ActionAid International (AAI) has chosen to adopt a federal model of governance which means that ActionAid belongs to and is governed by its collective membership.

In accordance with the federal nature of AAI, individual national organizations have a clear mandate, authority and responsibilities but also an obligation to observe, accept and comply with the mandate, authority and responsibilities assigned to AAI in relation to national territories and supranational and international spaces.

In 2002, it was first proposed by AAI that AA Bangladesh will be international for:

• greater influence, affluence and impact at local, national and international level
• Internal democratic governance
• Deeper legitimacy and accountability

In 2005, nominations for Board Members came from Partners and Staff and legal consultant appointed to look after the application process and drafting/reviewing and executing relevant documents.

In 2009-2010, an Advisory Board was formed initially to start up the process of Affiliate Membership and Local Registration of the AAIB. The management and partners were asked to propose names for this purpose. Around 100+ names were proposed which in turn was shortlisted.

ActionAid International Bangladesh was formed to carry out its activities and functions as a Member of ActionAid International so far as the values, aims and objectives of the Society shall be identical to those of ActionAid International. To this end, the constitutive documents including but not limited to the Constitution, bye-laws and regulations, terms of reference and bilateral agreements with ActionAid International, as amended from time to time, shall be binding upon ActionAid International Bangladesh.