The Mayor of Khulna Talukdar Abdul Khaleq has said it would be unfair to put the blame on the entire NGO sector for the fault of a few. He recalled the services rendered by the NGOs in different fields especially their ‘unique role in generating awareness among women and their socio-economic progress’, and commended the extensive relief work done by the NGOs with “utmost sincerity” in the Sidr affected areas. The Mayor was speaking as the Chief Guest at a Roundtable organized by the NGO Federation at Khulna on 20 March, 2010. He suggested that it would be more humane if relief is not confined to the beneficiary households of the respective organizations as is done by some NGOs.

Referring to the NGOs as Government partners in development, Special Guest that Member of Parliament Nazrul Islam Monju said that driven by their commitment the NGOs have reached the grassroots even in remote and inaccessible areas. He however, alleged that funds are being misappropriated by the unholy alliance of what he called “some NGOs, some officials and even some politicians” thereby severely affecting the programs and tarnishing the image of the NGOs. The MP pointed out that shunning “luxurious life style” by some NGO leaders will earn more public confidence in the NGO sector.

Another Special Guest the Deputy Commissioner Ziaul Alam said that there is need for coordination of NGO programs as each of them is working in isolated manner. He felt that formation of Coordination Committees at the upazilla level might be helpful. The DC lauded the NGO Federation’s initiative in organizing such open discussion.

The Roundtable, organized with the assistance of the Aga Khan Foundation under the Federation’s program title ‘Creating in Enabling Environment and Accurate Public Perception for the NGO Sector’, was participated by over 90 persons representing Government departments, lawyers, teachers, NGOs, civil society and media.

During open discussion the speakers, while referring to the distinctive contribution of the sector in increasing income of the poor, longevity of the population, education, social awareness and the like, also stressed the need for coordination among the NGOs. The media representatives underlined the usefulness of sharing various aspects of NGO programs with them instead of “approaching us only when help is needed.”

Federation Vice Chair AHM Nouman, Board Members Harun Ur Rashid and Zahurul Huq  Bali, and the Director participated in the Roundtable.