Bangladesh

Strengthening Capacities of the Disadvantaged

This project of Helvetas Germany is designed to enhance the capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Bangladesh to engage actively in inclusive and transparent decision making on local government budgets and spending.

Project Name

Strengthening CSOs in Promoting Inclusive and Transparent Budget Processes in Union Parishads
Project Phase

2016 to 2019
Funding

This project is financed by the European Commission.
Thematic focus

Voice, Inclusion & Cohesion
Partnership & Capacity Development
Advocacy

This project was completed in 2019.

In Bangladesh, the dialogue between Local Authorities and CSOs is still limited and the space for civil society engagement remains narrow. To improve this situation, the Union Parishads – Bangladesh’s smallest rural administrative and local government units – are an important entry point. The project aims at developing stronger cooperation and partnerships between CSOs and the Union Parishads in participatory budget formulation and execution.

To strengthen the capacities of local CSOs, Helvetas works with two local partner organizations: 'Sabalamby Unnayan Samity' (SUS) and the 'Center for Natural Resource Studies' (CNRS). Participating CSOs engage in inclusive and transparent decision-making on local budgets and expenditures. With the emphasis on partnerships between CSOs and Union Parishads, best practices will be developed to support the emergence of a strong local civil society.

The project focuses on improving the knowledge of CSOs on legal requirements to participation in the budgetary processes, related information disclosure, and accountability mechanisms. This shall lead to a more participatory budget formulation processes, involving citizens and CSOs, which ensures that budgets reflect the demands of women, poor and disadvantaged population groups in a better way.

This project is financed by the European Commisson. More information about the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh you please find here.

Organised in village groups, women offer mutual support to each other and protect their rights. © Julia Thienhaus / Helvetas

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In trainings, civil society organizations receive important information regarding capacity building. © Julia Thienhaus / Helvetas

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Our partners SUS and CNRS include citizens in the project activities right from the beginning so that they can discuss all processes together. © Julia Thienhaus / Helvetas

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Now, citizens like to pay taxes. After joint decisions, a new white board for the local school will be bought or the village street will be repaired. © Julia Thienhaus / Helvetas

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