Steps for Foundation Registration in Bangladesh

Step 1: Name Clearance from RJSC

• Obtain a unique society name by applying to RJSC.
• Submit the request online or in person with a nominal fee.
• The clearance certificate is valid for a limited period; registration must be completed within this timeframe.

Step 2: Submit the Registration Application

After obtaining name clearance, submit the following documents to RJSC:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Defines the society’s objectives and activities.
• Name Clearance Certificate – Proof of approved society name.
• List of Members – Names, contact details, and ID information of all founding members.
• Office Address – A verifiable official address.
• Executive Committee Details – Includes names, designations, photos, TINs, and NID numbers.
• Constitution/Bylaws – Governing rules and organizational structure.

The application can be submitted physically or online with a signed application form.

Step 3: Payment of Government Fees

After submitting the application, the applicant must pay the required government fees, which depend on the type and size of the society’s activities. Payment can be made through government treasury challans, online banking, or designated banks, as specified by the RJSC. A payment receipt must be attached to the application for further processing. Online payment is also an option.

Step 4: Security Clearance & Verification

After the initial review of the application, a security clearance process begins. Law enforcement agencies, including the Special Branch (SB) of Police and National Security Intelligence (NSI), conduct the investigation. The security check typically includes:

• Verification of Officials: Checking the personal and professional details of executive committee members, including their addresses, criminal records, and tax compliance.
• Office Location Inspection: Confirming the physical address provided in the application.
• Charitable History Assessment: Reviewing past charitable or non-profit activities of the society and its members to ensure credibility.

This process ensures that the society complies with national security, public order, and legal requirements.

Step 5: Inspection & Compliance Review

The relevant authorities, including RJSC officers and other regulatory bodies, will conduct a detailed inspection of the society’s documents, operations, and compliance status. This process may include:

• Field Inspections: Visiting the society’s registered office to verify its infrastructure, staff, and operational capacity.
• Document Review: Examining submitted documents to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and compliance with the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Compliance Check: Confirming that the society’s activities and objectives align with legal and regulatory requirements.

If any discrepancies are found, the inspection team may request clarifications or suggest corrective actions, which the society must address promptly.

Step 6: Issuance of Registration Certificate

Upon successful completion of the inspection and review process, and if all criteria are met, the RJSC will issue a formal registration certificate to the society. This certificate serves as legal proof that the society is officially registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, granting it the rights and privileges to operate as a legal entity.

The registration certificate includes key details such as:

• Registration number, Date of registration, Name of the society and Scope of activities

The society is thereafter required to maintain compliance with reporting and operational requirements as stipulated by the relevant laws and regulations.

Key Considerations

Legal Status: A registered society becomes a separate legal entity and can enter into contracts and legal proceedings.

Membership Requirements: A minimum of seven founding members is mandatory.

Foreign Donations: Registered foundations cannot receive foreign donations unless they obtain Foreign Donations (FD) Registration from the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB).

Annual Returns: Societies must submit an annual return to RJSC to maintain compliance.

Dissolution: Dissolution requires a three-fifths majority vote by members or government approval if applicable.

Types of Non-Profit Organizations in Bangladesh

Society/Foundation – Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, ideal for social, cultural, and educational groups.

Charitable Trust – Established under the Trust Act, 1882, suitable for financial assistance, healthcare, and education.

Social Welfare Organization – Registered under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance, 1961, focused on welfare activities.

Non-Profit Trade Association – Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1994, for large-scale non-profits without share issuance.

Necessary documents to Registration for the NGO Bureau:

1. Completed FD-1 Form – 9 copies
2. List of Executive Committee members according to the constitution – 3 copies
3. Passport size photos and copies of national ID cards of Executive Committee members – 6 copies
4. List of Executive Committee approved by the relevant authority and copy of registration certificate – 3 copies
5. Constitution (approved by registration authority) – 3 copies
6. Activity report of the organization – 3 copies
7. Plan of Operation (work methodology and organogram, signed by Chairperson) – 6 copies
8. Letter of recommendation from parent organization (attested by organization head) – 6 copies
9. Minutes of the general meeting regarding the formation of the Executive Committee with attendance sheet of members present – 6 copies
10. Treasury challan of Tk. 50,000 (fifty thousand taka) deposited to specific code no. 1-0323-0000-1836 for registration of foreign NGO – 3 copies
11. List of general members with name, father’s/husband’s name, address and national ID number for each member – 3 copies
12. Treasury Chalan showing a deposit of 15% VAT to code no. 1-1133-0035-0391 – 3 copies
13. Bangladesh Bank Enquiry Form-1 (for individuals) and Form-2 (for proprietorship/partnership/limited or any other company) – 3 copies
14. Audit report (if applicable) and source of funds – 3 copies
15. Deed/agreement/office rent document for organization’s office – 6 copies
16. List of potential manpower – 3 copies
17. Proof of completing all financial transactions including salaries through banking channels – 6 copies
18. Operational guidelines – 3 copies.