Best Non-Profit Organizations in Bangladesh
Are you aware of the vital impact that Non-Profit Organizations have on Bangladesh’s development? Since the country gained independence, they have been instrumental in enhancing the financial and economic conditions of its underprivileged communities. These organizations play a significant role in transforming the lives of those who struggle to make ends meet. This article highlights the best Non Profit Organizations in Bangladesh, based on their activities, customer support, and contributions to society.
Non-profit organizations (often known as NGOs) or civil societies, operate independently from any governmental, community, or international entities. Their primary mission is to deliver development-focused services to the poor in both rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Unlike profit-driven entities, non-profit organizations are motivated by their commitment to helping those in need.
With numerous Non-Profit organizations active in Bangladesh, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in their initiatives supporting disadvantaged communities. Through various programs, these organizations are raising awareness among the poor about how to improve their financial situations and are providing education to empower them to regain control over their lives.
Top Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh:
- BRAC:
BRAC, originally known as the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Assistance Committee, is a renowned international development organization based in Bangladesh. Founded in 1972 by Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, BRAC envisions a world where everyone has equal access to basic human rights. As a non-profit organization, BRAC has made significant contributions not only to Bangladesh but also to other countries in Asia, Africa, and even the Americas. With nearly 100,000 employees, 70% of whom are women, BRAC was recognized in 2016 as the world’s largest non-governmental development organization, reaching over 126 million people. BRAC’s initiatives include women’s health development, social development, human rights and legal services, dairy and food projects, BRAC University, and non-formal primary education. BRAC continues to be a leading force in promoting development both in Bangladesh and beyond. - Caritas Bangladesh:
Established in 1967, Caritas Bangladesh is a Catholic charitable organization that began its mission when the region was still known as East Pakistan. The organization played a crucial role in rebuilding the nation after the devastating cyclone of November 1970. Initially named the Christian Organization for Relief and Rehabilitation (CORR), it rebranded as Caritas in 1976, a Latin word meaning charity. Caritas Bangladesh focuses on integrated development, disaster management, and human resource development, with a presence in more than 90 projects across six key sectors: health and nutrition, education, food security, livelihood, climate change, disaster risk reduction, water and sanitation, and human rights and governance. The organization operates on all seven continents, reflecting its global impact. - Care Bangladesh:
CARE, a global organization established in 1945, has been active in Bangladesh since 1949 with a mission to combat global poverty and marginalization. Operating in 93 countries, CARE focuses on empowering women, particularly those who face multiple denials of their rights, by addressing the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to marginalization. In Bangladesh, CARE provides disaster relief, educational facilities, women’s empowerment initiatives, civil society strengthening, HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, and emergency response. Through partnerships with 27 companies and 36 implementing NGOs, CARE is working on 35 projects, collaborating with the private sector and local organizations to create sustainable change in the communities it serves. - ASA Bangladesh:
Founded in 1978 by Md. Shafiqual Haque Choudhury, ASA Bangladesh (Association for Social Advancement) is a leading NGO in the country. With 5.3 million members and over 21,000 employees, ASA’s mission is to achieve integrated development through education, mini irrigation, primary health care, and credit for income generation. ASA’s microfinance program, launched in 1991, now serves approximately seven million people in Bangladesh. Additionally, ASA’s MSME program, established in 2017, supports small and medium-sized entrepreneurs with 43 branches across the country. ASA’s model for poverty alleviation and sustainable development empowers marginalized communities through access to finance and resources, reflecting the organization’s significant impact under Md. Shafiqual Haque Choudhury’s leadership. - Shakti Foundation:
Established in 1992, the Shakti Foundation is dedicated to improving the economic and social status of women in Bangladesh. Operating in 54 districts, the foundation aims to eradicate poverty and stabilize the social status of underprivileged women, providing microcredit services to nearly 500,000 people. The foundation’s programs focus on socio-economic development, poverty reduction, and gender equality, with efforts in both rural and urban areas. Certified under the Microcredit Regulatory Authority Act since 2007, Shakti Foundation continues to empower women to establish businesses and uplift themselves from poverty, making it a crucial resource for women across Bangladesh. - Proshika Organization:
Established in 1976 by Dr. Qazi Faruque Ahmed, the Proshika Organization aims to promote economic self-reliance in Bangladesh. The name “Proshika” is derived from three Bengali words: Proshikkhon (training), Shikkha (education), and Kaj (action), reflecting the organization’s core values. Proshika has made remarkable progress, forming approximately 160,000 primary groups, with 98,000 for women and 52,000 for men. The organization has also established 26,500 village and slum federations, 2,300 union/ward federations, and 26 thana/upazila federations, significantly impacting communities across Bangladesh. Proshika remains committed to promoting economic self-reliance and improving lives throughout the country. - BURO Bangladesh:
Founded in 1990, BURO Bangladesh focuses on reducing poverty sustainably, particularly among the poor. The organization offers six loan products, including one specialized for small and medium-sized enterprises, along with two savings products and an insurance scheme. BURO primarily serves low-income individuals, especially women, who are the main beneficiaries of microfinance services. Known for providing high-quality, flexible financial services, BURO has achieved several milestones and reached financial sustainability, making a substantial impact on poverty reduction. - Oxfam Bangladesh:
Oxfam, an international NGO founded in 1942, has been active in Bangladesh since 1970, initially assisting cyclone victims and supporting the country during the 1971 Liberation War. Recognized as a Friend of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 2012, Oxfam’s goal is to build a dynamic and equitable society in Bangladesh, empowering both men and women to lead and govern effectively while fostering resilient communities. Oxfam collaborates with various partners, including civil society organizations, NGOs, media, universities, the private sector, and government entities, to address poverty and inequality through transformative social change. - Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF):
Established in 1976 by a group of visionary youths from Jessore, the Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF) seeks to identify and address social and economic problems faced by the poor. JCF was officially registered in 1977 under the Directories of Social Welfare. The foundation, led by Executive Director Md. Azadul Kabir Arzoo, operates an education center for children from low-income families and provides literacy programs to empower individuals and promote self-sufficiency. JCF’s efforts have significantly improved the lives of the less privileged, and the organization remains committed to its mission of poverty alleviation and social upliftment. - Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS):
Originally founded in 1964 as Thengamara Sabuj Sangha (TSS) in the village of Thengamara, Bogura District, the organization was later reformed as Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) in 1980 under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Hosne Ara Begum. With over 36,000 workers, TMSS has been serving the rural communities of Bangladesh for decades, promoting social and economic development, particularly for women. Despite challenges during the Liberation War, TMSS continues to be a driving force in improving the lives of the rural poor, with a focus on empowering women and fostering sustainable development.