CPD, UN and EU hold expert consultation on Civil Society Roadmap for Bangladesh

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the European Union convened an expert consultation in Dhaka on Wednesday to gather stakeholder input for the EU's Civil Society Roadmap 2026–2028 and a Political Economy Analysis on civic space in Bangladesh following the July 2024 political upheaval.

Representatives from civil society, academia and development organisations were present at the workshop held at CPD premises. 

It focused on participation dynamics, coordination mechanisms, structural barriers and opportunities for civic engagement in the post-July 2024 political environment.

Barrister Md. Khalilur Rahman Khan, Director General (In-Charge) of the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister's Office, said the bureau had moved to simplify approval processes and reduce bureaucratic obstacles for civil society since July 2024.

CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun said EU engagement under the roadmap should strengthen institutional participation frameworks rather than rely solely on project-based consultation.

UNOPS Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan said the consultation was part of the Nagorikota programme and aimed to generate evidence-based insights for meaningful civil society engagement.

A keynote presentation by Dr Kazi Mahmudur Rahman and Mr Foqoruddin Al Kabir outlined trends in civic space, institutional challenges and potential entry points for civil society participation in policy dialogue and accountability processes.

Participants agreed that expanding civic space in Bangladesh will require structured dialogue, more responsive institutions, and stronger collaboration among the state, civil society, and development partners.

Findings from the consultation will directly inform the EU Civil Society Roadmap 2026–2028.