NGO Registration in Bangladesh – How to Register an NGO, Trust or Not-for-Profit in 2025

Starting a non-governmental or non-profit organization in Bangladesh requires proper legal registration to operate transparently, receive grants, and work with donors. Whether you are forming a Trust, Society, or Voluntary NGO, this guide explains the NGO registration process, authority requirements, and compliance rules for 2025.

Types of Non-Profit Entities in Bangladesh

Bangladesh law recognizes several types of not-for-profit organizations. Your choice depends on your mission, funding model, and governance structure.

1. NGO (Foreign-Funded or Local NGO)

Registered under the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act 2016 with the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) under the Prime Minister’s Office. This is mandatory for organizations that intend to receive foreign funds or grants.

2. Trust

A Trust is established under the Trust Act 1882 and registered with the Sub-Registrar’s Office. It is suitable for charitable, educational, or social welfare purposes funded mainly by local sources or founders’ endowments.

3. Society

A Society is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC). It is ideal for member-based organizations working for social, cultural, or educational development.

Step-by-Step: How to Register an NGO in Bangladesh (Local or Foreign-Funded)

1. Choose Your NGO Name and Objectives

Select a unique name that reflects your mission and ensure it is not already in use. Draft clear objectives focusing on non-profit activities such as education, health, women empowerment, climate change, or community development.

2. Prepare Founding Documents

Prepare the following key documents:

• Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• List of founders and executive committee members.
• Detailed organizational structure and address.
• NOC (No Objection Certificate) from local authorities.
• Passport/NID copies of members.
• Bank account details for initial fund deposit.

3. Register with the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB)

If your organization will receive foreign donations, registration with NGOAB is compulsory.

You must submit:

• Application form (available on NGOAB’s website).
• Constitution and activity plan.
• Executive committee member details.
• Treasurer and chairman information.
• Bank account statement.
• Office address and utility bill.
• Donor commitment letter (if already available).

Once submitted, the NGOAB reviews documents, may request clarification, and issues an approval certificate upon compliance.

4. Obtain Security Clearance

The Ministry of Home Affairs and local police verify the background of all executive committee members. This step is essential before NGOAB final approval.

5. Get Registration Certificate

After all verifications are completed, the NGOAB issues the registration certificate. This certificate allows your NGO to legally operate and receive foreign grants in Bangladesh.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Trust in Bangladesh

1. Draft a Trust Deed

The Trust Deed is the main legal document. It defines:

• The objectives and purpose of the Trust.
• The names of the Author (Settlor), Trustees, and Beneficiaries.
• The rules of management and use of funds.

2. Stamp and Registration

The Trust Deed must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper (value depends on capital/fund size) and registered at the Sub-Registrar’s Office in the area where the Trust’s office is located.

3. Open Bank Account and Start Operations

Once registered, the Trust can open a bank account in its name, receive local donations, and start social or charitable activities.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Society in Bangladesh

1. Prepare Society Constitution

Prepare a constitution that clearly defines:

• Name, address, and objectives.
• Rules of membership.
• Governing body composition.
• Election and meeting procedures.

2. Apply to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC)

Submit the following to RJSC:

• Application form with proposed name.
• Society constitution.
• List of executive committee members.
• NID/Passport copies of members.
• Registered office address.
• Prescribed registration fee (payable through Treasury Chalan).

3. Obtain Registration Certificate

Upon approval, RJSC issues a Certificate of Registration under the Societies Registration Act 1860, allowing the society to operate legally.

Renewal and Compliance Requirements (For NGOAB Registered NGOs)

All foreign-funded NGOs must:

• Renew registration every 10 years.
• Submit annual audit reports and activity reports.
• Obtain project approval for every foreign-funded program through the NGOAB’s online portal.
• Maintain transparent accounts and proper governance structure.

Failure to comply can lead to suspension or cancellation of registration.

Documents Checklist (Summary)

• Constitution or Trust Deed.
• Executive Committee list.
• NOC from local authority.
• Bank account details.
• ID copies of members.
• Utility bill or rental agreement for office address.
• Treasury fee receipt or payment confirmation.

Costs and Timeframe

• Trust Registration: Around BDT 8,000–15,000 depending on stamp duty and registration fees.
• Society Registration: Around BDT 10,000–20,000 depending on RJSC fees and documentation.
• NGOAB Registration: Government fees are nominal, but documentation and legal processing may cost BDT 30,000–60,000 if handled professionally.

Average timeline:

• Trust: 7–15 working days.
• Society: 15–30 working days.
• NGOAB: 45–90 working days depending on document review and security clearance.

Why Proper Registration Matters

Registering your NGO or non-profit gives you:

• Legal recognition and credibility.
• Ability to open an official bank account.
• Eligibility to apply for government or foreign funding.
• Transparency and public trust.
• Legal protection under Bangladeshi law.

Unregistered organizations face funding restrictions, compliance risks, and limited donor confidence.

How Dewey & LeBoeuf Can Help

At Dewey & LeBoeuf, we assist social entrepreneurs, foundations, and community leaders in legally registering their NGOs, Trusts, and Not-for-Profits in Bangladesh.

Our experts guide you through:

• Drafting constitution and legal documents.
• Preparing and submitting NGOAB or RJSC applications.
• Handling Home Ministry and security clearance processes.
• Setting up compliant accounting and reporting systems.

Contact us today to receive step-by-step legal support and ensure your NGO registration in Bangladesh is completed smoothly and lawfully.