BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL NGOS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH

Author: Asif Aftab Kalam, Abul Kalam

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/ BIISSj2003v24n1a3

ABSTRACT

Bangladesh is faced with rampant poverty, high population density, recurring natural disasters and a dwindling natural resource base. All these factors make it imperative for the country to integrate and sustain all development concerns. Known as the land of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the role of NGOs especially those dedicated towards environmental causes are crucial towards the end. The paper considers the origins, typology and operational spheres of the NGOs in Bangladesh, focusing on the functional aspects of those categorized as environmental NGOs. It is observed that the NGOs in Bangladesh owe their origins to the country's legacies of political tumult and environmental hazards and to still larger factors of Mis-governance and alienation caused by autocracy and political instability; but they owe their regulatory framework to the intermediary role of the foreign donors. Category-wise, the NGOs of Bangladesh fit in well with the World Bank's description of them as service-oriented, but their role in overall developmental endeavor is subject to question. However, the role of the NGOs in the environmental category has earned more credibility and commendation as they surely play a role in raising community environmental consciousness, promoting protection and the needs of sustainable development. It is felt that the NGOs can be better utilized at the grassroots level for ensuring sustainable development in a least developing country like Bangladesh, and that a government with democratic credentials, effectiveness and credibility can use them as states eyes, ears and arms for both the ends.