The programs of the NGO sector spread all over the country are no longer, unlike early 70s, confined to charitable work like relief and rehabilitation rather it has emerged over the years as a vast developing sector working for the poor and the disadvantaged. This was stated by the NGO leaders in a paper submitted to the Minister for the Commerce Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan on November 02, 2011.  The paper was a follow-up of the meeting with the Minister on October 09 last when he was requested to share with the shareholders before changing/amending any NGO related law like the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Assuring that their views would be given due consideration the Minister advised them to summit their recommendations in writing.      

Jointly signed by NGO Federation, CAMPE, BRAC, ASA, Ain O Shalish Kendra, Nijera Kori, Manusher Jonno, BELA, TIB, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, ALRD, INAFI and CDF the paper reiterated that the existing laws fulfill the needs of the NGOs giving them space to work with innovative programs. In view of expansion and introduction of new programs updating a few clauses may be needed to make the laws more NGO friendly. This, they hoped, would be done in consultation with the sector.

Referring to the commercial enterprises of the NGOs, the paper said that those have been undertaken to support various programs and also help attain sustainability as the surplus/profits are not shared by any individual.

The year-long celebration includes an international conference on development in October.