Bangladesh is committed to a corruption-free and inclusive government. Platforms for Dialogue worked with Civil Society Organisations and Government Officials to improve democratic ownership and improve accountability mechanisms.
Mission
Platforms for Dialogue (P4D), a European Union–funded project in partnership with the Cabinet Division, worked to improve good governance and engage civil society organisations (CSOs) and citizens in government accountability mechanisms between 2017-2023.
Vision
With its partners, Platforms for Dialogue increased awareness of citizen rights, promoted democratic ownership, and supported government officials in improving accountability and responsiveness. Implemented by the British Council, the seven-year, 13-million Euro project was a unique initiative that worked directly with both citizens and CSOs as well as the government to advance reforms.
The project was propelled by a number of lively Civil Society Organisations operating at the grassroots level. P4D’s key intervention was capacity building for local civil society organisations and representatives of local government bodies.
At the local level, the project supported discussions on policy issues in 21 districts. At the national level, P4D supported government institutions in delivering on ambitions set out in the 7th Five Year Plan. The project focused on social accountability tools, including the National Integrity Strategy, the Right to Information Act 2009, the Grievance Redress System, and the Citizen’s Charter.
Result areas
P4D worked across three result areas:
- Stronger Civil Society: Improved CSOs' ability to influence government policy, hold government accountable, and ensure better representation of citizens' interests.
- Better Governance: Improved government accountability and responsiveness through enhanced capacity building for government officials and CSO engagement.
- Partnership for Dialogue: Developed and introduced new tools and policy platforms to facilitate dialogue between the government of Bangladesh and its citizens.
Project Reach and Impact
Between 2017-2023, Platforms for Dialogue (P4D) worked across community, regional, and national levels to strengthen accountability and foster democratic ownership throughout Bangladesh.
At the community level, P4D focused its work in 21 districts, partnering with grassroots CSOs to advance initiatives at the Upazila level. Activities included Multi-Actor Partnerships (MAPs), Social Action Projects (SAPs), local government training, CSO capacity building, and public sensitisation on social accountability tools such as the Citizen’s Charter, the Right to Information Act (RTI), the Grievance Redress System (GRS), and the National Integrity Strategy (NIS).
This community-level work achieved measurable impact:
- 70.2% of citizens felt CSOs represented people's interests (up from 46%).
- 69% of target CSOs increased their capacity through P4D’s support.
- 96% of local officials and CSO members improved their knowledge and skills.
At the regional level, P4D expanded its work to 12 districts, partnering with regional CSOs and government offices to facilitate district-level policy dialogues, sensitisation campaigns, collaborative events, CSO capacity building, and government training.
- 170,000 people participated in social awareness activities.
- 2,471 local government representatives received capacity-building support.
- 99% of District Policy Forum members agreed that P4D effectively increased dialogue between citizens and government.
At the national level, the project engaged ministries, national CSOs, and journalists to promote accountability and transparency. It facilitated high-level policy dialogues, national sensitisation campaigns, and strategic communications training.
- 91% of journalists enhanced their skills in strategic communication.
- 45% of the target population were reached through social media campaigns.
- 62.3% of the target population perceived government offices became more accountable (up from 38.8%).
Together, these achievements demonstrate P4D’s lasting contribution to building a more transparent, inclusive, and participatory system of governance in Bangladesh. By empowering citizens and strengthening collaboration across all levels of government, the project helped lay the groundwork for continued progress toward a more accountable and democratic future.
