A proud and historic milestone for ESDO.
We are delighted to announce that the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has granted Special Consultative Status to Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO).
This recognition reflects ESDO’s long-standing commitment to socio-economic development, human dignity, community empowerment, and sustainable progress.
The status provides opportunities to engage with ECOSOC and other United Nations platforms by contributing expertise, sharing field experiences, and participating in global discussions on development issues.
We express our sincere gratitude to our founders, staff, partners, donors, volunteers, supporters, and the communities we serve. This achievement belongs to all of you.
Together, we will continue working towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future.

Warm greetings and congratulations to all the esteemed members of the reconstituted Governing Body of Proshika Human Development Center, one of the largest development organizations in the country.
It is with special pride and joy that we announce that Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Sir, Founder and Executive Director of Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), a renowned development organization of North Bengal, has been nominated as the Vice-President of the reconstituted Governing Body of Proshika Human Development Center.
His outstanding leadership and contribution to poverty alleviation, social inclusion, climate resilient development, humanitarian assistance, skill development, women empowerment and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a long time has been widely recognized in the national and international arena. We firmly believe that his assumption of this important responsibility will play an important role in advancing more effective leadership, innovative thinking and public welfare initiatives in the development sector.
We wish Sir good health, long life and success in his working life and hope that through his experience, wisdom and visionary leadership, Proshika Human Development Center will become more prosperous and dynamic.
(ESDO – Family)

Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) Founder and Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Capstone Fellow NDC Sir today paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Minister of Rural Development and Cooperatives, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, MP and Honorable Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Yao Wen.
During the meeting, he highlighted the huge potential of agriculture-based economic development in Thakurgaon district and specifically informed about the international standard mozzarella cheese produced by entrepreneurs under ESDO’s Dairy Value Chain Project. He mentioned that there is a real potential to develop Thakurgaon as a modern Dairy Hub through the fertile agricultural land of the northern part of the country, huge milk production and creation of skilled entrepreneurs.

Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Sir said that it is possible to create a “Milk Revolution” in Thakurgaon centered on milk, which will not only strengthen the local economy, but can also bring Bangladesh a new identity in the global dairy market. To this end, there are opportunities for multi-dimensional industrialization such as pasteurized milk industry, cheese and mozzarella cheese production, yogurt and ghee processing, establishment of ice cream factories and production of baby food and nutritious dairy products.
He further mentioned that through agro-based industrialization and value addition, Thakurgaon can play an important role in the economic development of the country not only as an agricultural district, but also as an Agro-Industrial Growth Model. Especially focusing on the dairy industry, new horizons will be opened for employment creation, development of women entrepreneurs, development of rural economy and production of exportable products.
Thakurgaon District Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Mr. Md. Belal Hossain, officials of various government departments and senior officials of ESDO were present at the time.

Today, representatives from the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) visited the Economic Recovery Project being implemented by Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, with support from Danida SPA.
The project is dedicated to improving the livelihoods and self-reliance of vulnerable host community members in Rajapalong, Palongkhali, and Jaliapalong unions. Through a comprehensive approach, the initiative supports women, youth, and vulnerable households by providing skills development training, business development services, financial literacy education, and market linkage opportunities.
In addition, the project is strengthening community-based organizations (CBOs) and promoting recycling and circular economy initiatives to foster sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Our collective goal is to create sustainable income-generating opportunities while ensuring protection, inclusion, accountability, and community empowerment for all.
We sincerely appreciate the active participation and cooperation of community members, CBOs, local authorities, and all stakeholders whose support continues to make this initiative impactful and sustainable.

The coordination meeting of the ongoing flood response and recovery project in Noakhali district was held in Feni district.
The meeting was attended by Takahashi Naoki, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Bangladesh; Kanda Hibiki, Economic Cooperation Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh; Catherine Northing, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh; Syed Shahriar Shabab, National Project Officer and Displacement Management Cluster Coordinator of IOM; Amrin Zaman Anisha, Program Assistant of the Disaster, Displacement, Response and Recovery Unit and other respected officials.
Through the project, ESDO is completing the renovation of 16 shelters and 100% solar electrification in Noakhali district. In addition, 14 community infrastructure and resilience development activities have been implemented, which include road construction, bridge construction, installation of tubewells, 1.9 km canal renovation and 1,000 tree plantations.
Under this project, 373 beneficiaries have fully restored their livelihoods and have been trained in disaster management and business establishment. In addition, 43 people have been provided employment and 428 people have been trained in community resilience.
Overall, a total of 56,267 people are directly benefiting from these activities.
It is worth noting that the project is being funded by the Government of Japan and technical assistance is being provided by IOM.

On 9 June 2026, a successful Fire Safety and Emergency Response Mock Drill was conducted at Kanthalbari Girls High School under the CBM-5 Project.
The event was graced by Mr. Shofikul Islam, District Education Officer (DEO), Kurigram; Mr. Enamul Haque, Assistant Director, Fire Service and Civil Defence, Kurigram; Mr. Nazmul Hasan, Head Teacher of Kanthalbari Girls High School; Mr. Jeo and Ms. Mathilde Megg, Researchers from the University of Bath; and Mr. Moin Uddin, Project Manager of the CBM-5 Project.
Teachers, students, support staff, parents, and local stakeholders actively participated in the exercise. The drill featured practical demonstrations on emergency evacuation procedures, rescue techniques, first aid response, and the proper use of fire extinguishers, helping participants gain hands-on experience in managing emergency situations.
The initiative aimed to strengthen school safety, enhance disaster preparedness, and build a safer and more resilient learning environment for all. Participants showed great enthusiasm and commitment to applying the knowledge and skills gained during the session in real-life emergencies.
Following the successful completion of the mock drill, dignity kits containing sanitary pads, Savlon, detergent, and bathing soap were distributed among adolescent girl students to promote hygiene awareness and support healthy practices.
Together, we are building safer schools and empowering students with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

Strengthening Media Literacy for Informed Communities
The ESDO team from Dinajpur and Satkhira is actively participating in a Training of Trainers on “Using Media and Digital Platforms for Access to Quality Information” under the FREED Project, supported by the European Union and BBC Media Action, and implemented by ESDO.
Conducted from 07–09 June 2026, this capacity-building initiative is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in accessing, verifying, and responsibly sharing quality information through media and digital platforms.
The training focuses on promoting media and information literacy, strengthening critical thinking, combating misinformation and disinformation, and empowering participants to become effective advocates for reliable information within their communities.
Through this initiative, ESDO continues its commitment to fostering informed, resilient, and empowered communities capable of navigating today’s rapidly evolving information landscape.

Mr. Christian Felix Gemperli, Humanitarian Response Team Leader from Helvetas Bangladesh Swiss Intercooperation Headquarters, Switzerland, visited the ESDO NSSS Project in ecologically critical area Cox’s Bazar. During his visit, he interacted with the project team and community stakeholders, discussing key issues Climate change and adaptation, Economic Empowerment and Social protection including child marriage prevention, DRR, women-friendly safe spaces, livelihood development, and social cohesion. He also visited a Women-Friendly Safe Space in Jaliapalong Union, Ukhiya, where he engaged with Change Champions, Youth Group members, and Local Service Providers (LSPs), who shared their experiences and contributions toward building resilient and inclusive communities.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the achievements and impact of the NSSS Project in Cox’s Bazar while further strengthening collaboration and partnership between HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and ESDO.

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.