UCA News
Contribute

New law will 'choke civil society' in Bangladesh

It requires all foreign-funded NGOs to submit virtually all activities for approval
New law will 'choke civil society' in Bangladesh
Published: October 21, 2016 07:49 AM GMT
Updated: October 21, 2016 07:51 AM GMT

The Bangladesh parliament should repeal a new law regulating civil society organizations accepting foreign funds, said Human Rights Watch said.

The new law subjects non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to comprehensive and arbitrary government control over their activities, stifling freedom of expression and other rights. Bangladesh's international donors, who provide critical development assistance, should publicly call for the repeal of the law.

The law, known as the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Bill 2016 (FDRB), came into effect on Oct. 13. The law requires all foreign-funded NGOs, a category that describes development, human rights, and many other organizations, to submit virtually all activities for approval to a bureau under the prime minister's office, without clear criteria for grounds for rejection or a timeframe in which decisions should be rendered.

Registration is similarly at the discretion of the bureau, and a last-minute addition to the law makes it an offense for NGOs to criticize the government.

"The Foreign Donations Law is a shocking new initiative by a repressive government to make civil society toe the government line, or risk being arbitrarily shut down," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The government claims it is committed to freedom of expression and pluralism, but then passes a law that would make an authoritarian regime proud."

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia