ADAB serves as the leading network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh, dedicated to fostering collaboration, policy dialogue, and strategic development across the sector. As the apex body of NGOs, ADAB actively engages with its member organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address key issues related to policy, organizational growth, and effective management. Any NGO legally registered and operating in Bangladesh is eligible to become a member of ADAB, gaining access to a powerful platform for advocacy, capacity building, and collective action.

ADAB Network Coverage at a Glance

Divisions

Districts

District Executive/Steering Committees

Member Organizations

Funding Call Reference Corner

Check here for the recent International & local Funding Calls from different donor and

What We do

ADAB, as a coordinating and representative body, works primarily with its Member Organizations (MOs), government and other institutions relevant to policy and strategic issues for organizational development and management.

Coordination and Networking

At the heart of any effective network lies strong coordination and ADAB excels in fostering meaningful connections among its diverse stakeholders. Through proactive coordination and strategic networking, ADAB engages a wide spectrum of actors, including member organizations, government bodies, civil society, development partners, media, technical institutions, and peer networks. A key focus of this effort is to build and sustain a collaborative Government-NGO (GO-NGO) relationship, paving the way for an enabling environment where NGOs can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Policy Advocacy

ADAB takes various advocacy and campaign initiatives to bring changes in policy and legislation for the greater interest of the masses. It also facilitates any emerging issues related to NGO regulation and operation. ADAB usually advocates for formulating new policies and changing existing ones to cope with changed situations and requirements in the specific field. It continues advocacy and networking with its partners, actors in policy-making, local and national level civil society members, media, and other stakeholders of the development sectors.

Rights Promotion

All programs and activities of ADAB are aimed at upholding the rights and privileges of deprived people and defending the people whose rights are violated. The basic instruments for the promotion of rights are the different UN Conventions and Declarations, assertions of the Bangladesh Constitution, and relevant laws and acts.

Capacity Building

Since the early stage of ADAB, the capacity building of MOs has been recognized as one of its core functions. ADAB usually provides support to the Member Organizations both in the areas of organizational development and proper implementation and quality control of their programs through institutional policy development, governance, training, mentoring, and monitoring.

Why Choose Us

Advantages of Becoming a Member of ADAB

Your organization will get the following advantages…

Coordination & Networking

As a member of ADAB, your organization becomes part of the largest and most influential NGO network in Bangladesh. You’ll gain access to powerful coordination platforms that foster effective communication and collaboration with government agencies, national and international development partners, civil society organizations, and thematic networks.
Being an ADAB member means your voice is heard, your efforts are amplified, and your impact is multiplied through collective action. It’s not just about being connected—it’s about being empowered to influence change at local, national, and global levels.

Policy Advocacy & Campaign

As an ADAB member, your organization becomes an active voice in shaping policies and driving national conversations. ADAB leads impactful advocacy and campaigns to raise awareness on critical issues such as equal citizenship, the role of NGOs in achieving the SDGs, drug prevention, countering extremism, promoting good governance, and strengthening Go-NGO coordination.
Through collective action, strategic dialogue, and public engagement, ADAB empowers its members to influence policy, protect civil society space, and uphold democratic values—ensuring that your causes are not only heard but acted upon.

Information & Communication

Stay informed, stay empowered. As an ADAB member, your organization gains timely access to vital information on government policies, donor trends, funding opportunities, and emerging issues affecting the development sector.
Through regular updates, newsletters, meetings, and knowledge-sharing platforms, ADAB ensures that its members are always equipped with the insights they need to make informed decisions, align with current priorities, and respond proactively to sectoral changes.
Membership means you’re never left behind—you’re always connected, updated, and ready to act.

Resource Mobilization

As a trusted national platform, ADAB supports its members in accessing and implementing collaborative opportunities from government bodies, donors, and development institutions.
By joining ADAB, your organization becomes better positioned to participate in joint initiatives, leverage institutional partnerships, and mobilize resources that align with your mission and community goals. From facilitating partnerships to guiding proposal processes, ADAB helps amplify your capacity to turn ideas into action.
Together, we turn cooperation into impact.

Capacity Development

At ADAB, we believe strong organizations create stronger communities. That’s why we invest in the continuous capacity development of our member organizations.
Throughout the year, ADAB organizes a wide range of trainings, workshops, and technical sessions designed to enhance your team’s skills in areas such as governance, project management, advocacy, financial accountability, and more.
As a member, your organization gains access to the tools, knowledge, and practical support needed to grow, adapt, and lead with confidence in an ever-changing development landscape.

National-Level Advocacy Hub

ADAB serves as a powerful national advocacy platform, representing and amplifying the collective voice of its member organizations.
By engaging directly with the Government, policymakers, and key stakeholders, ADAB advocates for an enabling environment where NGOs can thrive. As a member, your organization gains strategic visibility and influence at the policy level—ensuring your concerns are heard and your contributions recognized in the national development agenda.
With ADAB, you’re not just part of the conversation—you help shape it.

Testimonials

What Our Members Say?

ADAB was born out of the urgent need to rehabilitate the people of a war-ravaged country and to mobilize foreign funds for that purpose. With this aim, in 1974, an organization was established under the name Association of Voluntary Agencies in Bangladesh (AVAB).

“ADAB was needed, is needed, and will continue to be needed.”

At times, challenges and actions will change. Institutions like ADAB will come forward to take appropriate measures and leadership. It will be able to advance the nation towards human development and progressiveness as well.

“No unity, no strength.
No struggle, no freedom.”

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ADAB

Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh