NGOs spent Tk 1.56b in coronavirus response

NGO networks BDCSOprocess, CCNF (Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum) Disaster Forum, NAHAB (National Alliance for Humanitarian Actors in Bangladesh) and NIRAPAD (Network for Information, Response and Preparedness, Activities on Disaster) along with ADAB (Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh) and FNB (Federation of NGOs in Bangladesh) have organised a virtual conference  title “NGOs in Corona Response in Bangladesh”.

The press conference was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of BDCSOprocess, Abdul Latif Khan Technical Advisor of NAHAB presented the study findings. Other speakers of the press conferencewere Dr Ehsanur Rahman of NAHAB, Nayeem Gowhar Warha of Disaster Forum, Abu Morshed Chowdhury and Bimol Sarkar of CCNF, Hasina Akhter Mita of NIRAPAD, Jashim Uddin of ADAB and Rafiqul Islam of FNB.

Abdul Latif Khan in his presentation said that NGOs spent Tk 1.56 billion, 10 per cent (0.15 billion) of it is from our own local resource mobilisation as a fast responder. Among them 56 per cent are non-micro finance NGOs, rest are micro finance based NGOs. Support has provided in 49 districts of eight divisions by 212 national and local NGOs. Most of the work took place in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna and Dhaka division. Major NGOs concentration occurred in Khulna division. Most of the support was given as awareness, second highest support was on food, followed by health and cash. Soap and hand wash support is on top, followed by emergency food items and masks, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Mr Khan recommended inclusive coordination and direct funding to local and national NGOs.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of BDCSOprocess said that, this is the process to highlight local and national NGOs as fast responder even without donor support. Dr Ehsanur of NAHAB said that since the NGO response at local level is a continuous process we shall keep updating on the efforts of NGO actors. Nayeem Gowhar Warha of Disaster Forum urge for strong coordination between local government and NGOs especially in district level with long term planning, which require coordination space for NGOs. Abu Morshed Chowdhury of CCNF, said that Donor should give direct funding to local and national NGOs, while INGOs (international NGOs) and UN agencies role should only be limited in monitoring and technical assistance. They should fulfil their commitment on localization. Hasina Akhter Mita of NIRAPAD said that NGOs are the best to reach remote area and marginalized section of population. Bimol Dey Sarker of CCNF elaborated that how local NGOs in Coxsbazar supported relief, health and awareness activities from own fund both in refugee and host community, especially funding to Deputy Commissioner’s initiatives.

Jashim Uddin of ADAB said that Government must understand the benefit of involvement NGOs and local government as the impact of corona is long term and multifaceted. Rafiqul Islam of FNB said that, government should not go alone, health sector should get highest priority in our planning.