The commitment of overseas funds for local non-governmental organisations rose significantly last fiscal year, lifted by increased support for Rohingya refugees.
More than 723,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar since 25 August 2017 after brutal military clampdown, according to the United Nations. Bangladesh authorities gave them shelter in Cox's Bazar and surrounding sub-districts.
In fiscal year 2018-19, the amount climbed by around 30 per cent compared to a year earlier.
NGOs in Bangladesh got aid commitment of Tk 91.18 billion from international donors to implement various projects, including those for the rehabilitation of the Rohingya.
The commitment was Tk 70.22 billion from the donors during FY 2017-18 for the implementation of various programmes.
Besides, the amount of released fund also increased by around 20 per cent to Tk 79.29 billion in the last fiscal compared with Tk 66.16 billion during 2017-18.
Experts and officials saw the upward trend in foreign donations from a positive angle, but laid emphasis on the proper use of money through proper accountability.
A deputy director of the NGOAB Abdullah Al Khayrum said the amount of fund has continued to rise since FY 2017-18.
"The NGOs operating in Bangladesh received funds for the Rohingya rehabilitation in addition to the regular support for programmes in other part of the country," he said.
Responding to a question about the proper use of the fund, the official said the bureau always keeps a close eye on the NGOs so that they can contribute to the development of underprivileged people.
"Whenever we're informed of any kind of wrongdoings by the NGOs including financial crime, we take necessary actions with the help of other government agencies," he said.
In the last fiscal, the bureau approved 1,600 development projects.
Currently some 2,476 NGOs are operating in the country including 253 foreign
organisations registered with the government, but many unauthorised organisations are also active in various parts of the country.
Deputy managing director of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Dr Md Jashim Uddin said the upward trend in the inflow of foreign donation should play a vital role for the development sector.
"The funds used in any development programmes including that for the Rohingya would definitely increase economic activities," he said, adding the proper use of money would help create employment opportunities.
There is also a need for paying attention to different development activities other than Rohingya-related programmes, said Mr Uddin.
"We need to continue our focus on good micro-entrepreneurs, who have made considerable contribution to the national economy in the recent years," he said.
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