India-Bangladesh to Renew MOU for Capacity Building Programs

Dhaka: A high-level delegation led by V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), is set to embark on a three-day visit to Bangladesh from April 28 to April 30. The primary agenda of the visit is bilateral discussions aimed at renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) of India and the Ministry of Public Administration of Bangladesh. This renewal is proposed for the period 2024-2029, signifying a continued commitment to enhancing administrative capacities in Bangladesh.

The invitation extended by the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration underscores the importance both nations place on strengthening ties and fostering mutual cooperation in the realm of public administration. The focal point of discussions during the visit will revolve around mid-career capacity building programs tailored for Bangladesh Civil Servants.

Since the inception of the collaboration between NCGG India and the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration in 2014, significant strides have been made in conducting capacity building programs. A total of 71 such programs have been organized, benefiting over 2600 Bangladesh Civil Servants. The effectiveness and utility of these programs have been widely acknowledged by the Bangladesh Government, prompting an interest in renewing the MOU for another five-year term.

During the visit, Secretary DARPG V. Srinivas will engage in bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including the Minister of Public Administration, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, and other senior officials. Additionally, interactions are scheduled with the leadership of the Civil Services Administration Academy and the Public Administration Training Centre, among others.

One of the highlights of the visit will be Secretary V. Srinivas’s address to participants of Law & Administration Courses and the Faculty of Bangladesh Civil Services Administration Academy. His discourse on “Institutionalization of SMART Governance to Enhance Public Service Delivery” aims to share insights and best practices from India’s governance framework.

Moreover, the Indian delegation will have the opportunity to interact with alumni of NCGG programs and gain firsthand insights into the Ashrayan Project in Narayanganj district, reflecting the broader scope of cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the field of public administration.