DHAKA, May 27, 2022 (BSS) - State Minister for Social Welfare Ashraf Ali Khan 
Khasru has urged the non-government development organizations to have greater 
coordination with relevant government agencies in implementing their 
programmes for socio-economic development of the persons with disabilities.

"The government of Bangladesh and development organisations are working for 
the overall development of the persons with disability. But we sometimes see 
a lack of coordination among them. I expect you will have greater 
coordination among you in implementing your programmes," he said.

The state minister was speaking at the launching ceremony of international 
development organization "CBM Global Disability Inclusion" in Bangladesh at 
Banani Club on Thursday afternoon as the chief guest.

Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) KM Tariqul Islam, Convenor of 
CSO Alliance Rasheda K Choudhury, Founder Trustee of Impact Foundation Monsur 
Ahmed Chowdhury, and INGO Forum representative Hasin Jahan spoke at the event 
as the special guests. Country Director of CBM Global Disability Inclusion in 
Bangladesh Muhammad Mushfiqul Wara presided over the event. 

The state minister urged the development organisations to ensure that their 
programmes complement the programmes taken by the government and other 
similar organisations. 

"We have to work together. We don't have any alternative to working together 
for development," he said.

Government officials from relevant departments, representatives from 
development organisations and donor agencies, and other actors in the 
disability sector participated in the event.

Amid suggestions made by a few speakers, NGOAB Director General Tariqul Islam 
said the registration process for development agencies would be simplified 
and steps would be taken to remove other obstacles they are facing.

CBM Country Director Mushfiqul Wara announced that the German-based 
development organisation will expand its activities in Bangladesh in the 
coming days.

Monsur Ahmed of Impact Foundation reiterated the demand for shifting the 
affairs of education for persons with disabilities from NGO Affairs Bureau to 
the Ministry of Education. 

"We've long been demanding it, but no steps have been taken yet in this 
regard," he said.

Rasheda K Chowdhury laid emphasis on removing the obstacles to development 
organisations in bringing foreign funds in the country.

She said, "If an organisation doesn't have any link to militancy and money 
laundering, it should be allowed to bring foreign funds without any 
obstacles. It will contribute to solving the foreign exchange crisis 
Bangladesh is now facing."

Advocacy and Communication Manager at CBM Asim Dio informed the audience that 
CBM operates globally with country offices in 11 countries including in 
Bangladesh.