Job Fair-2026
Today, on 17th June 2026, a job fair was organized under the RAISE project at ESDO Head Office, Gobindanagar, Thakurgaon Joynal Abedin Millatan. Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Thakurgaon, spoke as the chief guest on the occasion.
He said that today is a special day for the dreams of the apprentices to be fulfilled. In a border area like Thakurgaon, the leading companies of the country have come to provide immediate jobs to the apprentices. This is a huge opportunity. Those of you who have come here, keep your confidence. It is very essential to acquire practical education, technical skills and knowledge of information technology by following the ‘Master-Student’ model. This skill is the key to your employment.” He was so impressed by the organization of the RAISE project that he immediately announced that such a job fair would be organized by the government very soon. He praised the RAISE project for its effectiveness in reducing unemployment.
Mr. Md. Anwar Pasha Khan, Deputy Director, Department of Youth Development, Thakurgaon, said that he had gained a new experience by coming to this job fair of the RAISE project. He said that by coming here, he had seen how the youth are getting jobs very easily by learning hands-on training through the Ustad-Shishya model. This is really commendable.
Ms. Jinnatara Yasmin, Deputy Director, Department of Women Affairs, Thakurgaon, said that this job fair of the RAISE project has created a huge opportunity for the youth of Thakurgaon, especially the women in the society to become economically self-reliant. He said that the Department of Women Affairs has also provided various services to women. It provides practical and technical training in trades. The interest and confidence that I have seen in the young women towards jobs after coming to this fair of the RAISE project is truly inspiring. This hands-on education of the master-student model is transforming our girls into skilled manpower. The big companies of the country are coming to Thakurgaon today and giving them immediate job opportunities, which will play a big role in empowering women and building a smart Bangladesh.” Dr. Selima Akhtar Madam, Principal Eco Pathshal and College, Thakurgaon said that this job fair of the RAISE project is a historic day for our youth of Thakurgaon. The enthusiasm that I see here makes me firmly believe that no apprentice will have to return empty-handed after coming to this job fair today. InshaAllah, a job will be arranged for every qualified and skilled young man and woman who comes here. The big companies of the country have full confidence in the hands-on and practical education that they have received through the master-student model. Today’s fair will play a groundbreaking role in eliminating our unemployment and making the youth self-reliant.
ESDO Executive Director Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman Sir said that under the RAISE project, unemployed youth with low education will be provided with 06 months of hands-on training. Today, a job fair was organized with the said apprentices. 400 apprentices participated in the fair. Out of these, 205 apprentices were immediately confirmed for jobs in various institutions and the employing institutions will assure that the remaining ones will be appointed in phases later.

Farmers’ Field Day titled “Zinc Rice Bri Rice 102” was held.
This afternoon, a Farmers’ Field Day titled “Zinc Rice 102” was organized under the “Reacts-In” project implemented by HarvestPlus Bangladesh. The program was organized and conducted by ESDO in Madarganj village of Auliapur Union, Sadar Upazila, Thakurgaon district.
The Founder and Executive Director of ESDO, Dr. Muhammad Shahiduzzaman Capiston Fellow NDC Sir, was present as the chief guest at the Farmers’ Field Day, while HarvestPlus Bangladesh Country Manager, Agronomist Md. Wahidul Amin Topu, Program Manager Agronomist Md. Mojibur Rahman, Agronomist Md. Shahinul Kabir and Agronomist Md. Sheikh Shariful Islam were present as special guests.
Moderated by Md. Ashraful Alam, Project Focal Agriculturist of ESDO Reacts-In Project, among more than a hundred farmers, the distinguished speakers discussed in detail the need for zinc in the human body and the role of zinc-rich Bridhan 102, Bridhan 100, Bridhan 84 and Bridhan 74 in meeting zinc deficiency, and urged all those present to expand the cultivation of zinc rice and develop the habit of eating zinc-rich rice. Also present at the event were Uttam Kumar Roy, Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officer of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Mocha Jinnatun Nesa, female member of the concerned Union Parishad, Md. Omar Faruk, headmaster of Sikderhat Government High School, Md. Abu Sayeed, seed, fertilizer and pesticide trader of the area, Md. Ashraf Ali, Imam of Board Hat Jame Mosque, and Md. Abu Talha and Md. Mizanur Rahman, project officers of ESDO Reacts-In Project, along with media personalities.

Dr. Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman, Capstone Fellow, NDC Sir, Founder and Executive Director of Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), inaugurated the 10-kilometer-long Haripur Canal re-excavation project in Amir Union of Patnitala Upazila of Naogaon district.
This initiative has been taken under the ECCCP-DROUGHT Project implemented with the financial support of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and GCF (Green Climate Fund). The project is playing an important role in combating the adverse effects of climate change, conserving water, increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring the stability of the livelihood of the local community in the drought-prone areas of Naogaon district.
During the inspection of the ongoing project activities, he inaugurated this canal re-excavation project and highlighted the importance of water resource management with the participation of the local people. He said that it is possible to improve the quality of life of the drought-prone community and ensure food security through sustainable water management and climate adaptation initiatives.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by local beneficiaries, public representatives, representatives of contracting organizations and project-related development workers.
The completion of this re-excavation activity is expected to have a significant positive impact on increasing irrigation facilities in agricultural lands, reducing dependence on groundwater, increasing water retention capacity and maintaining the local ecological balance.

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.