NGO and INGO Registration in Bangladesh

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s development by addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Registering an NGO or an International NGO (INGO) requires compliance with various legal frameworks. This guide provides a detailed overview of NGO registration in Bangladesh, including types of NGOs, regulatory bodies, legal requirements, and the step-by-step registration process.

Types of NGOs in Bangladesh

NGOs in Bangladesh can be classified into various categories based on funding sources and operational scope:

1.   Local NGOs – Operate within Bangladesh with local funding sources.

2.   International NGOs (INGOs) – Operate across multiple countries and typically receive foreign funding.

3.   Government-Organized NGOs (GONGOs) – Established or heavily supported by the government.

4.   Environmental NGOs (ENGOs) – Focus on environmental conservation.

5.   Business-Friendly International NGOs (BINGOs) – Support business-related initiatives.

6.   Human Rights Organizations – Work on legal aid and advocacy.

7.   Religious Charities – Provide support based on religious principles.

Regulatory Authorities for NGOs in Bangladesh

Several regulatory bodies oversee NGO activities in Bangladesh:

• NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) – Oversees NGOs receiving foreign donations under the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016 (FDRA).
• Department of Social Services (DSS) – Registers NGOs focused on social welfare under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961.
• Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) – Registers non-profit companies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and Companies Act, 1994.
  
  

Step-by-Step Process of NGO Registration in Bangladesh

An NGO can be registered through three different authorities:

1) Registration Under the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB)

NGOs intending to receive foreign donations must register with the NGOAB. The process includes:

Step 1:  Application Submission- Applicants must submit Form FD-1 (signed by the Chief Executive in Bangladesh) in nine copies, along with supporting documents such as the organization’s constitution, activity report, operational plan, executive committee details, and letter of intent. A registration fee of BDT 50,000 for local NGOs and USD 9,000 for foreign NGOs must be paid.

Step 2: Security Clearance- The application is forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for verification by law enforcement agencies, including the Special Branch of Police and National Security Intelligence.

Step 3: Final Approval- Upon successful verification, the NGOAB grants registration within 90 working days. The registration remains valid for 10 years and must be renewed six months before expiry.

2) Registration Under the Department of Social Services (DSS)

For NGOs focusing on social welfare, the DSS offers an alternative registration process:

Step 1: Name Clearance - Obtain name approval from the DSS.

Step 2: Application Submission  - Submit Form-B along with the constitution, executive member details, and activity reports.

Step 3: Security Check and Review - The application undergoes review and security checks.

Step 4: Approval and Registration - DSS grants registration, which typically takes 5-7 months.

3) Registration Under RJSC

For NGOs operating as societies or non-profit companies, the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) manages registration:

Step 1: Name Clearance - Obtain approval for the NGO’s name from the RJSC.

Step 2: Document Submission- Submit the Memorandum of Association, constitution, and clearance letter.

Step 3: Security Check and Final Registration- Law enforcement agencies verify the application. Upon successful verification, the RJSC issues the NGO registration certificate.

Post-Registration Compliance Requirements

Once registered, NGOs must adhere to the following compliance requirements:

·  Annual Financial Reporting: Submit audited financial statements to the relevant authority.

·  Renewal of Registration: NGOAB registration is valid for 10 years and must be renewed 6 months before expiry.

·  Operational Transparency: Any structural or policy changes must be reported to the relevant authority.

·  Tax Compliance: NGOs must comply with tax regulations under the Income Tax Ordinance.

Additional Considerations for INGOs

·  INGOs should ensure their board composition includes both local and foreign members for better governance.

·  Foreign employees require work permits from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

·  INGOs must comply with strict funding regulations under the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016.

Overall, registering an NGO or INGO in Bangladesh requires careful navigation of legal and regulatory processes. Understanding the requirements and following the correct steps ensures compliance and successful operations. Whether registering with NGOAB, DSS, or RJSC, organizations must ensure proper documentation and adherence to compliance obligations to maintain operational legitimacy.