SUSHIL: Supporting the Unity and Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to Uphold the Human Rights, National Integrity and Rule of Law in Bangladesh

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Bangladesh are critical to promoting human rights, fostering democracy and ensuring good governance. Recognising their impact, the European Union co-financed the SUSHIL project: Supporting the Unity and Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations to uphold Human Rights, National Integrity, and Rule of Law in Bangladesh.

This four-year initiative (2023–2026) strengthens 123 CSOs, alliances and networks to amplify their voices in policy dialogue and governance. By fostering accountability, transparency, and collaboration, SUSHIL empowers CSOs to champion civil and political rights, contributing to a thriving and inclusive democracy.

Project Objectives

Strengthen civil society organisations as independent actors of good governance and development in their own rights.

Specific Objective: Strengthen the ability of local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), alliances, networks, and multi-actor platforms to engage in meaningful policy dialogue and influence authorities as actors of good governance and development.

SUSHIL focused on building strong foundations for grassroots empowerment and civic engagement. Key interventions included capacity development of CSOs on human rights, rule of law, democratic governance, and evidence-based advocacy; facilitation of policy dialogues and consultations at local and national levels; and strengthening coordination among CSOs, media, and relevant stakeholders. The project also emphasised enhancing CSOs’ ability to participate meaningfully in policy formulation, public service monitoring, and democratic processes through research, data-driven tools, and digital storytelling.

These initiatives have contributed to improved organisational resilience of grassroots CSOs, increased awareness of rights and accountability mechanisms, and stronger collective advocacy platforms. Overall, SUSHIL project is steadily advancing its goal of creating an enabling environment where empowered civil society actors can play a constructive role in upholding human rights, national integrity, and the rule of law, thereby supporting the consolidation of a strong and functioning democracy in Bangladesh.

Project Focus Areas:

• Grassroots CSOs located in rural areas, have huge organizational capacity gaps that hinder their participation in government policy dialogues and budget planning.

• Following project phase-out, grassroots CSOs and community groups often become dysfunctional, and their legitimacy is questioned if they are no longer in association to a certain national NGO.

• Lack of support from the local government authorities leads to challenges in implementation of grassroots CSOs mandates and programmes.

Previous Events

- National level dissemination event of Research on the legal and regulatory framework affecting the enabling environment and challenging grassroots CSOs

- National advocacy event based on Research and evidence-based advocacy of minority groups, women, PWD and youth centered public services

- National policy dialogue with existing CSO alliance hubs

- People’s Budget Assembly (PBA) and shared CSOs manifesto at the PBA

- Roadshow and campaign on Press Freedom Day Voluntary local review report sharing

- Districts level press briefing with local stakeholders who influence the upcoming elections to secure their commitment

- National level Media advocacy on Inclusive and transparent Election with National political parties

- Multi-stakeholder CS conference at district level

- Bi-yearly meetings of the CSOs Hub with private sector for collaboration and engagement.

Upcoming Events

- Multi-stakeholder CS conference at district level

- National symposium with district CSOs and government bodies/national institutes of accountability

- Awareness raising campaigns with government and public authorities on digital security and digital media

- National policy dialogue with existing CSO alliance hubs

- Bi-yearly CSOs Hub meeting with private sector