Becky Hembery, Global HR of Start Network, recently visited the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO). During her visit, she paid a courtesy call on ESDO’s Honorable Executive Director, Dr. Md. Shahid-uz-Zaman, and held important discussions on Start Network’s Hosting Arrangement and Hosting Review.
The discussion included detailed exchanges on ESDO’s hosting management, institutional capacity, leadership, effective coordination, and ESDO’s role in implementing various Start Network initiatives.
At one point during the visit and discussions, Becky Hembery, in her remarks, referred to ESDO as a “Hosting Model” for the Start Network globally. This recognition is not only a source of great joy and pride for ESDO but also an important reflection of our long-standing efforts to make the humanitarian assistance system more effective by strengthening local leadership and capacity.
During the visit, she was also briefed on ESDO’s humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, climate action, development initiatives, and other ongoing activities, gaining an understanding of the organization’s extensive scope of work.
ESDO believes that when local leadership is strengthened, humanitarian action is faster, more effective, and more people-centered.
We hope this partnership and mutual trust with Start Network will further strengthen the path for locally-led humanitarian action and localization in Bangladesh in the days to come.

Another glorious achievement for ESDO on the international stage

Dr. Muhammd Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), has been included as a Co-Convener of the Planning Group for the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW)’s “Climate Justice and Eco-Social Transformation” Special Interest Group (SIG).

This international involvement will create an important opportunity to highlight the field-level experience of Bangladesh and the realities of the Global South in the global knowledge practice of climate justice, eco-social transformation, and social work.

The Eco University of Science and Technology (EUST) in Thakurgaon was visited by the Honorable Chairman and esteemed members of the University Grants Commission (UGC), along with distinguished figures from the country’s education, administration, and diplomatic sectors.
Present during the visit were—Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Honorable Chairman, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission; Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission; Professor Dr. Md. Mehdi Hasan Khan, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh; Professor Dr. Md. Aslam Hossain, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh; and Professor Dr. Niyaz Ahmed Chowdhury, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
Also present were Mr. M. Mushfiq Fajl Ansari, Ambassador (Senior Secretary), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka; Mr. Md. Shamshuzzaman, Chairman, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Israfil, Thakurgaon University, Thakurgaon; Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali, Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh; and Professor Dr. Md. Amir Hossain, Vice Chancellor, Jamalpur University.
The esteemed guests were greeted with warm floral tributes and a warm welcome by the Eco-Social Development Organization Dr. Muhammd Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, Capstone Fellow, NDC Sir, and Dr. Selima Akhter, Director (Administration) of ESDO and Principal of Eco Pathshala and College.
During the visit, the guests were briefed on the university’s overall activities, infrastructure, academic preparedness, and future plans. The relevant university authorities, senior officials of ESDO, and other concerned officials were present at the time.
This important visit will be considered a significant chapter in the journey of Eco University of Science and Technology (EUST) towards higher education, research, innovation, and the development of knowledge-based human resources.

Today, a delegation of esteemed and distinguished guests was welcomed at the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) office in Thakurgaon.
The distinguished guests—
Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Honorable Chairman, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Mehdi Hasan Khan, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Aslam Hossain, Honorable Member, University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Niyaz Ahmed Chowdhury, Member, Bangladesh University Grants Commission, Dhaka; Mr. M. Mushfiq Fajl Ansari, Ambassador (Senior Secretary), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka; Mr. Md. Shamshuzzaman, Chairman, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, Dhaka; Professor Dr. Md. Israfil, Vice Chancellor, Thakurgaon University, Thakurgaon and Dr. Md. Shaukat Ali, Professor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.
Dr. Muhammad Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, extended a warm welcome and heartfelt floral greetings to the distinguished guests on their arrival at the ESDO Head Office. Other senior and relevant officials of ESDO were present at the time.

The Eco-Social Development Organization extended its heartfelt floral greetings and congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on behalf of the Citizens’ Reception Committee. Dr. Muhammd Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, Capstone Fellow, NDC Sir.
The special citizens’ reception, held in the esteemed presence of the Honorable President, was attended by Dr. Muhammd Shahid Uz Zaman, CAPSTONE Fellow, NDC, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, and Dr. Selima Akhtar, Director (Administration) of ESDO and Principal of Eco Pathshala and College.
The reception, held in honor of the Honorable President, the nation’s highest constitutional officeholder, was filled with deep respect, camaraderie, honor, and sincerity. The event became a unique and memorable moment, serving as a public display of the civil society’s love and respect for him.
The ESDO family prays for the Honorable President’s good health, long life, and complete success in his responsible journey for the welfare of the country and its people.

A delegation led by Md. Mashiur Rahman, Head of Disaster at Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), is currently conducting field survey activities in disaster-prone and remote areas of Nepal.
He is accompanied on this important mission by Anik Asad, Country Director of Muslim Hands International Bangladesh (Country Office), Nelson Haldar, Head of Program, along with other team members.
Overcoming difficult mountain paths, adverse weather, and various challenges, the delegation is currently in Kalikistan, Rasuwa, Nepal. They are working tirelessly on the ground to observe the actual situation in disaster-prone areas, understand the local context, and gather necessary information.
We ask for everyone’s prayers for the health, safety, and overall success of all delegation members, who are working in this adverse environment with a sense of humanitarian responsibility, professional commitment, and strong morale.
May the Creator keep them safe, grant them the strength to successfully complete this important mission, and allow them to return home in good health.

Today, on September 4, 2026, a participatory climate change risk analysis consultation meeting was held in the Niamatpur Upazila of Natore, with the aim of combating the harmful effects of climate change and preserving environmental balance. The event included the inauguration of tree planting, a community-based biogas plant, and a pond rehabilitation project.
This program was organized under the ‘GoFloodImpact’ project, implemented by the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) with funding from the Government of Switzerland and technical assistance from WaterAid Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh.
The Honorable Sheikh Faridul Islam, MP, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was the chief guest at the event.
Special guests included Md. Mostafizur Rahman, MP, from the Natore-1 constituency; Corinne Thevoz, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy; WaterAid Bangladesh’s Country Director Azman Ahmed Chowdhury; ESDO’s Founder and Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman; Gofairimpact Project Head Saif Manzur-Al-Islam; Nawgaon’s District Collector and District Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Islam and Niamatpur Upazila Executive Officer Ms. Murshida Khatun. The guests present inaugurated the program by planting a sapling each. Officials from various district and upazila-level departments, local leaders, and project beneficiaries were present.
After the tree planting, the guests participated in a consultation meeting on the ‘GoferImpact’ project’s participatory climate risk analysis. The meeting discussed the project’s goals, objectives, and strategies to increase the climate resilience of the local community. Afterwards, the guests inaugurated a community-based biogas plant built with the project’s support. The guests commented that this plant will play a significant role in increasing the use of renewable energy and managing waste in an environmentally friendly way.
Finally, the guests held a discussion with local Union Council members and representatives from various government offices. The meeting focused on enhancing public-private coordination at the local level, ensuring sustainable development, and further accelerating the project’s activities.
In his speech as the chief guest, Minister of State Sheikh Faridul Islam said, “Regarding the GoFertilizeImpact project: The GoFloodImpact project, funded by the Swiss government, is being implemented by the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) with technical assistance from WaterAid Bangladesh and Swisscontact Bangladesh. The project is working to increase the climate resilience of local communities and implement environmentally friendly development activities.

On Monday, 31 August 2026, Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) had the distinct honour of warmly welcoming H.E. Brent T. Christensen, Ambassador of the United States of America to Bangladesh, his spouse Mrs. Deanne Dao, and the distinguished U.S. Embassy team to the ESDO Head Office in Thakurgaon.
The distinguished guests were graciously received by Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder and Executive Director, ESDO, and Dr. Selima Akhter, Director (Administration), ESDO and Principal, Eco Pathshala & College, in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship, and mutual respect.
To honour their esteemed visit, ESDO arranged a special Cultural Program at the Joynal Abedin Auditorium, ESDO Head Office, Gobindanagar, Thakurgaon, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, diversity, and vibrant traditions of Bangladesh and the northern region.
The occasion reflects the enduring spirit of friendship, cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and people-to-people connection between Bangladesh and the United States of America. ESDO is deeply honoured by the presence of H.E. Brent T. Christensen, Mrs. Deanne Dao, and the distinguished U.S. Embassy delegation, and extends its sincere appreciation and warmest compliments to them.
Welcome to ESDO. Welcome to Thakurgaon.

Another proud achievement for the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO). A research paper on the organization’s SEEDS project’s climate-resilient and community-based adaptation initiatives has been published in the international journal MOJ Public Health.
The article, titled “From Climate Vulnerability to Local Leadership: Community-Driven Climate Adaptation and Resilient Livelihoods in Flood-Prone Northern Bangladesh,” highlights ESDO’s field-level experiences and effective adaptation initiatives in addressing climate risks, developing local leadership, and building climate-resilient livelihoods for the flood-prone communities of northern Bangladesh.
The article was authored by Dr. Muhammad Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, and Dr. Selima Akhtar, Principal of Eco College.
This international publication is a significant recognition of ESDO’s long-standing experience and work in engaging grassroots communities to combat the impacts of climate change.

Today, Friday, August 28, 2026, the ceremony for distributing the pay scale and promotion letters for the 2026–2027 fiscal year was held at ESDO’s Zainal Abedin Auditorium, simultaneously with all zones, for the officers and staff of the Microfinance Program.
The chief guest at the event was Dr. Muhammad Shahid-uz-Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO).
Special guests included Dr. Selima Akhtar, Director (Administration), ESDO and Principal, Eco Pathshala & College, and Mr. Shashwat Zaman, Team Leader, Youth Engagement and ICT, ESDO.
Also present at the event were senior officials of ESDO’s Microfinance Program, along with officials and staff from various levels.
It is expected that this pay scale and promotion, in recognition of the employees’ dedication, skill, responsibility, and contribution to the organization’s progress, will inspire them to perform their duties with even greater enthusiasm, motivation, and professional excellence in the future.