Transparent role of NGOs urged

Speakers in a discussion meeting yesterday stressed the need for ensuring transparency among NGOs to make effective use of the foreign aid which they felt was necessary for equity based development.
They also suggested for the disclosure of NGOs activities including amount of aids they received and the mode of expenditures.
They were addressing the discussion 'Role of the Civil Society on Aid Effectiveness' jointly organised by Voice (Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment) and Aid Accountability Group at National Press Club in the city.
Addressing the discussion, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh Dr. Iftekharuzzaman told that not only government but activities of NGOs should be transparent. The work and expenditure of NGO bosses should also be brought under inspection.
He said NGOs should ensure their own commitment to reduce poverty and ensure equality and human rights. He stressed on working collectively carrying forward the agenda of aid effectiveness and build up a national movement.
In his address, European Union (EU) ambassador in Dhaka Dr Stefan Frowein has urged the civil society members to find a way to work together to elaborate common positions and lobby effectively to contribute in the development and progress.
"This is especially true in Bangladesh… where civil society plays a crucial role as partner of the government improving the living conditions of thousands of people," he said.
Chaired by Voice executive director Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, the event was also addressed by Danish Charge de Affairs Jan Moller Hansen, Advisor on Aid Effectiveness at DFID Bo Sundstorm, Coordinator of Nijera Kori Khusi Kabir, executive director of Prip Trust Arom Dutta, Uma Chowdhury of Supro, Tanbir Siddiqui of Changemakers, among others.

http://www.theindependent-bd.com/details.php?nid=159672