NGO & Foundation Registration Services in Bangladesh

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and charitable foundations form the backbone of socio-economic development in Bangladesh. From grassroots community development and poverty alleviation to healthcare, education, and climate resilience, these organizations operate where the state and the private sector cannot reach alone. Registering an NGO or Foundation in Bangladesh is the critical first step to formalize a philanthropic vision, enabling the entity to acquire legal personality, open corporate bank accounts, hire staff, and—most importantly—receive domestic and international funding lawfully.

The regulatory landscape for NGO registration in Bangladesh is multi-tiered and highly regulated. A common pitfall for founders is assuming that a single "NGO License" covers all operations. In reality, an organization may need to register as a Society or Trust to gain legal entity status, register with the Department of Social Services (DSS) for local social welfare operations, and finally obtain clearance from the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) if it intends to receive foreign grants. Navigating these overlapping jurisdictions requires careful strategic planning and precise legal documentation.

As explained in Wikipedia's comprehensive overview of non-governmental organizations, NGOs are typically non-profit, citizen-based organizations that function independently of the government. In Bangladesh, the legal framework differentiates between local NGOs, national foundations, and International NGOs (INGOs), each with distinct compliance thresholds. The Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016, strictly governs the inflow and utilization of cross-border charitable funds, making NGOAB registration indispensable for any globally funded initiative.

This comprehensive guide explains every layer of the NGO and Foundation registration process in Bangladesh. It is designed for philanthropists, development professionals, corporate CSR boards, and international donors seeking to establish a legally compliant and impactful presence in the country. Whether you are setting up a community health trust, an educational foundation, or an INGO branch, engaging a qualified NGO registration legal service in Bangladesh is strongly recommended to ensure seamless compliance and long-term operational security.

Bangladesh's legal framework governing NGOs and foundations is an amalgamation of colonial-era trust laws, post-independence social welfare ordinances, and modern regulatory statutes designed to oversee foreign funding. The choice of legal vehicle depends on the foundation's purpose, funding source, and desired governance structure.

Primary Legislation

• The Societies Registration Act, 1860 — The primary statute for registering a non-profit as a Society. It provides the entity with a distinct legal personality, separate from its members, allowing it to own property, sue, and enter contracts. A minimum of seven members is required to form a society.
• The Trusts Act, 1882 — Governs the creation of private and public charitable trusts. A trust is typically created by a trust deed where the settlor transfers property to trustees for a charitable purpose. Trusts do not inherently have a separate legal personality like societies, but they are recognized for tax and property-holding purposes.
• The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961 — Administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Registration under this ordinance is mandatory for organizations engaged in specific social welfare activities such as women's empowerment, child welfare, youth development, and rehabilitation. It is often required for accessing local government funding.
• The Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016 (FDRA) — The most critical statute for any NGO receiving foreign funds. Administered by the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), this Act mandates that no organization can receive or utilize foreign grants without prior NGOAB registration and project approval. It imposes strict reporting, banking, and audit requirements.
• The Microcredit Regulatory Authority Act, 2006 — If an NGO intends to operate microfinance or microcredit programs, it must obtain a separate license from the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA), independent of its NGOAB or RJSC registration.
• The Income Tax Act, 2023 — Governs the tax-exempt status of NGOs. While NGOs are inherently non-profit, they must apply for specific tax exemption certificates from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to lawfully exempt their grants and donations from income tax.

According to Wikipedia's overview of non-profit organizations, the legal structure of an NGO determines its fiduciary duties, tax liabilities, and governance mechanisms. Bangladesh's framework broadly follows these international principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in the non-profit sector. Seeking the assistance of a qualified NGO and foundation registration legal service is essential to navigate these overlapping legislative regimes effectively.

The terms "NGO" and "Foundation" are often used interchangeably, but in Bangladeshi legal practice, they encompass a broad spectrum of structures that differ significantly in their governance, registration pathway, and funding mechanisms. Identifying the precise category is the first critical step in any registration exercise.

Charitable Society (Foundation)

A Society is the most common legal form for a foundation in Bangladesh. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, it is managed by an Executive Committee (EC) elected by a General Body (GB) of members. It is ideal for organizations that require democratic governance, broad community participation, and the ability to scale operations nationally. Societies are registered with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC).

Charitable Trust

A Trust is typically established by a single philanthropist or a family to manage a dedicated endowment for a charitable purpose. Governed by the Trusts Act, 1882, the control of a trust lies with the appointed Trustees rather than a general membership. Trusts are favored for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and family foundations due to their centralized governance and perpetual succession.

Local National NGO (NNGO)

A local NGO is an organization that operates entirely within Bangladesh, funded primarily by domestic sources, local grants, or community contributions. Depending on its activities, it may only require RJSC and DSS registration. However, if it wishes to receive foreign funds, it must upgrade its compliance to include NGOAB registration.

International NGO (INGO)

An INGO is an organization headquartered outside Bangladesh that wishes to implement development projects inside the country. INGOs must register with the NGO Affairs Bureau under the FDRA, 2016. The registration process is rigorous, requiring clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and line ministries relevant to the INGO's sector (e.g., health, education).

Community Based Organization (CBO)

CBOs are small, grassroots organizations representing specific communities or geographic areas. They often operate informally but may register as societies or with the DSS to access local government grants or partner with larger national NGOs.

Non-Profit Company (Section 28 Company)

Under the Companies Act, 1994 (Section 28), an association can be registered as a non-profit company with limited liability. This structure is less common but offers robust corporate governance features. It is licensed by the RJSC and is subject to stricter audit and reporting requirements. Consulting a qualified NGO registration lawyer before drafting the constitution is strongly advised to ensure the correct legal vehicle is chosen.

The Constitution (often called the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for societies, or the Trust Deed for trusts) is the foundational legal document of an NGO. It defines the organization's mission, governance structure, powers, and dissolution mechanism. A poorly drafted constitution can lead to internal disputes, rejection by the RJSC or NGOAB, and loss of tax-exempt status. The document must be drafted with precision, aligning with the specific requirements of the Societies Registration Act or the Trusts Act, as well as the NGOAB guidelines.

Mandatory Elements of an NGO Constitution

A well-drafted constitution for an NGO in Bangladesh must contain the following core clauses:

• Name and Registered Office: The official name of the organization (ending with "Society" or "Foundation") and the address of its head office in Bangladesh.
• Objects and Aims: A clear, specific, and legally permissible description of the non-profit purposes for which the NGO is established. Charitable purposes typically include poverty relief, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and human rights.
• Governing Body: The structure of the Executive Committee (EC) or Board of Trustees, including the number of members, their qualifications, the election process, terms of office, and powers. The NGOAB requires at least one-third of the EC members to be female.
• General Body: For societies, the rights and responsibilities of the General Body members, including the requirement to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Financial Management: Rules regarding the banking operations (usually requiring dual signatures), the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30 in Bangladesh), and the mandatory annual audit by a certified chartered accountant.
• Amendment Procedure: The process for amending the constitution, which typically requires a two-thirds majority vote by the General Body or Board of Trustees.
• Dissolution Clause: The procedure for winding up the NGO. Crucially, upon dissolution, any remaining assets must be transferred to another registered NGO with similar objects—they cannot be distributed to the members.

Stamp Duty and Execution

For a Trust, the Trust Deed must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper in accordance with the Stamp Act, 1899 (usually calculated as a percentage of the trust property value). For a Society, the MOA and AOA must be printed and signed by all founding members, with their NID copies and signatures witnessed. An expert NGO constitution drafting service can ensure that the document is accurately structured, properly stamped, and fully compliant with RJSC and NGOAB requirements.

Registering a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) is the standard procedure for establishing a foundation or NGO in Bangladesh. RJSC registration grants the organization a legal entity status, separate from its members, which is a prerequisite for opening a corporate bank account, entering into contracts, and applying for tax exemptions and NGOAB clearance.

Step-by-Step RJSC Registration Procedure

1. Name Clearance: The first step is to apply for name clearance through the RJSC online portal. The proposed name must be unique and not identical to any existing company, society, or trademark. A fee of BDT 200 is applicable.
2. Drafting of MOA and AOA: The Memorandum of Association (objects clause) and Articles of Association (rules and regulations) are drafted. These documents must be signed by at least seven founding members.
3. Statutory Declaration: A declaration stating that all requirements of the Societies Registration Act have been complied with, sworn before a Notary Public or an Advocate, must be prepared.
4. Online Application Submission: The name clearance, scanned copies of the signed MOA and AOA, NIDs of the founding members, and the statutory declaration are uploaded to the RJSC portal.
5. Payment of Fees: The prescribed government registration fee, based on the authorized capital or scale of the society, is paid online.
6. Security Clearance: RJSC forwards the details of the Executive Committee members to the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Special Branch (SB) of police for background checks.
7. Certificate Issuance: Upon successful verification and security clearance, the RJSC issues the Certificate of Registration, officially recognizing the society as a legal entity.

The RJSC registration process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, largely dependent on the duration of the security clearance. Engaging a professional NGO registration service to manage the drafting and submission ensures that the application is not delayed due to documentary defects.

While Society registration is ideal for membership-based organizations, establishing a Charitable Trust is the preferred route for individual philanthropists, families, or corporate entities looking to create a foundation. A Trust is created when a "Settlor" transfers property to "Trustees" to be managed for a charitable purpose. Trust registration in Bangladesh is governed by the Trusts Act, 1882, and involves registering the Trust Deed with the local Sub-Registry Office.

Key Features of a Charitable Trust

Unlike a Society, a Trust does not require a minimum of seven members; it can be formed by a single Settlor and one or more Trustees. The governance of a Trust is entirely dictated by the Trust Deed, offering greater flexibility and centralized control compared to the democratic structure of a Society. This makes Trusts highly suitable for corporate foundations where the board of directors of the parent company appoints the trustees.

The Trust Deed and Registration Process

1. Drafting the Trust Deed: A comprehensive Trust Deed is drafted, detailing the objectives, the initial trust property (corpus), the powers and duties of the Trustees, and the succession mechanism for appointing future Trustees.
2. Stamp Duty Payment: The Trust Deed must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper. The stamp duty is calculated based on the value of the initial trust property, typically at 2% of the asset value, plus a registration fee.
3. Execution: The Settlor and the Trustees sign the deed in the presence of two witnesses. The signatures must be notarized.
4. Registration with Sub-Registrar: The executed and stamped Trust Deed is submitted to the local Sub-Registry Office having jurisdiction over the trust property or the registered office. The Settlor and Trustees must be present (or represented via Power of Attorney) for biometric verification.
5. TIN and Bank Account: After registration, the Trust must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and open a bank account in the name of the Trust to commence operations.

While Trust registration grants legal recognition of the trust property, it is important to note that a Trust does not inherently possess a separate legal personality like an RJSC-registered Society. For a Trust to receive foreign donations, it may still need to register with the NGOAB or, alternatively, register as a Society to meet NGOAB's legal entity requirements. An experienced trust and NGO legal service can manage this complex structural decision efficiently on behalf of the founders.

The NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), operating under the Prime Minister's Office, is the supreme regulatory authority for all foreign-funded voluntary activities in Bangladesh. If an NGO or Foundation intends to receive grants, donations, or technical assistance from foreign sources, NGOAB registration is legally mandatory under the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016 (FDRA). Operating a foreign-funded NGO without NGOAB clearance is a criminal offense.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

To be eligible for NGOAB registration, the organization must first be legally registered in Bangladesh—typically as a Society under the RJSC or as a Trust. The organization must have a functioning Executive Committee, a physical office in Bangladesh, and a clear track record (or a viable project proposal) aligned with national development priorities. Political, religious proselytizing, and commercial activities are strictly prohibited under the FDRA.

The NGOAB Registration Process

1. Preparation of FD-1 Application: The organization must prepare the FD-1 form, a comprehensive application detailing the NGO's history, governance structure, financial capacity, and proposed sectors of operation.
2. Compilation of Documents: The application must be accompanied by the RJSC/Trust registration certificate, the constitution, the latest audit report (if applicable), a list of executive committee members, and a detailed project proposal for the foreign-funded activity.
3. Submission to NGOAB: The FD-1 application, in multiple copies, is submitted to the Director General of NGOAB, along with the prescribed fee.
4. Inter-Ministerial Clearance: NGOAB forwards the application to the Ministry of Home Affairs (for security clearance of the board members), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the relevant line ministry (e.g., Ministry of Health for a health project) for their opinions.
5. Inspection: NGOAB officials may conduct a physical inspection of the NGO's office and project sites to verify operational capacity.
6. Issuance of Registration: If all clearances are obtained and the NGO is deemed fit, NGOAB issues a registration certificate valid for a period of 5 to 10 years, subject to renewal based on compliance.

The NGOAB registration process is the most rigorous and time-consuming aspect of NGO setup in Bangladesh, often taking 6 to 12 months. As Wikipedia explains in its overview of non-governmental organizations, effective governance and transparency are the hallmarks of credible NGO operations globally. Specialist assistance from a legal service experienced in NGOAB registration is indispensable for navigating this complex and time-sensitive process.

While RJSC and NGOAB handle legal entity status and foreign funding respectively, the Department of Social Services (DSS) plays a vital role in regulating domestic social welfare activities. Registration under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961, is often required for NGOs that implement community-level projects, access government grants, or partner with local municipalities.

Scope of DSS Registration

The DSS ordinance specifically covers organizations engaged in welfare activities such as child welfare, youth development, women's empowerment, disability rehabilitation, and family planning. If an NGO's objectives fall within these categories, DSS registration is highly recommended, even if the NGO is already registered with RJSC. Many local government bodies and domestic donors require DSS registration as a prerequisite for partnership.

The DSS Registration Procedure

1. Application Submission: An application is submitted to the Director General of the Department of Social Services, along with the NGO's constitution, a list of executive members, and a proposed activity plan.
2. Local Inquiry: The DSS office directs the local Upazila Social Services Officer to conduct an inquiry, verifying the physical office, the capacity of the organization, and the feasibility of the proposed activities.
3. Security Vetting: As with RJSC, the details of the executive committee members are sent to the police for background verification.
4. Certificate Issuance: Upon satisfactory inquiry and vetting, the DSS issues a registration certificate, usually valid for five years and renewable thereafter.

DSS registration is generally faster than NGOAB registration and is an excellent stepping stone for newly formed NGOs to establish credibility before applying for foreign funds. As Wikipedia's article on social work explains, statutory recognition of welfare organizations is essential for integrating them into the national social development framework. A representative who is uncertain about the need for DSS registration should seek guidance from a qualified NGO legal adviser.

Microfinance is a major component of NGO operations in Bangladesh, famously pioneered by organizations like Grameen Bank. However, operating a microcredit program—lending small amounts to low-income individuals without collateral—requires a specific license from the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA), established under the Microcredit Regulatory Authority Act, 2006.

The MRA Licensing Requirement

An NGO registered with RJSC or NGOAB cannot legally operate a microfinance portfolio without an MRA license. The MRA regulates the interest rates, operational boundaries, and financial solvency of microfinance institutions (MFIs) to protect vulnerable borrowers from predatory lending.

MRA Application Process

1. Pre-Requisites: The NGO must have at least three years of operational experience in social development activities, with a valid RJSC registration and a satisfactory audit history.
2. Application: An application is submitted to the MRA, detailing the proposed microfinance model, target demographics, financial projections, and the source of initial capital.
3. Feasibility Assessment: MRA conducts a rigorous assessment of the NGO's financial health, governance capacity, and field infrastructure to ensure it can sustain a lending operation.
4. Licensing: If approved, MRA issues a license with specific conditions regarding the geographical area of operation and maximum borrowing limits per client.

MRA licensing is highly specialized and requires a distinct set of compliance protocols, including regular reporting of non-performing loans (NPLs) and portfolio-at-risk (PAR) metrics. For NGOs looking to integrate microfinance into their development model, consulting a specialist NGO and financial regulatory legal adviser in Bangladesh is highly recommended to ensure strict compliance with MRA guidelines.

While NGOs are inherently non-profit, they are not automatically exempt from income tax in Bangladesh. Under the Income Tax Act, 2023, all income is taxable unless specifically exempted. To lawfully retain grants, donations, and investment income without paying corporate tax, an NGO must obtain a formal tax exemption certificate from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Applying for Tax Exemption

To secure tax exemption, the NGO must apply to the NBR, demonstrating that its objects and activities fall within recognized charitable categories. The application requires the RJSC/Trust registration certificate, the constitution, a detailed activity report, and audited financial statements. The NBR evaluates whether the organization is genuinely operating for public benefit and not for private gain. If approved, the NBR issues an exemption certificate, typically valid for a specified period (e.g., 5 years), after which it must be renewed.

Tax Deduction for Donors

A crucial benefit of NBR approval is that donations made to the NGO become tax-deductible for the donor. This incentivizes domestic corporate CSR contributions and high-net-worth individual philanthropy. However, the NGO must be specifically listed in the NBR's official gazette as an approved charitable organization for donors to claim this deduction.

VAT Implications

While grants and pure donations are generally outside the scope of VAT, NGOs that engage in commercial activities (e.g., selling publications, training fees, or consultancy services) may be liable for VAT registration under the VAT and SD Act, 2012. As Wikipedia's overview of tax exemption explains, maintaining the boundary between non-profit and commercial activities is critical for retaining tax-exempt status. Experienced NGO legal and tax advisory services in Bangladesh can assist in structuring the NGO's operations to maximize tax efficiency while ensuring full compliance with the NBR's requirements.

Good governance is the lifeblood of a credible NGO. The regulatory authorities in Bangladesh—particularly the NGOAB—place immense emphasis on the structure, transparency, and accountability of an NGO's governing bodies. A well-structured governance framework not only ensures regulatory compliance but also builds trust with donors and beneficiary communities.

General Body vs. Executive Committee

For a Society, the governance structure is bicameral. The General Body (GB) consists of all general members of the organization. The GB is the supreme authority, meeting at least once a year for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to approve budgets, audit reports, and elect the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (EC), typically consisting of 7 to 15 members, is the operational board responsible for day-to-day management, policy formulation, and executing the decisions of the GB.

NGOAB Governance Requirements

The NGOAB mandates strict adherence to governance protocols. The EC must include representation from the relevant professional fields (e.g., a doctor on the board of a health NGO). Furthermore, the NGOAB requires that at least one-third of the EC members be female, promoting gender inclusivity in decision-making. Office bearers—President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Treasurer—must be elected, and their tenure is usually limited to two consecutive terms to prevent the monopolization of power.

Fiduciary Duties and Conflict of Interest

Members of the EC owe fiduciary duties to the NGO. They must act in the best interests of the organization, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure that funds are utilized solely for the approved objects. The NGOAB strictly prohibits the transfer of NGO assets to personal accounts or investments in private businesses. An experienced legal service specializing in NGO governance can assist in drafting conflict-of-interest policies and ensuring that the governance structure aligns with both national laws and international donor expectations.

International NGOs (INGOs) play a significant role in Bangladesh's development landscape, particularly in disaster response, climate change adaptation, and public health. However, setting up an INGO branch or establishing a foreign-funded local foundation involves navigating stringent regulatory hurdles designed to ensure national security and financial transparency.

INGO Branch Office Setup

An INGO headquartered abroad cannot simply start operating in Bangladesh. It must apply for formal registration with the NGOAB under the FDRA, 2016. The application requires the parent organization's registration documents, a letter of authorization, a mandate from the head office, and a detailed proposal of the intended activities in Bangladesh. The NGOAB, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, grants permission for the INGO to establish a liaison or project office.

Partnership with Local NGOs

To mitigate operational risks, many INGOs choose to partner with existing local NGOs rather than setting up an independent branch. In this model, the INGO provides the funding and technical assistance, while the local NGO implements the project. The local NGO must have valid NGOAB registration to receive the foreign funds. The partnership agreement must be reviewed by the NGOAB as part of the project approval process. For international organizations seeking to establish a presence in Bangladesh, engagement with a qualified INGO legal service is essential to ensure compliance with local laws.

Registration is only the beginning of an NGO's regulatory journey. The NGO Affairs Bureau imposes a rigorous, ongoing compliance regime to monitor the utilization of foreign funds. Non-compliance can lead to the freezing of bank accounts, suspension of projects, or cancellation of the NGO's registration.

FD-6: Project Approval

Before an NGO can utilize any foreign grant, it must submit an FD-6 application to the NGOAB for project approval. The FD-6 includes a detailed project proposal, a log-frame, a budget breakdown, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the foreign donor. The NGOAB reviews the project to ensure it aligns with national priorities and does not violate any laws. No funds can be withdrawn from the NGO's foreign currency account until the FD-6 is approved.

FD-7: Foreign Travel and Expat Clearance

Form FD-7 is used for two distinct purposes. First, it is required to obtain NGOAB clearance for foreign nationals visiting Bangladesh for NGO-related work, including short-term consultants and donors. Second, it is mandatory for local NGO officials traveling abroad for training, conferences, or project-related work funded by the foreign grant. The NGOAB verifies that the travel is essential and funded through approved channels.

Annual Reporting and Audits

Every NGO registered with the NGOAB must submit an annual audit report conducted by a certified chartered accountant firm within nine months of the close of the fiscal year. Additionally, the NGO must submit a half-yearly progress report detailing the physical achievements of the project against the targets. The NGOAB also mandates that administrative expenses do not exceed 20% of the total project budget, ensuring that the bulk of the funds reach the beneficiaries. Our team at Aeenx assists NGOs in managing this complex compliance matrix, ensuring that all FD-6, FD-7, and audit obligations are met on time.

If an NGO or Foundation becomes commercially unviable, achieves its objectives, or wishes to cease operations, it must be formally dissolved through a structured winding-up process. Abandoning an NGO without proper dissolution can lead to legal liabilities for the Executive Committee, particularly if there are pending audits or unutilized foreign funds.

Voluntary Winding Up of a Society

The procedure for dissolving a Society is governed by Section 13 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860. A resolution for dissolution must be passed by a three-fifths majority of the General Body. The Executive Committee then takes charge of winding up the affairs, settling all debts, and liquidating assets. Crucially, any remaining assets cannot be distributed among the members. They must be transferred to another registered society or NGO with similar objects.

Dissolution of a Trust

Unless the Trust Deed specifies a dissolution mechanism, a Trust is generally irrevocable. However, if the Trust's purpose becomes impossible to achieve or unlawful, the Trustees can apply to the civil court for a scheme of dissolution. The court will direct the transfer of the trust property to another charitable trust with similar objects.

NGOAB NOC for Closure

For NGOs registered with the NGOAB, dissolution requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bureau. The NGO must submit a final audit report, a utilization certificate of all foreign funds received, and proof that all local liabilities have been settled. Only after the NGOAB is satisfied that no foreign funds have been misappropriated will it issue the NOC, allowing the NGO to close its bank accounts and formally dissolve. A qualified NGO legal adviser can guide the Executive Committee through the dissolution process to ensure that all residual obligations are met.

The following checklist provides a comprehensive and practical guide for philanthropists and development professionals seeking to register an NGO or Foundation in Bangladesh. Following these steps methodically—with the support of a qualified legal adviser—will ensure a smooth and compliant incorporation process.

Planning and Strategy

• Define the core mission, vision, and specific charitable objects of the organization.
• Determine the funding model: Will the NGO rely on local donations, corporate CSR, or foreign grants?
• Choose the appropriate legal vehicle: Society (for membership-based governance) or Trust (for centralized founder control).
• Assemble the founding members or trustees, ensuring diversity and relevant professional expertise.
• Consult a qualified NGO registration legal service in Bangladesh to map out the registration pathway.

Registration Execution

• For a Society: Apply for RJSC name clearance, draft the MOA and AOA, and submit the RJSC application.
• For a Trust: Draft the Trust Deed on appropriate stamp paper, pay the stamp duty, and register at the Sub-Registry office.
• If applicable, apply for DSS registration under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance.
• If foreign funding is intended, prepare the FD-1 application and submit it to the NGO Affairs Bureau.

Post-Registration Setup

• Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the organization.
• Open a corporate bank account in the organization's name. For foreign funds, open a specialized foreign currency account with NGOAB approval.
• Apply to the NBR for tax exemption status.
• Establish a physical office, hire staff, and set up internal accounting and audit systems.
• If microfinance is planned, apply for an MRA license before initiating any lending activities.

Successfully registering and operating an NGO or Foundation in Bangladesh requires precise knowledge of social welfare laws, meticulous attention to documentary requirements, and strategic foresight to manage compliance across multiple regulatory authorities. Whether you are establishing a local community trust, a national philanthropic foundation, or an international NGO branch, the guidance of an experienced and dedicated NGO registration legal service in Bangladesh is the single most important factor in ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term success of your non-profit venture.

Aeenx provides comprehensive legal services to philanthropists, development professionals, corporate CSR boards, and international donors across the full spectrum of NGO formation, registration, compliance, and dissolution in Bangladesh. Our team combines deep expertise in trust law, society law, NGOAB regulations, and non-profit taxation to deliver integrated, practical, and mission-driven legal solutions. We assist clients in Dhaka and throughout Bangladesh — and are fully equipped to serve international donors and INGOs remotely.

Our NGO & Foundation Registration Services Include

• Initial consultation and legal assessment of the optimal non-profit structure (Society, Trust, or Section 28 Company).
• Drafting of the Constitution, MOA, AOA, and Trust Deeds, tailored to the organization's mission and governance needs.
• Name clearance and full management of the RJSC Society registration process.
• Trust Deed drafting, stamp duty calculation, and Sub-Registry registration.
• Preparation and submission of FD-1 applications for NGOAB registration and FD-6 applications for project approvals.
• Assistance with DSS registration under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance.
• Tax exemption applications with the NBR and ongoing compliance management.
• Legal advice on governance, Executive Committee disputes, and conflict-of-interest policies.
• Assistance with MRA licensing for microfinance operations.
• Representation in NGOAB audits, compliance reviews, and dissolution proceedings.

Key Government Authorities

• Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC): For Society registration and legal entity formation.
• NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB): For foreign fund registration and project approvals.
• Department of Social Services (DSS): For local social welfare registration.
• National Board of Revenue (NBR): For tax exemption and charitable status approval.
• Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA): For microfinance licensing.
• Sub-Registry Office: For Trust Deed registration.

Useful Reference Materials

• Non-Governmental Organization — Wikipedia
• Non-Profit Organization — Wikipedia
• Charitable Trust — Wikipedia
• Trust Law — Wikipedia
• Society — Wikipedia
• Microfinance — Wikipedia
• Tax Exemption — Wikipedia
• Social Work — Wikipedia
• Corporate Social Responsibility — Wikipedia
• Foundation (Charity) — Wikipedia