Bangladesh-America Maitree Project grants worth eighty nine crore awarded to eighteen local NGOs

Under the Bangladesh America Maitree project, grants totalling $7.534 million (BDT 89 Crore 65 Lakh) have been awarded to 18 local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the first year (FY 2024).

This project, funded by USAID and implemented by BRAC, aims to strengthen the operational capacities of these selected NGOs through targeted project implementation. The grantees work in key areas such as agriculture, food security, health, education, child rights, and protection. These local NGOs were selected based on their innovative approaches and commitment to addressing critical regional development challenges.

The Grant Awarding Ceremony occurred on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Honourable Adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of the Interim Government, graced the event as the chief guest. The Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau, Md Saidur Rahman, attended as the Guest of Honour. Special guests included USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Reed Aeschliman and BRAC's Executive Director, Asif Saleh.

In her keynote address, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Honourable Adviser for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, stated, "If Bangladesh is to harness the power of non-state actors in driving development, we must first remove barriers that hinder their participation. Streamlining the NGO registration process is a crucial step in this direction. By simplifying fund accessibility, we enable local organisations to engage more actively and effectively, paving the way for a more inclusive and impactful development landscape in Bangladesh."

Md Saidur Rahman, Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau, remarked, "Our commitment extends beyond just funding. We aim to strengthen NGOs' capabilities by enhancing communication and alignment with donors, ensuring that projects are sustainable and continue to benefit communities long after their completion."

USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Reed Aeschliman said, "At USAID, we are driven by our core vision. By empowering local actors, we are investing in Bangladesh's future, aligning with its vision of becoming an upper-middle-income nation by 2031. We can turn this shared vision into reality, building a resilient and prosperous society."

BRAC's Executive Director Asif Saleh added, "The Maitree project marks a shift from traditional aid models, recognising that solutions rooted in local understanding are the most impactful. By supporting organisations closest to the communities, we ensure that development is driven by the needs and insights of those who understand the challenges best."

In the first phase of the Maitree project, priority has been given to regions facing environmental challenges. This includes drought-prone areas like Rajshahi and Rangpur, haor (wetland) regions like Sylhet and Sunamganj, and coastal areas like Khulna and Barishal. The selected local NGOs will work to ensure sustainable development in these regions.

The Maitree Project is a five-year USAID-funded initiative implemented by BRAC in collaboration with FHI 360 and BRAC USA. The project will provide necessary support for the growth of local NGOs and aim to enhance their innovative capacities. Focusing on priority sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, the project seeks to bolster regional stability and create long-term positive impacts. By partnering with local organisations, the Maitree project is dedicated to building a more inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh, aligning its efforts with national national development goals.