TIB concerned over law for social orgs

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday expressed deep concerns over the proposed draft of The Volunteer Social Welfare Organisations (Registration and Control) Act 2019.

In a press statement, the graft watchdog also demanded that the government change, modify and cancel the sections which are unclear, repressive and conflicting.

It also called for the draft to be amended before approval, through discussions with stakeholders and involving experts concerned.

TIB Executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman in the statement said they were informed through mass media that social welfare ministry has prepared the draft of a new law, for registration and control of different local and foreign volunteer, private and social welfare organisations.

A number of sections and sub-sections of the proposed law will create serious obstacles in activities of the organisations, he said, adding that chances of its misuse will also be created.

Iftekharuzzaman said according to sub-section 11 (1 and 2) of the draft law, there is a provision of all registered organisations being re-registered every five years, and if any organisation fails to make the renewal on time or is rejected, it will be dissolved.

Sub-section 17 (1, 2, 3) has a provision of cancellation of registration of an organisation based on report of “show-cause”, and dissolving the organisation from the date of cancellation of registration, the statement reads.