[{"bbox": [96, 153, 1135, 415], "category": "Text", "text": "It is assumed that having multiple donors with a history of working with CSOs, can give more weight to lobbying and dialogue activities and to promote an adequate operational environment. The CEF intends to achieve this by i) managing several funding windows for CSOs, ii) complementing the funding windows with other activities such as capacity building, policy dialogue as well as political and diplomatic engagement, iii) CSOs outreach and representation of the diverse citizens' voice, iv) expanded civil society cooperation, partnerships, and networks, v) increased cooperation, interaction and policy dialogue between CSOs and government, vi) research, policy analysis and evidence generation, vii) piloting of innovative processes for citizens' voice and inclusion in governance, and viii) improving coordination and harmonisation among development partners."}, {"bbox": [96, 425, 1135, 514], "category": "Text", "text": "Through this action, the EU aims at leveraging its expertise and resources to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic environment in Bangladesh, directly contributing to the country's sustainable development and stability."}, {"bbox": [96, 525, 1135, 586], "category": "Text", "text": "Identification of main stakeholders and corresponding institutional and/or organisational issues (mandates, potential roles, and capacities) to be covered by the action:"}, {"bbox": [96, 596, 1135, 685], "category": "Text", "text": "The primary stakeholders, who represent the rights-holders, involved are local and national CSOs in Bangladesh. Facilitating ongoing policy dialogue through interaction between civil society organizations and local authorities is a key objective of this initiative."}, {"bbox": [96, 696, 504, 726], "category": "Text", "text": "The key duty-bearers are, among others:"}, {"bbox": [96, 737, 1135, 912], "category": "Text", "text": "The NGO Affairs Bureau: this is a government department directly under the Prime Minister's Office which is the regulator for NGOs operating in Bangladesh, especially entities that receive entities that receive foreign funding. It is afforded wide powers as such as the (de-)registration of NGOs, the authority to approve projects and the power to approve or delay implementation of projects based on work plans and reports shared with them before funds are released. Deputy commissioners and Upazila (sub-district) officers in turn monitor NGO activities at the field level and report to the NGOAB."}, {"bbox": [96, 923, 1135, 1040], "category": "Text", "text": "The Department of Social Services: this is a government department under the Ministry of Social Welfare. It is responsible for carrying out social services, social safety nets, and welfare programs in Bangladesh. In this capacity, it is responsible for approval or delay of projects to be implemented by CSOs registered with them."}, {"bbox": [96, 1051, 1135, 1140], "category": "Text", "text": "The Department of Women Affairs: this is a government department under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. It is responsible for the welfare of women in Bangladesh, and, in this capacity, it is responsible for approval or delay of projects to be implemented by CSOs registered with them."}, {"bbox": [96, 1151, 1135, 1294], "category": "Text", "text": "Intelligence Agencies – Directorate General Forces of Intelligence / National Security Intelligence / Special Branch: these are intelligence branches of the executive some of whom directly report to the Prime Minister's Office. They monitor the actions of CSOs especially those advocating for civil and political rights of the citizens and the minorities as well as those vocal about political freedoms and other sensitive issues."}, {"bbox": [96, 1307, 1135, 1425], "category": "Text", "text": "National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh: A national advocacy institution for human rights promotion and protection. The commission is tasked with accomplishment of human rights in a broader sense, as enshrined in the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and different international human rights conventions and treaties to which Bangladesh is a signatory."}, {"bbox": [96, 1436, 1135, 1612], "category": "Text", "text": "The program's structure and management framework guarantee CSO involvement by incorporating them into the Central Advisory Committee to the CEF. This will take into account equal gender representation and including those representing most marginalised civil society groups. This committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Programme Management Board, offering insights on the overall strategic direction and pertinent contextual priorities and opportunities related to SDGs 16 and 5, as well as the program's objectives."}, {"bbox": [85, 1681, 194, 1707], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 9 of 33"}]