Stakeholders from civil society, the private sector, and political leadership called for stronger collaboration with CSOs to rebuild a more inclusive Bangladesh at a national consultation on October 19, 2024. Organized by the CSO Alliance, with IID serving as its Secretariat, the event highlighted the vital role of civil society organizations in addressing the nation’s key challenges and driving sustainable reform. The consultation, titled “Civil Society: Past, Present, and Future,” gathered diverse perspectives on how CSOs can adapt and reposition themselves within Bangladesh’s changing socio-political landscape.
Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC and Chairman of IID, emphasized the importance of youth engagement, stating, “Youth are at the heart of the new Bangladesh. CSOs must create spaces for young people to actively participate in policy discussions and drive change. The future of Bangladesh depends on empowering the next generation.”
Co-facilitated by Syeed Ahamed, CEO of IID and Coordinator of the CSO Alliance Secretariat, and Rasheda K Chowdhury, Convener of the CSO Alliance, the event focused on redefining the role of CSOs in Bangladesh’s future.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the interim government, noted, “CSOs have consistently played a crucial role during national crises. Their continued engagement in the political process, particularly through legal reforms and policy advocacy, will be key to ensuring inclusivity in governance.”
Sharmin S Murshid, advisor to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, underscored the power of collective action, saying, “Civil society has been instrumental in shaping policy reforms. We must continue fostering a strong, unified civil society that pushes for social justice, gender equality, and the protection of marginalized communities.”
Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission, stressed, “CSOs play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability. Our collaboration with the government and private sector is critical to tackling corruption and strengthening democratic governance.”
Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), reflected on the evolving landscape of civil society: “Civil society must innovate and adapt to shifting political and economic realities. Our role is not just to respond to crises but to proactively influence policy for long-term change, particularly in education, health, and social protection.”
Political leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury added, “Civil society must remain a vital force in holding both government and political leaders accountable. Stronger partnerships between CSOs and political entities are essential for sustainable progress.”
Participants called for expanding consultations beyond Dhaka, with thematic dialogues that delve deeper into key issues and incorporate perspectives from across the country. This broader engagement would ensure a more inclusive conversation about the role of civil society in addressing Bangladesh’s most pressing challenges.
The consultation brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including advisors from the interim government, political leaders, youth representatives, CSO-NGO-INGO leaders, human rights activists, and development practitioners. The event also saw the launch of the book *Legacies of Civil Society Organizations*, documenting the contributions of CSOs over the past 50 years.
The event received significant media attention, with over 160 mentions across print, online, and broadcast platforms, further underscoring the critical role of CSOs in shaping Bangladesh’s future.
