EU expresses concern over Bangladesh's new foreign donations bill

Heads of the resident missions of the European Union in Bangladesh have expressed their concern over the new ‘Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Bill 2016’ just passed by parliament.

In a statement on Thursday, they expressed their concern that the Bill “may introduce provisions that can prevent the smooth and timely implementation of development projects.”

They have further noted the addition of a provision “limiting the freedom of expression.”

They asked that their concerns be accommodated as the Bill has not yet been made into law yet, in a manner that would “allow NGOs duly supported by foreign partners to continue playing a major role in the development of Bangladesh and their freedom of expression to be preserved.”

They “regret that none of their recommendations was reflected in the Bill adopted on 5 October, including those with the sole purpose to ensure the efficiency of development projects.”

The envoys recognised “the need for regulating foreign development cooperation and welcome the intention to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.”

The EU and its member states are Bangladesh’s largest development partners in terms of grants.

The UK, Denmark, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Netherlands have resident missions in Dhaka, apart from that of the EU delegation office.

Together with other members of the donor community, they have at numerous occasions pointed out their concerns during the drafting of the Bill.

They have also acknowledged the role played by local and international NGOs in Bangladesh's development success story as well as civil society's continued support for human rights.