DHAKA, BANGLADESH – March 27, 2025 – Over 40 representatives from diverse Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Bangladesh convened in Shyamoli, Dhaka, on March 25, 2025, for a crucial National Consultation focused on the 4th Monitoring Round (4MR) of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC). The consultation, organized by COAST Foundation, successfully fostered a consensus among participating CSOs regarding their perspectives on the 4MR questionnaire.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Rezaul Bashar, Former Additional Secretary of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, who served as the Chief Guest. Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Joint Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, attended as the Special Guest. The consultation was expertly chaired by Mr. Rezaul Karim Choudhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation.
The primary objective of the national consultation was to collaboratively develop a unified CSO perspective on the 4MR questionnaire. To achieve this, Dr. Sohel Iqbal, Director – Partnership of COAST Foundation presented each question from the questionnaire to the participants, accompanied by the available response options. Following a period of thorough discussion and deliberation amongst all attendees, a consensus was reached on the most pertinent responses.
Mr. Bashar outlined the history and consequences of the previous Fourth Monitoring Round (4MR) of GPEDC. He also emphasized the significant role of CSOs in the current round. He noted that upon the release of the final report, CSOs will need to collaborate to achieve greater transparency and accountability in the effective development process.
Mr. Azad expressed his gratitude to COAST Foundation for organizing such an important event and for their continued support to the government. He clearly stated that the government will consider the efforts of CSOs in this 4MR process, highlighting that this marks the first time CSOs have had the opportunity to formally include their perspectives. He expressed his excitement in observing the sincere participation of the CSOs.
This inclusive and participatory approach ensured that the collective voice and experiences of Bangladeshi CSOs will be effectively represented in the upcoming 4MR of the GPEDC. The outcomes of this consultation are expected to contribute significantly to shaping a more nuanced and accurate understanding of development effectiveness within the country.
As chair of the event, Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury expressed his gratitude to both the participants and the distinguished guests. He also thanked the CSOs for easing his responsibilities as the national focal point for CSOs by attending and sharing their consensus-based answers to the questionnaire during the data collection process for the 4MR of GPEDC.
