Civil society remains vital for inclusive governance, rights advocacy and accountability in Bangladesh, but its operating space is shaped by regulation, administrative practice and political realities, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) said today (8 April).
These issues were discussed at the Expert Consultation Workshop titled Civil Society Roadmap for Engagement with Civil Society in Bangladesh (CSRM) 2026–2028 and the Political Economy Analysis (PEA) on Civic Space in Bangladesh (Post–July 2024).
The workshop was organised by the United Nations Office for Project Services in collaboration with the European Union and CPD.
According to the press release, the consultation brought together stakeholders from civil society, academia and development organisations at CPD premises. Participants discussed participation dynamics, coordination mechanisms, structural barriers and opportunities to foster inclusive civic engagement.
Dr Fahmida Khatun, executive director of CPD, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of evidence-based dialogue in shaping policy frameworks. Remarks were also delivered by Jules Seitz, programme officer from the EU delegation to Bangladesh, and Sudhir Muralidharan, country manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan, emphasising support for civil society engagement and democratic participation.
Barrister Md Khalilur Rahman Khan, NDC, director general (in-charge) of the NGP affairs bureau, prime minister’s office, said the bureau has simplified approval processes and reduced bureaucratic obstacles to widen civic space. He expressed readiness to extend cooperation and assistance to civil society.
Dr Khatun noted that the July 2024 political rupture disrupted equilibrium but that reform commitments remain within a negotiated political settlement. She said EU engagement under the roadmap should focus on strengthening institutional participation frameworks rather than relying on project-based consultation.
Muralidharan stated that a vibrant civic space is essential for accountable and inclusive development. He said UNOPS, under the Nagorikota Programme in partnership with the EU, is supporting evidence-based insights to strengthen civil society engagement. Seitz added that the new roadmap should emphasise dialogue, transparency and institutional strengthening.
The press release added that the workshop featured a keynote presentation by Dr Kazi Mahmudur Rahman and Foqoruddin Al Kabir, sharing findings from the CSRM and pea studies. The presentation outlined trends in civic space, institutional challenges and entry points for civil society actors to contribute to policy dialogue.
An interactive discussion allowed participants to share experiences, identify constraints and propose recommendations. Key focus areas included coordination among civil society actors, safe and inclusive spaces for participation, and stronger links with policymakers.
Participants agreed that expanding civic space requires structured dialogue, responsive institutions and collaboration among the state, civil society and development partners. The insights will inform the EU’s civil society roadmap 2026–2028 and support strategic engagement for transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
UNOPS reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based policy processes and multi-stakeholder dialogue to strengthen governance and civic participation.
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