NGO and INGO Registration Procedure in Bangladesh 2025 – Avoid These Costly Mistakes

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) play a vital role in Bangladesh’s social and economic development. From poverty reduction and education to women’s empowerment and healthcare, thousands of organizations work to uplift communities across the country.

However, to operate legally in Bangladesh, every NGO and INGO must be registered under the appropriate authority following the laws of the country. This article explains the complete NGO and INGO registration procedure in Bangladesh, including step-by-step processes, documents, required approvals, timelines, and practical legal insights.

What is an NGO or INGO in Bangladesh

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a voluntary, non-profit, citizen-based association that operates independently of the government. Its goal is to address social, humanitarian, environmental, or development issues.

An INGO (International Non-Governmental Organization) is similar in nature but established or headquartered outside Bangladesh and operates within the country through collaboration, funding, or direct implementation of projects.

Both types of organizations require registration to receive foreign donations, implement projects, or open local bank accounts for operations.

Laws Governing NGO and INGO Registration in Bangladesh

The registration and regulation of NGOs and INGOs in Bangladesh are primarily governed by the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016 and its rules under the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Rules, 2016.

The NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), under the Prime Minister’s Office, is the main authority responsible for registering and monitoring NGOs and INGOs that receive or intend to receive foreign funds.

For purely local NGOs (that do not receive foreign donations), registration can also be done under one of the following laws depending on the nature of the organization:

• The Societies Registration Act, 1860
• The Trust Act, 1882
• The Companies Act, 1994 (as a non-profit under Section 28)

If your organization plans to receive foreign funding, it must additionally register with the NGO Affairs Bureau.

Step-by-Step NGO Registration Process in Bangladesh

If you are establishing a local NGO in Bangladesh, follow these steps:

1. Choose a Suitable Legal Structure

Decide whether your NGO will be registered as:

• A Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
• A Trust under the Trust Act, 1882
• A Company Limited by Guarantee (non-profit) under Section 28 of the Companies Act, 1994

The most common structure is a Society because it allows collective membership and easier governance.

2. Select a Unique Name and Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Choose a unique organization name that reflects your objectives and is not already in use.
Then prepare your Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) or Trust Deed, describing:

• The objectives of your organization
• The address of the registered office
• The names, designations, and signatures of the founding members
• Rules for meetings, elections, and management

3. Gather Necessary Documents

Prepare and notarize the following documents:

• Application form (prescribed by the registering authority)
• Memorandum and Articles of Association or Trust Deed
• List of Executive Committee members with personal details
• Photographs and NID copies of all members
• Proof of office address (rental agreement or ownership document)
• Resolution of the founding meeting
• Treasury challan of registration fee payment

4. Submit to the Relevant Authority

Depending on your chosen structure:

• For a Society: Submit to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).
• For a Trust: Submit to the Sub-Registrar’s Office under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
• For a Section 28 Company: Submit to RJSC with approval from the Registrar.

After submission and verification, you will receive a Registration Certificate confirming your NGO’s legal status.

Step-by-Step INGO Registration Process in Bangladesh

If your organization is an International NGO or intends to receive foreign donations, you must register with the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) under the Prime Minister’s Office.

1. Obtain Preliminary Registration

First, if your INGO plans to set up a local office, you must obtain initial permission from the NGO Affairs Bureau. The application should include:

• Letter of Intent on official letterhead
• Constitution or charter of the INGO
• Work plan or project proposal for Bangladesh
• List of executive members or directors
• Board resolution to operate in Bangladesh
• Passport copies and photographs of representatives

The Bureau will review your application, assess your credibility, and provide preliminary approval.

2. Open a Local Office in Bangladesh

After receiving preliminary approval, open a physical office in Bangladesh with a verified address. You may also appoint a Country Director or Representative who will liaise with the NGO Affairs Bureau and local authorities.

3. Apply for INGO Registration to NGOAB

Prepare and submit a full application to the NGO Affairs Bureau through the online NGOAB portal (www.ngoab.gov.bd). The following documents are required:

• Application letter to the Director General of NGOAB
• Copy of the organization’s constitution and by-laws
• Certificate of incorporation or registration from the country of origin
• Audit report and bank statements for the past financial year
• List of members and their contact details
• Resume, passport, and NID copies of local representatives
• Detailed project proposal outlining sectors, budget, and funding sources
• Donor agency commitment letters or MoUs
• Office rent agreement in Bangladesh
• Copy of security clearance for the foreign representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs
• Treasury challan for the prescribed registration fee

4. Security and Intelligence Clearance

The NGO Affairs Bureau sends your documents to the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance. This process verifies your background, funding sources, and activities. It may take several weeks or more depending on workload and coordination between ministries.

5. Final Approval and Registration Certificate

After security clearance, the NGO Affairs Bureau issues the Registration Certificate for your INGO. The certificate is usually valid for five years, after which renewal is required.

Once approved, you can legally receive foreign donations, implement projects, and open local bank accounts under your organization’s name.

Renewal of NGO and INGO Registration

Every INGO registration is valid for five years. Renewal applications must be submitted at least six months before expiry through the NGOAB online portal.

Documents required for renewal include:

• Renewal application letter
• Updated constitution (if any changes)
• Latest audit report by a certified chartered accountant
• Activity and project implementation reports
• Updated list of executive committee members
• Latest bank statements and project accounts
• Security clearance (if required again)

For local NGOs registered under the Societies Registration Act or Trust Act, renewals are done through RJSC or the Sub-Registrar’s Office as applicable.

Timeframe for Registration

• Local NGO (Society or Trust): Usually takes 30 to 45 working days if documents are complete.
• INGO (NGOAB): Typically 3 to 6 months depending on security clearance and donor documentation.

Cost of NGO or INGO Registration in Bangladesh

The cost depends on the type and size of your organization:

• Local NGO: Around BDT 10,000 to BDT 20,000 including notarization, government fees, and legal service costs.
• INGO Registration with NGOAB: Government fees are around BDT 10,000 to BDT 20,000, excluding legal assistance, translation, and documentation expenses.

Legal and professional service fees can vary depending on the scope and support you require.

Post-Registration Compliance for NGOs and INGOs

After registration, every organization must comply with the laws and reporting requirements of Bangladesh.

Key compliance responsibilities include:

• Annual financial audit by a licensed chartered accountant.
• Submission of annual activity reports to the NGO Affairs Bureau or relevant authority.
• Reporting of project approval and fund utilization.
• Obtaining prior approval for foreign donations through Project Proposal (PP) submission to NGOAB.
• Ensuring proper bookkeeping and banking through authorized accounts.

Failure to follow these compliance requirements may lead to suspension or cancellation of registration.

Benefits of Registering an NGO or INGO in Bangladesh

• Legal recognition and protection under national law.
• Ability to open bank accounts and receive funds.
• Access to government and donor-funded projects.
• Eligibility for tax exemptions and duty-free benefits for development activities.
• Transparency and credibility with partners, donors, and beneficiaries.

Challenges and Tips for Smooth Registration

Common challenges:

• Delays in document verification and security clearance.
• Missing or incorrectly formatted documents.
• Lack of understanding of compliance procedures.

Tips:

• Engage a legal expert experienced in NGO registration.
• Maintain accurate and transparent records from day one.
• Follow up regularly with the concerned authority.
• Always ensure your constitution and project proposals align with the national development framework.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Dewey & LeBoeuf Can Help

At Dewey & LeBoeuf, our experienced legal team provides end-to-end support for NGO and INGO registration in Bangladesh. We assist with drafting constitutions, preparing documents, ensuring compliance, and managing interactions with the NGO Affairs Bureau and other government bodies.

Whether you are setting up a local non-profit or an international organization, we help you register smoothly, meet legal requirements, and begin operations confidently.

Contact our Dubai office today to receive a personalized consultation and expert guidance on NGO or INGO registration in Bangladesh.