This article will take you through everything you need to know to register a non-profit organization in Bangladesh.
What is an NGO?
The Non-Governmental Organization is a recognized legal entity that is neither a direct political official nor a member of the government.
NGOs are typically founded by a group of individuals who want to make a beneficial impact on society. They aim to accomplish their purpose by raising money from various donors all across the world.
CONVENTIONAL NGO PROGRAMS IN BANGLADESH
We can further broaden the scope of NGOs based on finance, including locally sponsored, publicly funded, privately supported, national, and international groups.
NGO and INGO programs found in Bangladesh are
- BINGO: a worldwide business-friendly NGO (Red Cross)
- ENGO: NGOs for the environment (Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund)
- GONGO: an organization that is governed by the government (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
- INGO: NGO operating internationally (Oxfam)
- QUANGO: an NGO with little autonomy (International Organization for Standardization)
HOW TO REGISTER AN NGO AND INGO IN BANGLADESH?
In Bangladesh, there are three ways to register an NGO:
Registering Under NGO Affairs Bureau
The body of the NGOAB must register the INGO or NGO. The NGOAB must receive an application in the required format along with payment of the required fee and all necessary documentation.
The Ministry of Social Security and the Ministry of Home Affairs will both receive the application after it is submitted to the NGOAB for review and inspection of the supporting documentation.
If the approved bodies are satisfied with their inquiries, the concerned Ministries will designate the Special Branch of Police and National Security Intelligence to conduct a security check on the applicant and on any subject of inspection that has been referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The audit and final review of the documents get started when the NGOAB has received the approval.
Registering under the Department of Social Services (DSS)
To register an NGO or charity in Bangladesh, one can apply through the Ministry of Social Welfare’s Department of Social Services (DSS). However, this is only necessary for organizations offering welfare services to specific groups such as children, women, the elderly, and others.
The main legal instruments for registration include the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961, and its related Rules, 1962.
THE DSS REGISTRATION PROCEDURE INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING –
- Obtaining name clearance
- Submitting an application (using “Form-B”)
- Providing required documents
- Paying government fees
- Application forwarding to relevant Ministries
- Security check by law enforcement
- Inspection, monitoring and review by the Ministry
- Final scrutiny by DSS
- Issuance of registration (estimated processing time 5-7 months).
Registration of NGOs through RJSC in Bangladesh
The RJSC registration process for NGOs in Bangladesh is considered a more formal and desirable option for registration due to its features of faster application response and a streamlined application procedure.
The process is guided by the Societies Registration Act of 1860, where a group of seven or more individuals can apply to the Bangladesh Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms to establish a society by subscribing to its memorandum of association, along with its rules and regulations.
STEPS TO REGISTER AN NGO THROUGH RJSC IN BANGLADESH
- Acquire a name clearance similar to a company name clearance and then file the registration application with all necessary documentation, including the approved name clearance.
- Submit the registration request along with the Memorandum of Association, Clearance letter, and all other required documents to RJSC.
- Pay the government fees.
- Undergo a security examination carried out by a law enforcement agency like the Special Branch of Police or National Security Intelligence.
- Be inspected, monitored, and evaluated by the relevant authorities.
- Receive a registration certificate if all requirements have been satisfied.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, registering a non-profit organization in Bangladesh is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
The process involves several steps, including obtaining government approval, registering with the relevant government authorities, and establishing a board of directors.
Proper planning, research, and preparation are key to a successful registration process. With the right guidance and support, non-profit organizations in Bangladesh can positively impact their communities and contribute to the country’s overall development.
