Subjugating NGOs

To achieve the goal, the government is proceeding very aggressively . First, it weakened the association of the NGOs, ADAB by creating a parallel association. This they achieved by applying the stick and carrot method on some NGOs. Second, to cripple some NGOs they withheld release of their funds which the NGOs receive as donation from different countries/agencies. Third, the government has formulated a policy by which they can directly intervene in the day-to-day activities of NGOs, change CEO, appoint a government administrator to act as CEO etc. This move of the government has raised concern amongst the general public, NGOs and country's development partners. To force the NGOs into subjugation, the coalition government has adopted coercive measures. Like, bringing sedition and corruption charges against the CEO of a very prominent NGO. The state power has been applied to harass Dr Qazi Faruk Ahmed. The government wants to show to other NGOs, what fate awaits them if they do not submit to its desire.

We are afraid if the BNP, or for that matter any political party, succeeds in its plan of gaining direct control of NGOs, NGOs of the country will be reduced to a government apparatus-- highly corrupt and highly inefficient.

For the greater interest of the huge mass of the poor, the uneducated, the socially disadvantaged, all concerned must unite amongst them and resist the move of the government. NGOs must not give in to the carrot and stick policy of any political party.