In the transformative social landscape of Bangladesh, major NGOs working for changes are more than humanitarian organizations—they’re powerful catalysts of national progress and social innovation. As a local development observer who has tracked grassroots movements, I understand the profound impact these organizations have on our society. From poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment to education, healthcare, and climate resilience, these NGOs represent the frontline of Bangladesh’s social transformation. Whether you’re a development professional, a social activist, or someone passionate about community development, this comprehensive guide will unveil the 25 major NGOs, offering insights into their groundbreaking initiatives, strategic approaches, and potential to drive meaningful societal changes.
1. BRAC
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed established BRAC, one of the first NGOs in Bangladesh, in 1972. With a long history of transforming lives, it has expanded to rank among the biggest and most powerful NGOs in the world since its founding.
BRAC was first founded to aid Bangladesh during the conflict, but it has since expanded to handle a variety of issues, including social development, microfinance, healthcare, and education.
BRAC, which is dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged, has improved millions of people’s lives, reduced poverty, and advanced gender equality. Its wide-ranging influence and creative programs have not only transformed Bangladesh but also served as an inspiration for global development projects.
2. ASA
Md. Shafiqual Haque Choudhury started ASA, a well-known NGO in Bangladesh, in 1978. It has become a major force in the growth of the nation over time. ASA started by offering credit and microfinance services to marginalized areas, emphasizing rural development and poverty reduction.
Through its creative microfinance initiatives, the organization has improved millions of lives by promoting financial inclusion and enabling economic self-sufficiency.
3. Caritas Bangladesh
Established in 1967 by the Catholic Bishop Conference of Bangladesh, Caritas Bangladesh is a well-known Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Caritas, an organization dedicated to reducing human suffering and advancing social justice, has a long history of assisting with community development, disaster assistance, and humanitarian relief.
Among the remarkable achievements of the organization are the enlargement of healthcare services, the provision of education and vocational training, and the mitigation of the effects of climate change in Bangladesh’s vulnerable areas. Caritas Bangladesh has demonstrated a constant leadership role in disaster response, providing essential assistance to the most vulnerable populations, and promoting resilience and sustainable development within the country.
4. CARE Bangladesh
CARE Bangladesh, a prominent Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), was established in 1949 in Bangladesh as part of the global CARE International network. To address issues of poverty, inequality, and humanitarian needs, CARE Bangladesh has been instrumental. CARE has significantly improved the healthcare, education, and livelihood prospects for neglected communities in Bangladesh throughout the years.
Among the group’s achievements are the empowerment of women, the advancement of food security, and the promotion of social justice. Furthermore, CARE Bangladesh has played a significant role in disaster response and recovery operations by offering vital assistance during natural disasters.
5. Shakti Foundation
Humaira Islam founded the renowned Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Shakti Foundation in Bangladesh in 1992. Shakti Foundation is committed to empowering marginalized women in Bangladesh through the provision of financial services and microfinance, motivated by the aim of social transformation and women’s empowerment.
The group has sparked socioeconomic change ever since it was founded, especially in rural areas. The achievements of the Shakti Foundation include boosting women’s financial independence, expanding credit availability, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
6. BURO Bangladesh
Established in 1990, Buro Bangladesh is a well-known Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Buro Bangladesh is dedicated to sustainable development and social justice, and it has a long history of tackling pressing problems like human rights, poverty, education, and healthcare. Buro Bangladesh is a key driver of good change in the country’s development path because of its creative initiatives, which have significantly changed the socioeconomic landscape of the country.
7. Oxfam Bangladesh
An important non-governmental organization (NGO), Oxfam Bangladesh was founded in 1970 and is a member of the International Oxfam Confederation. The group was active during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War in response to the humanitarian catastrophe it caused, even though its original members were not a single entity.
Since then, Oxfam Bangladesh has been a major player in the nation’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote social justice and humanitarian aid. Among its achievements are the empowerment of marginalized groups, the promotion of gender parity, and the provision of vital relief in times of natural catastrophes.
8. HEED Bangladesh
A well-known Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), HEED Bangladesh, was established in 1974. HEED Bangladesh has an impressive track record of delivering healthcare, education, and social development initiatives to enhance the lives of underprivileged populations. Among the organization’s achievements are expanding children’s education, tackling poverty-related concerns, and enhancing healthcare access, especially in underprivileged rural areas.
9.Proshikha
The official founding of PROSHIKA occurred in 1976. Following the end of the liberation war in 1971, CUSO, Logistic Centre Dhaka, was carrying out relief operations in Bangladesh in the aftermath of that destruction.
This organization is committed to giving underprivileged and marginalized populations access to education and vocational training so they can escape the cycle of poverty and acquire skills for a better future. Proshikha has been a transforming force throughout its existence, assisting countless people in gaining access to school, developing their occupational skills, and becoming self-sufficient.
10. TMSS
TMSS, or Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha, was established in 1980 with Dr. Hosne Ara Begum as the founder and chief executive officer in Bogura, Bangladesh. This nonprofit organization’s main goals are to end poverty in rural areas and to empower women.
The history of TMSS is one of grassroots growth, starting with a small clinic and growing into a diverse organization. Its notable accomplishments in the fields of healthcare, education, and socioeconomic development have greatly enhanced the quality of life for neglected groups.
11. Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims
Akram H. Chowdhury founded the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) in 1992. Its history is distinguished by its unwavering dedication to treating the psychological damage brought on by different kinds of violence. Providing psychological and mental health care to trauma survivors—including victims of sexual assault and torture—as well as their relatives is one of the organization’s main objectives.
12. Action Aid Bangladesh
ActionAid Bangladesh is a part of the global anti-poverty organization ActionAid. The organization’s history is characterized by a dedication to battling Bangladesh’s poverty, social injustice, and inequality. ActionAid Bangladesh has worked on several programs that tackle issues including gender equality, healthcare, education, and disaster relief.
Through their efforts to uplift underprivileged groups, defend their rights, and advance sustainable development, they have made a major positive impact on the lives of those who are most in need all over the nation.
13. Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS)
Part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) was established in 1973, following the nation’s independence from Pakistan. A committed team of volunteers and leaders in humanitarian aid founded it.
The history of the society is entwined with blood services, healthcare, and disaster aid. When it comes to responding to natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, BDRCS has been essential in helping impacted communities by offering emergency relief and support.
14. Save the Children Bangladesh
Eglantyne Jebb and her sister Dorothy Buxton created the international organization Save the Children in 1919, of which Save the Children in Bangladesh is a component. In 1970, Save the Children formally began its operations in Bangladesh as a response to the deadly Bhola cyclone and independence movement.
Since then, the group has concentrated on enhancing children’s lives by providing them with healthcare, education, child protection, and assistance with their livelihood.
15. Wikimedia Bangladesh
Founded in 2014 in Bangladesh, Wikimedia Bangladesh is a branch of the Wikimedia Foundation. Since then, the chapter has been instrumental in advancing open-source software, free knowledge, and the expansion of Wikipedia in Bangladesh.
Its history is characterized by a multitude of outreach initiatives, gatherings, and collaborations with nearby academic establishments, all of which have aided in the growth of Wikipedia projects in Bengali and other languages spoken in Bangladesh.
The main objective of Wikimedia Bangladesh is to enable individuals to contribute to and access free knowledge, closing the information gap and advancing cultural diversity and education in the area.
16. Habitat Bangladesh
Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh- established in 1999, is a part of the global Habitat for Humanity network founded in London by Millard and Linda Fuller. This non-profit organization concentrates on solving housing-related problems in Bangladesh, where many people live in appalling conditions.
Habitat Bangladesh has a long history of helping disadvantaged communities by offering adequate and reasonably priced housing, frequently in collaboration with regional volunteers, funders, and governmental organizations. By creating secure, enduring houses, encouraging neighborhood growth, and fighting for housing rights, they hope to lessen poverty and homelessness.
17. Jagoroni Chakra Foundation
The Jagoroni Chakra Foundation is a non-governmental organization in Bangladesh that focuses on social development and poverty eradication. The history of the organization is characterized by decades of committed work in fields like women’s empowerment, economic support, healthcare, and education. The main objectives of the Jagoroni Chakra Foundation are to end poverty, advance sustainable development, and improve the general welfare of Bangladesh’s vulnerable and disadvantaged inhabitants.
18. Society for Social Service
In Bangladesh, one of the most well-known non-governmental organizations is the Society for Social Service (SSS). Since its founding in 1986, SSS has led the nation’s social growth. Through a variety of programs, SSS has continuously sought to enhance the lives of underprivileged populations for more than 40 years. Its main objectives are sustainable development, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
19. The Hunger Project- Bangladesh
The Hunger Project is part of a global non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger. It was founded in Bangladesh in 1991. The goal of its co-founders and local leaders, who wanted to enable communities to become self-sufficient, prompted the company’s founding in Bangladesh. Main objectives of Hunger Project Bangladesh are to educate people, empower women to take charge of development and mobilize rural communities.
20. Acid Survivors Foundation
To address the terrible effects of acid assaults, the Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) was established in Bangladesh in 1999 as a non-profit organization. Working with local partners, British plastic surgeon Dr. John Morrison was instrumental in its founding. The organization has a long history of showing kindness and tenacity by providing survivors of acid attacks—often women and children—with medical, psychological, and legal support.
ASF’s main objectives are to prevent acid attacks, push for stronger laws and regulations, educate the public about acid violence, and offer comprehensive care to survivors. It aims to establish a culture in which victims of these horrible atrocities can move on and restore their lives.
21. Odhikar
Odhikar, a prominent human rights organization in Bangladesh, was founded in 1994 with renowned human rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan as its Secretary General. This non-governmental organization has a rich history of advocating for civil and political rights, social justice, and democratic values.
Odhikar’s founders and activists have been at the forefront of various human rights campaigns, often facing challenges and adversity in their pursuit of justice.
The organization’s primary goals include monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses, supporting victims, and advocating for policy changes to uphold fundamental rights and liberties in Bangladesh.
Odhikar continues to be a crucial voice for human rights and social justice in the country and internationally.
22. Helen Keller International
Helen Keller International (HKI) Bangladesh is a branch of the global organization dedicated to improving the lives of the visually impaired and combatting malnutrition. It has a long history of battling hunger, promoting eye health, and preventing blindness in Bangladesh, especially in vulnerable groups. With an emphasis on helping underprivileged populations, the organization’s objectives include offering nutritional support, eye care services, and educational activities.
23. Ain o Salish Kendra
Established in 1986, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) is a well-known human rights group in Bangladesh. Advocate Sultana Kamal, a well-known legal and social activist, serves as the organization’s executive director.
ASK has a long history of standing up for the defense and advancement of human rights, especially for underprivileged and vulnerable groups. The organization wants to build a just and equitable society in Bangladesh, raise awareness of human rights concerns, and offer legal assistance.
24. The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Fred Hollows Foundation is a prominent NGO, established in 1998 by Fred Hollows. It aims to combat preventable blindness and improve eye healthcare. Through partnerships, training, and outreach programs, the foundation has made significant strides in restoring sight and promoting eye health among underserved communities in Bangladesh.
25. CIRDAP
To promote sustainable rural development throughout Asia and the Pacific, the Intergovernmental Center for Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) was established in 1979.
CIRDAP was not created by a single person; rather, it was the result of the combined efforts of six member nations, which eventually expanded to fifteen member nations.
The main objectives of CIRDAP are to improve the socioeconomic well-being of rural populations in the region by encouraging innovation, facilitating policy dialogue, and exchanging knowledge, resources, and best practices among its member nations to achieve equitable and sustainable rural development.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s dedication to social progress and development is reflected in the varied and active landscape of NGOs in this country. These organizations have a huge impact on millions of lives by tackling issues ranging from human rights and environmental sustainability to healthcare and education.