We are working on an article that revisits the role of NGOs and civil society in Bangladesh. This topic absorbed a significant amount of international development policy and research attention during the 1990s and early 2000s, but has had limited attention since. We think it merits revisiting for two reasons: (i) arguments about the contributions of civil society were often marshalled in support of particular interests or political agendas, and/or were less than empirically or analytically sound. We explore the robustness of these claims, in an effort to place them on a surer footing, debunk any unfounded myths, and identify assumptions that remain untested: (ii) today, the context in which civil society once played a role Bangladesh’s development has changed substantially: if civil society was an important part of Bangladesh’s development success in the past, but no longer retains today the the space or authority it previously had, what role(s) if any might it have in the future?
We would very much appreciate any comments this draft paper.
David Lewis For the second reason, that is, changed context, I would like to offer my thoughts.
The most powerful forces impacting the context are: 1) shrinking funds (this is what I call "the end of easy-money era") and 2) 'Sudden' expectations from NGOs and CSOs to behave 'business-like'. NGOs are unable to deal with this double-whammy because of their mindset, behavioural orientation, systems and skills.
Bangladeshi NGOs like Grameen have successfully models that demonstrate TRUE social development and business/bottom-line orientations (the offshoots of Grameen, the NGO, are Grameen Textiles, Grameen Telecom etc). Same for BRAC and TMSS (which you have mentioned). You have devoted exhaustive sections on Service Deliver, Go-NGO Relationship, Advocacy and Mobilisation. Discussion on the most powerful trend (behave business-like/run business) is rather sketchy. Shouldn't there be an equally exhaustive discussion on "NGOs' Business Empires or Successful Business Operations/Models of NGOs" If you show this in your your paper: how they did it and what are key success factors, you will do a great job.
You may like to refer to the NGORC Publication: Towards a Cohesive Civil Society and its articles in particular:
- Emerging Trends in RM in Pakistan
- Push for CSOs to become Business
I eagerly await your FINAL article.
Best of luck
Shadab
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