration over the role of the embassies Bangladesh has abroad and major concern over the steps to make government management more efficient and corruption-free.
NGOs are facing corruption during renewal, approval and registration of their organisations and projects from relevant government agencies, he said in response to a question.
The works of NGOs and their contribution to Bangladesh’s development do not get attention as they do not get due recognition from the authorities concerned, Debapriya said.
As a result, NGOs do not get the expected help and support from the government. This is why recognition has become important for NGOs, Debapriya added.
He also stressed the need to involve NGOs in addressing the plights of the people, including their suffering due to inflation, marginalisation and increasing discrimination.
The meeting was held between the committee and 78 representatives of different NGOs from Dhaka and across the country.