Md. Shahria Parvez
Deputy General Manager (Current Charge) BNF
Bangladesh NGO Foundation (BNF), a non-profit’ organization, was established with the principal objectives of improving the well-being of the poor, the ultra poor, the impoverished, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable communities and persons in Bangladesh through funding the Partner Organizations (POs). 1113 Partner Organizations are working for the women, children, the ethnic minorities and marginalized communities in order to integrate them with mainstream development activities by establishing an effective correlation between service/support structure and their communities.
Main Functions
Main program of BNF is to provide grants to Partner Organizations (POs) for poverty alleviation. Bangladesh NGO Foundation is working with 1113 Partner Organizations for implementation of poverty alleviation activities. The Foundation has covered 64 districts across the country for implementation of different poverty alleviation activities for the poor and the ultra-poor people. Beneficiaries are benefited by receiving different component through Partner Organizations like-cow, goats, ducks-hens, sewing machine, trainings, disabled components, computers, sanitary latrine, tube-well, trees etc. BNF grants progrommes are the principal programme of BNF. Under these programmes rural beneficiaries are being involved in income generation activities which are generally women based. BNF has strong Monitoring Unit to evaluate the activities of Partner Organizations (POs).
Grants Distribution and Discussion Meetings
Partner Organizations are invited to receive cheques of grants and join Grants Distribution and Discussion Meetings. The ultimate goals are to provide available information and employment for rural areas. BNF has spread its programme to far-flung areas of the country through its POs, which currently in number is 1113. Executive Directors of POs exchange their experience. Hon’able Chairman and Managing Director of the Foundation give directions and advice in the Grants Distribution and Discussion Meetings on different activities. The Honorable Chairman of the Foundation distributes cheques of grants to CEOs on behalf of NGOs. And the end of the ceremony is done by singing the national anthem.
Special Projects
BNF has made a significant contribution by constructing 73 building houses in order to rehabilitate the Donagram, Morelganj Upazila of Bagerhat District through SMKK Partner Organization. BNF has also provided livelihood support to fishermen and milkmen/women in 7 villages out of Patuakhali, Pirojpur and Barguna districts through 7 Partner Organizations. 73 families are living in building houses and 222 families are involving income generation activities. I believe BNF has given fruitful support to SIDR affected people. Recently BNF has installed 50 tube-wells and 100 set-latrines among the 150 famiies in September/2014 after devastated flood affected 4 vilages of Kalihati upazila of Tangail.
ICT Programs
Bangladesh NGO Foundation (BNF) has taken up initiatives to establish the Grameen Tathya Kendro through 15 Partner Organizations in the 14 districts. Besides, BNF drives computer training to literate computer application. BNF participate in Digital World Fair under Bank and Financial Institutions Division of Finance Ministry. BNF was awarded jointly under Ministry of Finance. Hon’able Minister of Finance handed over best award crest to BNF (jointly) on 9th February 2015 in Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
Seasonal Support
BNF has distributed winter clothes (11,860 Blanket) in the ultra poor people in the northern area of Bangladesh. BNF is now expanding its activities in manifold for poverty alleviation of the country. From experience, if we create income generation activities scope for the ultra poor and minorities, it is possible to reduce vulnerability.
Training
The Foundation feels capacity building of the NGOs are not possible only by providing grants. The Foundation trained on Maintenance of Accounts and Fund Management for 500 employees who engaged in Accounts and Organizational Development and Management for 475 CEOs of NGOs and Orientation on Development Packages and Way of Implementation for 100 Field Workers of the Partner Organizations. The Foundation always provides need based programmes. BNF has started refreshers course on Maintenance of Accounts and Fund Management.
Administration
Management of Bangladesh NGO Foundation (BNF) has taken up initiatives to build the efficient officers by intensive training. BNF nominates regularly officers to receive training in different prominent training institutions. Employees of BNF are very much sincere and offer fair services in their respective unit. Employees have been received recognition for their sincere services and cooperation from our Partner Organizations.
Conclusion
Bangladesh NGO Foundation is committed to contribute in poverty alleviation by poverty reduction activities. BNF tries to mainstream the poor by innovative activities. BNF thinks to undertake what kinds of more diversified components can be taken for improving rural people. I myself feel proud of BNF for offering me a chance to contribute in poverty alleviation through the Bangladesh NGO Foundation. BNF is committed to ensure service to continue poverty alleviation activities for the poor and the ultra-poor.
