A journal review session took place on June 23, 2016, at the Meeting Room of BRACU Savar Campus. Ms. Rifat Jahan, faculty member of Bangladesh Studies, discussed the article titled ‘Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society” by David Lewis.
Ms. Jahan briefly discussed the author’s ideas regarding the evolution and achievements of the NGO sector in Bangladesh, including some grounded speculation on where the sector may be heading. While tracing the historical evolution of NGOs, the writer identified mainly two roots. The first is in local forms of voluntary organization and the second is in Bangladesh’s relationship with the international aid system. The need for humanitarian response also gave rise to the NGOs. NGOs were also attractive to activists who were inspired by progressive political or developmental agendas and favored the prioritization of meeting people’s needs by filling gaps in public services. Ms. Jahan further noted that, on the other hand, the interest in Civil Society had connections with wider global democratic debates where this worked as an associational space between market and state that was essential for building and sustaining liberal democracy. Many people within the NGO community embraced the idea of Civil Society as part of their quest for credibility. Later, the writer focused on the NGOs, their activities and achievements.
Ms. Jahan explained the author’s observation that the diversity of NGO sector has significantly narrowed with the result that service delivery mainly dominates the sector, and that within service delivery the core business of most NGOs is now some form of microfinance provision. Beyond service delivery, NGOs have also played a role in influencing policy. Apart from the criticisms, the contribution of NGOs to Bangladeshi society is significant, according to the author. The NGOs reflect both the aspirations of citizens and the effects of global power structures as these intersect with national and international politics and ideologies.
After the discussion, the session was open for comments. Faculty members shared their views on the issue and the session ended with the reflection.