Most non-government organisations that are members of Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) are not directly involved in child rights activities, a Dhaka Tribune investigation has found.
Out of the 263 NGO members of the child rights forum, 238 work on issues related to women, the environment, rural development and microcredit. Some even deal with journalists.
The NGOs claim to work for child rights, but they hardly do anything for children. However, the organisations remain flexible with their agendas to fulfill the conditions for BSAF membership, it was found.
According to its website, BSAF advocates a child-friendly world in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The forum acts as a networking entity, to bring together and assist child rights organisations to pursue common goals.
It provides leadership to its member, but does not engage itself in service delivery. It works with lawmakers and decision makers to bring positive changes in national laws and policies relating to children.
But does the umbrella body live up to its claims?
A look at its members’ list shows many organisations with names that include the Bangla words mohila samity, mohila unnayan, mohila sahajyo and dustho mohila (women’s development, underprivileged women etc).
Since these organisations are not related to children, then why are they connected with BSAF?
“We are working with women, which is related to children,” explained Momena Akter Nayon, executive director of Samata Mohila Shamaj Unnayan Sangstha. But she was unable to mention any project related to children run by her organisation.
Momena said her organisation only participated in demonstrations arranged by BSAF, and felt “safer” for belonging to it.
According to BSAF rules, it is supposed to keep tabs on its members’ work. But on investigation, it was found the forum never renews information on member organisations.
Dustho Mohila Punarbasan Kendra, a Narail-based centre for rehabilitation of underprivileged women, has no programme with children. It works with the government’s women and youth departments.
Its chairman, Rokeya Begum, said they used to run a project for children, but they don’t anymore.
Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum, a journalists’ organisation on human rights, is also a member of BSAF.
Its executive director, Khairuzzaman Kamal, said they are involved in community-based work, but not with children. He said, they were not aware whether that made their membership invalid or not.
AS Mahmud, director in charge of BSAF, claimed, “As per our constitution, we have not included organisations that are not working with children.”
Wahida Banu, executive director of Aparajeyo Bangladesh who was also a two-term director of BSAF, said local NGOs feel safer and earn more credibility with connections to one or more forums.
“But the members must have the same vision and mission. Only for that reason, I took steps to exclude some organisations during my tenure,” Wahida said.
Wahida acknowledged that when organisations fulfill membership conditions broadly, they are accepted.
“But somehow, the forum includes some organisations that have no relation to its vision,” she said.
