Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammed Mizanur Rahman has emphasized that the challenges faced by Cox’s Bazar go far beyond the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
“An integrated development approach is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the region. From addressing poverty and malnutrition to tapping into its vast tourism opportunities, there’s much more to be done,” Rahman said, as quoted in a UNDP press release.
He made these remarks during a policy dialogue held under the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday. The dialogue was organized by the NGO Affairs Bureau, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Australian High Commission.
Rahman stressed that moving from a reactive to a proactive approach is key to building sustainable partnerships. “NGOs, the government, and development partners must work together to deliver meaningful impact,” he added.
The event brought together representatives from the government, NGOs, and development partners to discuss improving service delivery and coordination in Cox’s Bazar, which is home to the world’s largest refugee settlement.
The ISPAT project focuses on strengthening the NGO Affairs Bureau’s institutional and professional capacity, digitizing service systems, and fostering an enabling policy environment for NGOs, with Australian funding.
These efforts are essential to supporting the humanitarian and development needs of Cox’s Bazar, where nearly one million Rohingya refugees and vulnerable local communities face significant challenges.
Clinton Pobke, deputy high commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of well-functioning institutions for sustainable development.
He said, “Through the ISPAT project, Australia is proud to support the NGO Affairs Bureau in strengthening governance, humanitarian response, and effective service delivery for those most in need.”
“I believe that with the support of the Australian Government in partnership with UNDP, reforms in the NGO sector will create a more vibrant, inclusive, and accountable system, ensuring that women, ethnic minorities, climate-vulnerable populations, and all communities are better served,” Pobke added.
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller emphasized that while the humanitarian needs in Cox’s Bazar remain urgent, there is also a need to support the aspirations of the local communities.
“This dialogue presents a critical opportunity for development partners to strengthen institutional mechanisms, ensuring that both displaced populations and local communities are served effectively, leaving no one behind,” Liller said.
The dialogue featured presentations on the key interventions of the ISPAT project, open discussions on service delivery challenges, and recommendations for policy and operational improvements.
Participants emphasized the importance of digitalization, capacity building, and regular stakeholder engagement to ensure that NGO operations align with national priorities and respond to local needs.
Mohammad Salahuddin, Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, stressed that strengthening institutional capacity and simplifying procedures would allow NGOs to deliver services more efficiently.
“This dialogue strengthens partnerships and empowers NGOs to deliver services more efficiently, addressing the Rohingya crisis while advancing sustainable development in the district,” he said.
