In Bangladesh, establishing a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) will involve a clear understanding of local legislation, registration, and compliance. Be it social development, humanitarian aid, education, health, environment, or community empowerment, proper legal procedure will make the operations run smoothly and will grant credibility in the long term. Hence, it is important to know about every step precisely!
If you are planning to set up an NGO or INGO in Bangladesh, we, legaladvicebd.com, have got you covered!
Understanding the Legal Framework in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, NGOs and INGOs have their own specific laws through which they work, depending on their structure and nature of operations. Registration is not a choice. The groups that are not registered can not legally get foreign or local donations.
Important Legislations that Regulate NGOs/INGOs:
- The Societies Registration Act, 1860
In the case of voluntary, social, cultural, and non-profit organisations.
- The Trust Act, 1882
In the case of charitable trusts, which are founded by trustees.
- The Companies Act, 1994 (Section 28)
In the case of a non-profit organisation that is a company limited by guarantee.
- Acts and Regulations Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation, 2016
Compulsory for any NGO or INGO taking foreign donations or grants. It is controlled by the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) on behalf of the Prime Minister’s office.
You might be required to be registered under none of these structures or some or all of these structures, depending on your type of activity and source of funds.
How to Register a Local NGO in Bangladesh
Step 1: Select the Legal Structure
An NGO can be registered as:
A Society
A Trust
A Limited Company, which is by guarantee
The reason why most social service organisations prefer Society registration is the ease with which the process is carried out and is well-known.
Step 2: Prepare the Documents that are required
To register NGOs, you will require the following documents:
- Clearance of the name of the organisation
- Articles of association/memorandum and draft constitution
- Members of the executive committee
- All members’ Photographs and NIDs
- Address in the office (rent or ownership document)
- Meeting approval of formation minutes.
- Bank account information (where necessary)
- Proposed areas of work and activity plan.
All paperwork must be signed, sealed and set in a clean format, or it will not be accepted.
Step 3: Filing of the Application to the Authority
A. For Society Registration
You have to make an application to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC).
Processing Steps:
- Submit online application
- Pay the registration fee
- Check documents and the constitution
- Obtaining the Registration Certificate
Deadline: 15-25 working days (may depend on the precision of papers)
B. For Trust Registration
You have to submit the Deed of Trust at the sub-registry office.
Timeline: 5-10 working days
Remark: Trustees need to be well-defined, including responsibilities and authority.
C. For a Non-Profit Company
Making an application to the RJSC with the Memorandum, Articles of Association and license as per Section 28.
Timeline: 30-40 working days
Better when the NGOs intend to operate on a large scale or involve corporate collaborators.
Additional Registration of Foreign Funding (Mandatory)
To get foreign donations, grants, project-based international financing, your NGO must be registered:
NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB)
According to the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016.
NGOAB Registration Requirements
- Application Form (online)
- Registration copy of RJSC/Trust/Company.
- Organisation’s Constitution
- Executive Committee List of Members.
- NIDs and photos of the members.
- Bank solvency certificate
- Previous 1-year activity report (existing NGOs)
- Foreign donors’ commitment letter (where applicable)
- Project proposal in normal NGOAB format
NGOAB Processing Time
90-120 working days, subject to verification and security clearance.
How to Register an INGO in Bangladesh?
INGOs have to apply directly to NGOAB.
Documents Needed for the INGO Approval
- Home-country registration certificate
- Constitution/Articles of the INGO
- Board resolution to be in Bangladesh
- Bangladesh office specifications
- Copies of passports of representatives of foreign countries
- Partnerships (local) information (where applicable)
- Suggested projects and financial investments
- Relevant ministries (Home, Foreign Affairs, etc.), security clearance
Timeline: 4-6 months, based on interagency certification.
After-Registration Compliance Requirements
The NGOs, as well as the INGOs, are to adhere to strict monitoring and reporting regulations in Bangladesh.
Mandatory Compliance:
- Annual Audit Report
Should be audited by an approved auditor of NGOAB.
- Annual Activity Report
All the projects have to be recorded.
- Project Approval (FD-6, FD-7)
Must be in advance of expenditure on foreign funds.
- Employee Hiring Authorisation
The employment of foreign personnel needs the approval of FRI.
- Fund Utilisation Report (FD-4)
Filled in once every project has been submitted.
- Tax Compliance
Application of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
- VAT exemption certificates (where necessary)
Lack of compliance can result in project suspension, blockage of funds or project cancellation.
What is the Cost of forming an NGO or INGO in Bangladesh?
| Component | Cost Range |
| Society Registration (RJSC) | BDT 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Trust Deed Registration | BDT 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Registration of Non-profit Company | BDT 20,000 -40,000 |
| Registration of NGOAB | Varies according to documentation and legal help. |
| Legal/Consultancy Fees | Variable |
Prices are different according to the organisation and the legal backup required.
Guidelines on Easy Registration of an NGO or INGO
- A clear and distinct organisation name should be used.
- Make a powerful constitution.
- Make sure all the member NIDs and signatures are the same.
- Have the office address be the same and verifiable.
- Prepare a feasible project budget and plan.
- Be transparent in commitments by donors.
- Use the advice of legal experts to prevent technical mistakes.
Conclusion
The establishment of an NGO or INGO in Bangladesh entails several approvals, legal registration and compliance. When it is done right, it gains trust among the donors, beneficiaries and the government agents. The well-organised organisation can run a smooth system, attract financing, and make a sustainable change in the community in the entire country.
Hopefully, you understood how to set up an NGO or INGO in Bangladesh!