National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Bangladesh

The National Democratic Institute for Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. With headquarters in Washington D.C., with some 60 field offices in all regions of the world, NDI has conducted democratic development programs in over 100 countries. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts,

NDI provides practical assistance to political and civic leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

In many countries, advocates of democracy lack both the institutions and experience with democratic practices. They have turned to NDI for assistance in addressing the difficult tasks of building their democratic structures. These include: national legislatures and local governments that function with openness and competence; broad-based political parties that are vehicles for public policy debates; and non partisan civic organizations that monitor elections and promote democratic values and citizen participation.

NDI’s efforts have both reflected the moral values and served the strategic interests of the United States. Geostrategic “hot spots” most likely to erupt into violence are found, for the most part, in areas of the world that are non-democratic or where governments are anti-democratic. Democracies remain viable at home by resolving conflicts within society nonviolently and through compromise. Thus, they are predisposed to seek solutions peacefully with their neighbors.

Democracies also promote economic growth more consistently and equitably than non-democratic political systems. It is no coincidence that the world’s most prosperous and peaceful nations are the most democratic. With unchecked power, governments squander resources, resulting ultimately in economic decline. Democracy building programs are, above all, an investment in peace and stability investment in peace and stability.