Bangladesh, a nation of over 160 million people, has made significant strides in socioeconomic development in recent decades. However, challenges in governance, human rights, and gender equality persist, impeding the country’s full realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, SDG 16, which promotes just, peaceful, and inclusive societies, and SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, remain critical areas where progress is needed. Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) is timely and vital in addressing these gaps by empowering civil society to engage with the government of Bangladesh (GOB) on these fronts. Civic engagement in Bangladesh is characterized by a rich history of grassroots activism, particularly in areas such as labor rights, social justice, and gender equality. CSOs have played a crucial role in shaping public discourse and advocating for policy reforms. However, in recent years, the operating environment for civil society has become increasingly restricted. The recent political transition in Bangladesh, offers both challenges and opportunities for civic engagement efforts. The present government is tasked with navigating a complex socio-political landscape. This transition has heightened demands for justice, transparency, and governance reforms.

Bangladesh has made commendable strides in gender equality, particularly in education and political participation, yet significant gaps persist in women’s economic empowerment, access to justice, and protection from gender-based violence. Challenges such as limited decision-making power, wage disparity, and widespread domestic violence remain pressing, especially for marginalized women. Simultaneously, while governance reforms like the National Integrity Strategy and RTI Act have been introduced, issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and lack of access to justice—especially for vulnerable groups—continue to undermine civic engagement.

MJF plans to hold the present government accountable to their promise of anti-discrimination policy. Nagorikata-CEF’s focus on increasing the voice, representation, and participation of marginalized groups aligns well with the broader goal of the NAGORIC project of fostering an inclusive and democratic society in Bangladesh.

Goal:

NAGORIC project aims to increase voice, representation, recognition, and participation of civil society (especially women, youth, and members of marginalized communities) in decision making, influencing, holding the government to account, and seeking redress for violations.

Outcomes:

1. Increased outreach to and mobilisation of diverse citizens at all levels
2. Expanded cooperation, partnerships, and networks among civil society entities (organizations)
3. Increased interaction and dialogue between civil society entities, individual citizens, and GOB representatives towards more responsive and inclusive policies
4. Increased capacities of civil society organizations and community leaders

Geographical Area Covered:

MJF has a long-standing presence in Bangladesh’s climate-vulnerable regions, where the NAGORIC project will be implemented. The project will be implemented across six districts: Satkhira, Bagerhat, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Patuakhali, and Barguna, covering a total of 12 upazilas and 24 unions.

Beneficiaries:

Estimated Number of Beneficiaries: 413,700

Direct Beneficiaries: 13,700

• Local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
• Marginalized Communities (Women, Children and Youth, Dalit, Ethnic Minorities, Persons with Disabilities)
• Network: Bangladesh Indigenous Women Network (BIWN), National Council of Disabled Women (NCDW), Avijan, WE CAN, Governance Advocacy Forum (GAF), RTI Forum.

Indirect Beneficiaries: 4,00,000

• Stakeholders
• Social Media Audience

Project Budget: BDT 7,91,37,542

 

Project Timeline: 15 December 2024- 14 June 2027

Aligns with SDGs: SDG 5 & SDG 16

Aligns with MJF’s Focused Thematic Issue:

Promote inclusive governance and social justice by amplifying civil society’s voice and participation in governance.

Coalition Partner: We Can

Local CSO Partners: Abalamban, Community Based Development Project (CBDP), Debi Chowdhurani Palli Unnayan Kendra (DPUK), Nakshikantha, Nirman Somaj Unnayan Songstha (NSUS), Social Equality for Effective Development (SEED), Society Development Agency (SDA), Suktara Mahila Samiti, Social Upliftment Voluntary Organization (SUVO), Udayan Bangladesh, Uddipto Mohila Unnayan Sangstha (UMUS), Unnayan Shohojogi Shangstha Bonarpara (USSB)

Facilitating Partner: GFA Consulting Group

Development Partners: Embassy of Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada and European Union (EU)