The incidents of NGOs disappearing with cash of poor depositors prompted angry depositors to go on the rampage at the offices of the two NGOs. As reported, many of the depositors lost their lifesavings and even all their assets that they had sold off when depositing the money. Upon hearing that Freedom Unnayan Sangstha had made away with the money, two of the depositors died of heart attacks and one committed suicide. In such cases there are hardly any instances where the culprits are brought to book and those cheated provided with even a partial compensation. There is little scope to deny that non-governmental organisations have had numerous positive contributions in a number of areas and indeed benefited the poorer sections of the people. However, it is also undeniable that many non-governmental organisations – both local and foreign, and not only the ones mentioned here – tarnish the image of the sector in general. Some non-governmental organisations are involved in politics and have previously strived to influence the political course. Then there are numerous allegations of corruption and irregularities against many. The irregularities are generally the consequence of a lack of transparency and accountability of the organisations operating in the country. In a number of cases, their irregularities continue despite being in the knowledge of the authorities responsible to monitor them. This monitoring is in no way comprehensive and does not provide for a reasonably satisfactory mechanism whereby organisational transparency and accountability are ensured in the NGO sector. Considering the size of the sector and in light of the lack of comprehensive monitoring mechanisms of the relevant authorities, the incumbents should strive to put in place a thorough and comprehensive mechanism that not only ensure financial transparency but also accountability of the non-governmental organisations as far as their terms of reference, area of work and nature of programme or campaign is concerned. Such monitoring is particularly required in cases of organisations dealing with microfinance which has turned out to be a large financial sector but lacks serious auditing and monitoring.

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