ESDO and Start Network Host Landmark National Consultation on NGO-MFI Pooled Funding Mechanism
Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), in collaboration with Start Network, successfully hosted a high-level National Consultation on the feasibility of a Pooled Funding Mechanism resourced by NGO-MFIs in Bangladesh on 15 April 2025 at ATM Shamsul Haque Hall, CIRDAP, Dhaka.
This timely and forward-looking initiative brought together key policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders from across the development and financial sectors to explore how collective, locally resourced funding models can enhance disaster preparedness, community resilience, and financial sustainability. Honorable Guests Included: Chief Guest: Nazma Mobarek, Secretary, Financial Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance, GoB, Special Guests: Professor Dr. Mohammed Helal Uddin, Executive Vice Chairman, MRA, Md Fazlul Kader, Managing Director, PKSF, Suzanne Lyne, CFOO, Start Network, Session Chair: Dr. Md Shahid Uz Zaman, Executive Director, ESDO.
Executive Secretary of POPI and Chairman of Credit and Development Forum- CDF Murshed Alam Sarker said “Pool fund is needed due to gap in emergency time. Hope we will find the support from all of the stakeholders.”
Nazma Mobarek, Secretary, Financial Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance, GoB said-
“To truly build resilience, we must shift our focus from emergency response to long-term mitigation. This initiative is not only relevant—it’s urgent. I thank ESDO and Start Network for moving beyond the conventional and exploring this vital financing pathway.”
Md Fazlul Kader, Managing Director, PKSF said- “This fund must evolve with the needs of people and institutions—it should be flexible, research-driven, and rooted in the realities of the sector. A decentralized management structure and organic piloting are essential for success.” “We must build a business model that doesn’t rely solely on donors. Reinsurance, dignity, and institutional resilience must all be part of the conversation.”
Professor Dr. Mohammed Helal Uddin, Executive Vice Chairman, MRA said- “Efficiency and equity are key. Pooled funding must ensure fair resource distribution and transparency. It’s time to pilot this mechanism to fill gaps in crisis response and promote social investment.”
Chair of the session Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman said we are at the planning stage now and with this national level policy makers dialogue the policy and procedure development is starring. We are deeply thankful to all stakeholders, including MRA, PKSF, Start Network, and our fellow NGO-MFIs, for joining this pivotal conversation. Your active participation and bold ideas are shaping the path toward a resilient, locally led, and sustainable financing ecosystem in Bangladesh.
The session concept was presented by Sajid Raihan, Ex-Country Manager, START Network. Among the other the Executive Director of COAST Foundation, NDP, SDS, ASHIKA, CARITAS, Country Director of Christian Aid, ACF, Representative of Save the Children, JAGO NARI, SKS, CNRS, GUK, SEEP, Shushilan were presented in the seminar.
For your kind information the main concept of the pool funding model was first presented in COP-29 Azerbaijan, 2024 with the participation of Honorable Adviser , Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change , Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
