The administrative set-up of DoC is extended up to upazilla (sub-district) level. The officers-in-charge at the divisions, districts and upazilla levels have been delegated almost all the powers of the Registrar except for the affairs of national level co-operatives. This facilitates registration of co-operatives locally. Most of the legal mores that a legally incorporated enterprise usually requires can be locally performed. Divisional Joint Registrars, District Cooperative Officers and Upazilla Cooperative Officers are the respective heads of the division, district and upazilla level coopreative offices.

The major services and responsibilities of the DoC can be grouped into four categories, Statutory, Judicial, Developmental and Promotional. The statutory responsibilities are-registration, liquidation of defunct societies, annual audit, periodical inspection and enquiry whenever needed. The judicial or quasi-judicial responsibility refers to settlement of disputes arising in the working of co-operatives. The developmental role and responsibilities include education and training for development of management and business skill, advisory services and assistance in arranging finances. The promotional responsibilities include influencing other departments in the government in favour of co-operatives in securing concessions and facilities from public agencies.