Star Hub BD
NEWS & EVENTS

Global Recognition for Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman and Bangladesh Humanitarian Hub

A proud moment for Bangladesh as the Bangladesh Humanitarian Hub has been recognised as the Best Humanitarian Hub in the World at the prestigious Global Hub Connect 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

At the international gathering, Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Chair of Start Hub Bangladesh and Executive Director of ESDO, represented Bangladesh on the global stage by presenting the Hub’s strategic priorities and vision for the year ahead. His presentation highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to humanitarian leadership, innovation, collaboration, and locally led solutions for addressing emerging challenges.

On 4 June 2026, at Hotel Rotana, Istanbul, the award was officially presented by the START Network, UK. The honour was received by Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman on behalf of Start Hub Bangladesh, alongside Co-Chair Kaiser Rejve.

Star Hub Event

This prestigious global recognition reflects the outstanding leadership of Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman and the collective efforts of humanitarian actors across Bangladesh in strengthening coordination, resilience, and community-driven humanitarian action. Under his leadership, Start Hub Bangladesh has continued to play a significant role in advancing locally led humanitarian responses and fostering meaningful partnerships at both national and international levels.

Congratulations to Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Start Hub Bangladesh, and all partners and stakeholders whose dedication and commitment made this remarkable achievement possible.

Together, we continue to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Lokayan
NEWS & EVENTS

Honorable Farhad Hossain Azad, Minister of State for the Ministry of Water Resources, visited the Museum of Life and Biodiversity

Honorable Farhad Hossain Azad, Minister of State for the Ministry of Water Resources, visited the Lokayatan Biodiversity Museum.
Today, May 29, 2026, the Honorable Farhad Hossain Azad, Minister of State for the Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, visited the Lokayatan Biodiversity Museum.
Also present with him were Mr. Parimal Sarker, Joint Secretary, ERD; Additional Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, North Region, Rangpur, Mr. Dr. Mohammad Sarfaraz Banda; Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, Dr. Mohammad Shahid Uz Zaman; Director of Administration of ESDO, Dr. Selima Akhtar; and ESDO’s of ESDO’s Youth Engagement and ICT team, Mr. Sashwat Zaman. Also present were officials from the Bangladesh Water Development Board, North Region, Rangpur, and senior officials of ESDO.
During the visit, the guests toured the museum’s various exhibits and praised its important role in preserving local history, culture, biodiversity, and heritage.
Officials from the Bangladesh Water Development Board, North Region, Rangpur, and senior officials of ESDO were present at the time.
The Lokayitan Life Diversity Museum plays an important role in showcasing our rich heritage, culture, and environmental diversity to future generations.

Humanitarian initiative
NEWS & EVENTS

ESDO and Muslim Aid-UK’s humanitarian initiative distributes sacrificial meat to the needy

ESDO and Muslim Aid-UK’s humanitarian initiative distributes Qurbani meat to the needy—
On the occasion of the holy Eid al-Adha, illuminated by the virtues of sacrifice, compassion, and brotherhood, with financial assistance from Muslim Aid UK, the Eco Social Development Organization (ESDO) has undertaken a humanitarian and heartwarming initiative. Through this initiative, the goal of sharing the joy of Eid with the country’s marginalized and helpless population is being realized.
Under this program, a total of 15 cows were sacrificed in the Kurigram Sadar Upazila of Kurigram district, the Saidpur Upazila of Nilphamari district, and the Tetulia Upazila of Panchagarh district. Through this, the joy of Eid al-Adha was brought to 375 needy families. Each family was distributed 4 (four) kilograms of holy sacrificial meat.
The distribution prioritizes the most marginalized and helpless groups in society. In particular, widows, divorced women, and female-headed households with disabled members are given priority in the selection process to ensure truly needs-based assistance.
In close collaboration with the local Union Parishad and the district administration, the beneficiary list was prepared following the donor agency’s guidelines, and with the district administration’s approval, the meat was distributed among the final selected families.
The event was attended by representatives from the Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Country Office, the Chairman and members of the relevant Union Parishad, the Upazila (sub-district) Executive Officer, and other local dignitaries. Additionally, development workers from various levels of ESDO also actively participated.
ESDO extends its deep gratitude and sincere thanks to its esteemed Executive Director, Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman; the donor organization, Muslim Aid UK; the respective Union Council Chairman and members; and the esteemed Upazila Executive Officer, as well as all stakeholders, for their comprehensive support and guidance in implementing this humanitarian and welfare initiative.

Qawali Evening
NEWS & EVENTS

A Festive Gathering of Music, Culture, and Harmony: Distinguished Guests’ Vibrant Presence at ESDO’s “Qawwali Evening”

Distinguished personalities and honored guests from across the country graced the “Qawwali Evening” event, a captivating program of music, culture, and spirituality organized by ESDO.
The chief guest at the event was the Honorable Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, MP, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives.
Distinguished guests included — Honorable MP for Rani Shankail, Thakurgaon-3, Mr. Zahidur Rahman; Mr. Parimal Sarkar, Joint Secretary, ERD; Mr. Md. Abu Awal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives; and the District Administrator of Thakurgaon. (DC) Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Haque; distinguished social worker and inspirational figure for the younger generation, Mr. Mirza Faisal Amin; Superintendent of Police of Thakurgaon District, Mr. Md. Belal Hossain; Vice-Chancellor of Thakurgaon University, Professor Israfil Shahin; Mr. Md. Mahbubul Islam, Additional Secretary (PRL), Planning Ministry; Regional Councillor of Bangladesh Scouts, Dinajpur Region, Mr. Akhtaruzzaman; and other distinguished personalities and honored guests.
The esteemed guests were cordially welcomed by the Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, Dr. Mohammad Shahid-uz-Zaman, and the Director (Administration), Dr. Selima Akhtar.
This event has further strengthened the bonds of harmony, culture, and goodwill. Heartfelt gratitude to all the guests, participants, and organizers.
implementation support
NEWS & EVENTS

WFP Emergency Assistance: ESDO in Implementation Cooperation

WFP Emergency Assistance: ESDO in Implementation Collaboration
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has stood by the families affected by the devastating fire that occurred on May 25, 2026, in the Kalshi slum of Dhaka.
With implementation collaboration from the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), an emergency humanitarian assistance distribution drive was conducted for the affected families.
In this humanitarian initiative, ESDO’s staff actively participated on the ground, playing a crucial role in implementing the relief efforts alongside the affected people.
A collective effort for the betterment of humanity—standing by people in times of disaster, always.

Honorable State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam (Ministry of Environment and Forests)
NEWS & EVENTS

An important ESDO meeting on the 25-crore tree-planting program chaired by Honorable Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam (Ministry of Environment and Forests)

At the initiative of the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) and chaired by Honorable Minister of State Sheikh Faridul Islam (Ministry of Environment and Forest), the second meeting with INGOs, held as part of the government’s 250 million tree-planting initiative, discussed coordinated efforts to conserve the environment and build a green Bangladesh. Also present were Dr. Saeem, Special Assistant to the Honorable Prime Minister, and representatives of various INGOs.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Muhammd Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), Capstone Fellow, NDC, Sir, who highlighted the importance of coordinated initiatives in environmental conservation and tree planting activities.
বিশ্ব মধু দিবস ও আন্তর্জাতিক চা দিবস
NEWS & EVENTS

On the occasion of World Bee Day and International Tea Day, Solidaridad Network Asia and ESDO organized a capacity-building workshop on sustainable market management for tea and mustard farmers

On the occasion of World Bee Day and International Tea Day, Solidaridad Network Asia and the Eco-Social Development Organization An ESDO-organized capacity-building workshop on sustainable market management for tea and mustard growers was held. The workshop was attended by small entrepreneurs, demo farmers, private sector representatives, and officials from ESDF and ESDO.
Dr. Selima Akhter, Principal of Eco Pathshala and College, was the chief guest, and Shashwat Zaman, Executive Director of ESDF; Dr. Sarkar Md. Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Chief Scientific Officer of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Thakurgaon; were present as special guests. Mr. A.K.M. Jahangir Alam, District Cooperative Officer, Thakurgaon; Mr. Md. Foyzul Islam, Chairman and Managing Director, Greenfield Tea Industries Limited; Mr. Mohammad Nazmul Huda, Upazila Cooperative Officer, Baliadangi; Mr. Md. Romzan Ali, Upazila Cooperative Officer, Thakurgaon Sadar.
At the event, the chief guest, Dr. Selima Akhtar, inaugurated a tea stall on the occasion of International Tea Day and a honey sales center on the occasion of World Bee Day. The discussion session featured an important exchange of views on sustainable market systems, agricultural entrepreneurship development, and the potential of local production. Afterwards, a festive fair was celebrated with the participants in a joyful atmosphere.
It is hoped that this event will play a significant role in advancing agricultural entrepreneurship, enhancing market connectivity, and promoting sustainable livelihood-based initiatives.

Muslim Aid
NEWS & EVENTS

A parents’ gathering was held yesterday at Char Bhogobotipur High School under the “CBM-V Project,” supported by Muslim Aid – Bangladesh Field Office and implemented by ESDO.

A parents’ gathering was held yesterday at Char Bhogobotipur High School under the “CBM-V Project,” supported by Muslim Aid – Bangladesh Field Office and implemented by ESDO.
The program was graced by Ismail Hossain as the Chief Guest. Special guests included Md. Abdul Gafur, Chairman of Jatrapur UP; Md. Shah Alam, Member of Jatrapur UP; Md. Raihan Mondol, Member of Jatrapur UP; Md. Manik Mia, former UP Member; Mr. Abdur Rob, Upazila Secondary Education Officer; N. M. Shoriful Islam Khandaker, Upazila Primary Education Officer; Mr. Mizanur Rahman, Upazila Academic Supervisor; Md. Josim Uddin (PIO); Md. Nurul Amin (UICTO); Md. Ajgor Ali (AYUO); Nittananda Barman (SAE, DPHE); Md. Hafijur Rahman (BM); Golam Mostafa Sarker (YDO); Ashraful Islam (FA); Md. Golam Faruk (POM, ACCESS Project); and Mr. Moin Uddin, Project Manager of the CBM-V Project.
Addressing teachers, students, and parents, the guests emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in building a brighter future through quality education. They highlighted the crucial role of teachers in shaping students’ character, encouraged students to stay focused and work hard, and urged parents to provide proper guidance and support for their children’s success.
Following the discussion, hygiene kits were distributed among girl students, while educational materials were provided to all students to help reduce dropout rates and increase regular attendance.
The CBM-V Project is currently being implemented in 17 secondary and 8 primary schools across six unions of Kurigram Sadar Upazila, benefiting 6,310 students. The project aims to increase attendance, prevent dropout, ensure equitable education, and improve the overall quality of education.

ESDO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) and SICIP to strengthen collaboration on skills development and entrepreneurship training initiatives for young and disadvantaged women
NEWS & EVENTS

ESDO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) and SICIP

ESDO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) and SICIP to strengthen collaboration on skills development and entrepreneurship training initiatives for young and disadvantaged women.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Executive Director of ESDO, in the presence of distinguished representatives from the partner organizations, including Nasreen Fatema Awal, Chairman and Founding President of WEAB; Tazima Hossain Majumdar, Executive Member of WEAB; and Gulzer Hossain, Chief Coordinator of SICIP–WEAB.
The ceremony was also attended by Shahariar Mahmud, Head of TVET, ESDO, along with other senior officials of ESDO.
Through this partnership, ESDO will provide Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Development Training aimed at promoting economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities for young and disadvantaged women.

PROTISTHAA
NEWS & EVENTS

Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, delivered a speech at the national-level launch event of the PROTISTHAA project.

On May 18, 2026, at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, Dr. Muhammad Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, delivered remarks at the national-level launch event of the “Protocols and Trigger Based Institutional Systems for Timely Humanitarian & Anticipatory Action (PROTISTHAA)” project organized by CARE Bangladesh.
Senior officials from various ministries and departments also delivered important speeches at the event.
ESDO is currently implementing the PROTISTHAA project in the districts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Sirajganj, Bogra, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Sunamganj, and Sylhet, with the goal of further strengthening and institutionalizing timely humanitarian assistance and anticipatory action.