Skip to main content
BRAC

BRAC

Today (15 February 2024), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and BRAC launched the new Bangladesh America Maitree Project that will expand new funding and training opportunities directly to grassroots-level nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to implement development programs in the communities they serve.

USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman and BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh jointly announced the Maitree Project alongside representatives from local NGOs around the country. The project will establish a competitive grant-making facility in which local NGOs can apply for grants to conduct projects in health, education, agriculture, climate resilience, or address other development needs in their communities.

Local organizations will also receive training to improve proposal writing, project design and operational capacity – while strengthening their ability to collaborate, build networks, and develop local solutions to tackle development challenges.

“Locally-led development is the cornerstone of USAID’s philosophy and we are excited to partner with BRAC to help smaller NGOs improve their development programs and foster a more vibrant civil society,” said USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman.

Md. Saidur Rahman, Director General (DG) of the NGO Affairs Bureau at the Prime Minister’s Office, welcomed the Bangladesh America Maitree Project and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the advancement of the country.

In his remark, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh said, “Localization is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end. BRAC started as a relief organization but it grew bigger by continuously listening to the community. All its activities including microfinance, education, and health started as a response to community needs. Local level NGOs must devise their own solutions to address specific challenges instead of relying on donor-driven approaches. And that is why I am so excited about this Maitree Project, which aims to advance locally-led development.”

Local NGOs operating at the grassroots level have played a vital role in boosting Bangladesh's socio-economic development. As the country is eyeing graduation, local NGOs and civil society organizations can more easily adopt innovative program design methods, form partnerships with the private sector, and enhance their organizational strengths – enabling Bangladesh to witness a stronger civil society, significantly contributing to its path to becoming a middle-income country.

The Maitree Project will provide local NGOs with more resources for innovation and growth, and will actively transform the local partner ecosystem by promoting collaboration, coalition-building, and advocacy at various levels. The ultimate goal is to create a more resilient and dynamic civil society, benefiting Bangladesh's overall economic progress.

With support from USAID, the Bangladesh America Maitree Project is implemented by BRAC and aims to strengthen civil society in Bangladesh.

বাংলাদেশের অর্থনৈতিক উন্নয়নে প্রবাসী আয় বা রেমিট্যান্সের ভূমিকা খুবই গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। এক কোটিরও বেশি বাংলাদেশি বৈদেশিক কর্মসংস্থান ও উন্নত জীবনের জন্য বিদেশে অবস্থান করছেন। বছরে তারা ২২ থেকে ২৪ বিলিয়ন ডলারের প্রবাসী আয় পাঠাচ্ছেন। জাতিসংঘের সর্বশেষ পরিসংখ্যান অনুযায়ী ২৮১ মিলিয়ন মানুষ কাজের জন্য বা নানা প্রয়োজনে অন্য দেশে বাস করছেন এবং উভয় দেশেরই আর্থ-সামাজিক উন্নয়নে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অবদান রেখে চলেছেন। বাংলাদেশকে আর্থিকভাবে সমৃদ্ধ করতে বৈদেশিক কর্মসংস্থান ও প্রবাসী আয় গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা পালন করলেও প্রয়োজনীয় তথ্যের অভাবে অভিবাসন প্রত্যাশিরা প্রায়শই প্রতারণার সম্মুখীন হচ্ছেন। অনেকে অনিয়মিত পন্থায় বিদেশে গিয়ে ব্যর্থ হয়ে দেশে ফিরছেন।

বিশ্বের সর্ববৃহৎ বেসরকারি উন্নয়ন সংস্থা হিসেবে ব্র্যাক বাংলাদেশের অভিবাসনপ্রবণ জেলাগুলোতে নিরাপদ অভিবাসন নিশ্চিত, মানবপাচার প্রতিরোধ ও সচেতনতা সৃষ্টি এবং বিদেশফেরত অভিবাসীদের পুনরেকত্রীকরণের লক্ষ্যে কাজ করে যাচ্ছে। নিরাপদ অভিবাসনের বিষয়ে সাধারণ মানুষকে সচেতন করতে এবং বিদেশফেরতদের পুনরেকত্রীকরণে ইউরোপীয় ইউনিয়ন ও ব্র্যাকের যৌথ অর্থায়নে ‘ইমপ্রুভড সাসটেনেবল রিইনটিগ্রেশন অব বাংলাদেশি রিটার্নি মাইগ্রেন্টস (প্রত্যাশা-২)’ নামে ব্র্যাক একটি প্রকল্প বাস্তবায়ন করছে।

অভিবাসী কর্মী ও তাদের পরিবারের অধিকার রক্ষায় গণমাধ্যমের ভূমিকা অনস্বীকার্য এবং প্রশংসনীয়। অভিবাসনবিষয়ক সাংবাদিকতাকে আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে স্বীকৃতি দিতে ব্র্যাক ২০১৫ সালে প্রথমবারের মতো ‘মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড’ প্রবর্তন করে। এরই ধারাবাহিকতায় এবার নবম ‘ব্র্যাক মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড’ প্রদান করা হবে।

যেসব বিভাগে/ক্যাটাগরিতে নবম ‘ব্র্যাক মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড’ প্রদান করা হবে
(ক)    সংবাদপত্র (জাতীয়) : অভিবাসনবিষয়ে দেশে-বিদেশে যে কোনো জাতীয়  সংবাদপত্রে প্রকাশিত প্রতিবেদন।
(খ)    সংবাদপত্র (আঞ্চলিক) : অভিবাসনবিষয়ে বাংলাদেশের যে কোনো আঞ্চলিক সংবাদপত্রে প্রকাশিত প্রতিবেদন।
(গ)    অনলাইন : অভিবাসনবিষয়ে দেশে-বিদেশে যে কোনো অনলাইন পত্রিকায় প্রকাশিত প্রতিবেদন।
(ঘ)    টেলিভিশন সংবাদ : অভিবাসনবিষয়ে দেশে-বিদেশে যে কোনো টেলিভিশনে সম্প্রচারিত অনুসন্ধানী প্রতিবেদন।
(ঙ)    টেলিভিশন অনুষ্ঠান : অভিবাসনবিষয়ে দেশে-বিদেশে যে কোনো টেলিভিশনে সম্প্রচারিত অনুসন্ধানমূলক অনুষ্ঠান।
(চ)    রেডিও : অভিবাসনবিষয়ে দেশে-বিদেশে যে কোনো রেডিওতে সম্প্রচারিত অনুষ্ঠান/প্রতিবেদন।
(ছ)    সোশ্যাল মিডিয়া : নিরাপদ অভিবাসন প্রতিষ্ঠায় ভূমিকা রাখা মানসম্মত ফেসবুক পেজ/ব্যক্তিগত আইডি/ব্লগ/ইউটিউব
(জ)    সংবাদমাধ্যম প্রতিষ্ঠান : অভিবাসনবিষয়ে ভূমিকা রাখা প্রিন্ট/অনলাইন/টেলিভিশন।

প্রতিবেদন/অনুষ্ঠান/সোশ্যাল মিডিয়া কনটেন্টসমূহ প্রকাশ বা প্রচারের সময়সীমা
দেশে অথবা প্রবাসে অবস্থানরত যে কোনো বাংলাদেশি সাংবাদিক ও গণমাধ্যমকর্মী আবেদন করতে পারবেন। এ ছাড়া সোশ্যাল মিডিয়া ক্যাটাগরিতে যে কোনো বাংলাদেশি আবেদন করতে পারবেন। অভিবাসনবিষয়ক প্রতিবেদন/অনুষ্ঠান/ব্লগ/সোশ্যাল মিডিয়া কন্টেন্টসমূহ অবশ্যই ১ জানুয়ারি ২০২৩ থেকে ৩১ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩ তারিখের মধ্যে প্রকাশিত/প্রচারিত হতে হবে।

যোগ্যতা ও সতর্কতা
মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড-এর জন্য জমা দেওয়া প্রতিবেদন/অনুষ্ঠান স্বত্বাধিকার নিশ্চিত করতে হবে। সংবাদপত্রে প্রকাশিত প্রতিবেদনসমূহের অনলাইন লিংক এবং টেলিভিশনে প্রচারিত প্রতিবেদন/অনুষ্ঠানের ইউটিউব লিংক প্রতিবেদনের সঙ্গে জমা দিতে হবে।

যদি অনলাইন লিংক বা ইউটিউব লিংক না থাকে, সেক্ষেত্রে সংশ্লিষ্ট গণমাধ্যমের সম্পাদক/বার্তা সম্পাদক কর্তৃক নির্ধারিত সময়ের মধ্যে (১ জানুয়ারি ২০২৩ থেকে ৩১ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩) সংবাদ/অনুষ্ঠানটি প্রচারিত হয়েছে মর্মে (প্রকাশ/প্রচারের তারিখ উল্লেখসহ) সত্যয়নপত্র যুক্ত করতে হবে। সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ার ক্ষেত্রে কন্টেন্টগুলো একই সময়ের মধ্যে প্রকাশিত/প্রচারিত হতে হবে। অসম্পূর্ণ/ভুল তথ্যসংবলিত আবেদন বাতিল বলে গণ্য হবে।

আবেদন করার নিয়ম/শর্ত
১.    অভিবাসন খাত, অভিবাসী ও শরণার্থী কিংবা তাদের পরিবারের অধিকাররক্ষায় গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা রেখেছে, এরকম প্রতিবেদন/অনুষ্ঠান/সোশ্যাল মিডিয়া কনটেন্ট (প্রকাশিত বা সম্প্রচারিত) হতে হবে।
২.    সংবাদ প্রতিবেদন বা অনুষ্ঠানের ক্ষেত্রে দেশে বা প্রবাসে অবস্থানরত শুধু বাংলাদেশি সাংবাদিকরাই এই অ্যাওয়ার্ডের জন্য আবেদন করতে পারবেন।
৩.    সোশ্যাল মিডিয়া কন্টেন্টের ক্ষেত্রে যে কোনো বাংলাদেশী আবেদন করতে পারবেন।
৪.    আবেদনকারীকে অবশ্যই তার জীবনবৃত্তান্ত যথাযথ ফরম্যাটের মাধ্যমে (ফরম্যাট শেষ পাতায় যুক্ত) পাঠাতে হবে। প্রয়োজনীয় নথি হিসেবে প্রতিবেদন যে মাধ্যমে প্রকাশিত হয়েছে, তার বিবরণ জমা দিতে হবে।
৫.    আবেদনকারী তার কর্মজীবন সম্পর্কে অর্ধেক পাতার মধ্যে সংক্ষিপ্ত বিবরণ (বাংলা ও ইংরেজি ভাষায়) যুক্ত করে পাঠাবেন। যুক্ত ফরম্যাট পূরণ করে আবেদনপত্রের সঙ্গে পাঠাতে হবে।
৬.    প্রিন্ট মিডিয়ার প্রতিবেদনের ক্ষেত্রে (জাতীয় ও স্থানীয় উভয় ক্ষেত্রে) সংবাদপত্রে প্রকাশিত মূল কপিটি প্রেরণ করতে হবে। সংবাদপত্র ও প্রতিবেদকের নাম ও প্রকাশের তারিখ অবশ্যই দৃশ্যমান হতে হবে। সংযুক্তি হিসেবে প্রকাশিত কপি ছাড়াও সিডি/ডিভিডি/পেন-ড্রাইভের মাধ্যমে সংবাদটির ওয়েব লিংক এবং সফট কপি জমা দিতে হবে।
৭.    বেতারের ক্ষেত্রে এএম এবং এফএম বেতারতরঙ্গে সম্প্রচারিত অনুষ্ঠান অথবা প্রতিবেদন হতে হবে। এর সঙ্গে সংক্ষিপ্ত/সম্পূর্ণ স্ক্রিপ্ট যদি বর্তমান থাকে, তবে তা জমা দিতে হবে। নিয়মিত বেতারে সম্প্রচারিত অনুষ্ঠানের ক্ষেত্রে অন্ততঃ অনুষ্ঠানের পরপর তিনটি পর্বের কপি জমা দিতে হবে।
৮.    টেলিভিশনের ক্ষেত্রে অবশ্যই সম্পূর্ণ স্ক্রিপ্ট সহকারে প্রতিবেদনটি ডিভিডি-র মাধ্যমে জমা দিতে হবে।
৯.    অনলাইন মিডিয়ার ক্ষেত্রে শুধুমাত্র প্রতিবেদনটি ওয়েবসাইটে প্রকাশিত হতে হবে এবং অনলাইনে যেভাবে প্রচারিত হয়েছে সেভাবে সংশ্লিষ্ট প্রতিবেদনটি স্ক্রিনশটসহ জমা দিতে হবে। এ ছাড়াও ইউআরএলসহ সফট কপি সিডি-তে জমা দিতে হবে।
১০.    সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ার ক্ষেত্রে ফেসবুক পেজ/ব্যক্তিগত আইডি অথবা ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে প্রকাশিত অন্তত দশটি কন্টেন্টের লিংক এবং সোশ্যাল মিডিয়ায় যেভাবে প্রকাশিত হয়েছে, সেভাবে স্ক্রিনশট দিয়ে পাঠাতে হবে। (২০২৩ সালের ৩১ ডিসেম্বরের পর কন্টেন্টের কোনো ধরনের সম্পাদনা গ্রহণযোগ্য হবে না)।
১১.    সংবাদমাধ্যম প্রতিষ্ঠানের ক্ষেত্রে ২০২৩ সালে অভিবাসন বিষয়ে তাদের যতগুলো গুরুত্বপূর্ণ সংবাদ/মতামত/অনুষ্ঠান/টকশো প্রচারিত ও প্রকাশিত হয়েছে, প্রতিটি অনুষ্ঠানের ওয়েব লিংক যুক্ত করে পাঠাতে হবে। ওয়েব লিংক না থাকলে সিডি আকারেও পাঠানো যাবে।
১২.    একজন আবেদনকারী একাধিক বিভাগে আবেদন করতে পারবেন। তবে একটি বিভাগের জন্য একটি প্রতিবেদনের বেশি জমা দেওয়া যাবে না।
১৩.    কোনো ব্যক্তি/প্রতিষ্ঠান পরপর তিনবার ব্র্যাক মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড-এ ভূষিত হলে, তাদেরকে আবেদন না করতে বিনীতভাবে অনুরোধ করা হচ্ছে।

বিচারকমণ্ডলী
যেসব প্রতিষ্ঠান বা সংস্থার সম্মানিত বিচারকমণ্ডলী দ্বারা আবেদনকৃত প্রবন্ধ/অনুসন্ধানী প্রতিবেদন মূল্যায়ন করা হবে-
১.    প্রবাসী কল্যাণ ও বৈদেশিক কর্মসংস্থান মন্ত্রণালয়ের একজন প্রতিনিধি।
২.    গণযোগাযোগ ও সাংবাদিকতা বিভাগের একজন শিক্ষক।
৩.    আন্তর্জাতিক সংস্থার একজন প্রতিনিধি।
৪.    একজন গণমাধ্যম ব্যক্তিত্ব।

আবেদনের শেষ তারিখ
নবম ‘ব্র্যাক মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড’ কমিটির কাছে ১৬ মার্চ ২০২৪ তারিখ বিকেল ৫টার মধ্যে আবেদনটি পৌঁছাতে হবে। নির্ধারিত সময়সীমার পরে কোনো আবেদন গ্রহণযোগ্য হবে না। আবেদন সরাসরি বা ডাকযোগে জমা দিতে হবে।

আবেদন জমাদানের ঠিকানা
নবম ‘ব্র্যাক মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড’
মাইগ্রেশন প্রোগ্রাম-ব্র্যাক
ব্র্যাক সেন্টার, ৭৫ মহাখালী (১২ তলা)
ঢাকা-১২১২, বাংলাদেশ

ইমেল : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

প্রয়োজনে যোগাযোগ : ফোন: ৮৮ ০২ ২২২২ ৮১২৬৫ এক্সটেনশন : ৩৯১৩

পুরস্কার বিতরণী অনুষ্ঠান
নবম ‘ব্র্যাক মাইগ্রেশন মিডিয়া অ্যাওয়ার্ড’-এর অ্যাওয়ার্ড প্রদান অনুষ্ঠানের তারিখ সংশ্লিষ্টদের যথাসময়ে জানানো হবে।

 


ফরম ডাউনলোড করুন

 

Wednesday, 07 February 2024 00:00

BRAC Academy launches in Bogura

BRAC Academy, one of BRAC Education Programme’s flagship models, proudly announces the establishment of its second branch in Bogura (the first branch was launched in Cumilla in 2019), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards providing quality education to children across the nation.

The Academy, is a child-centred affordable school chain offering primary education in district towns. It offers modern teaching-learning methods, enriched content, and skills to ensure students are nurtured towards successful adulthood by sparking their learning curiosity and instilling in them excellent values, behaviours, respect and responsibility.



The Academy opened its door on 10 January 2024 and was officially launched by the Executive Director of BRAC, Asif Saleh, today, 7 February, in Bogura.

The launching took place amidst great enthusiasm and anticipation from the local community. 102 students, ranging from Play Group to Grade 3, were warmly welcomed into the school, symbolising the beginning of a promising academic year filled with opportunities for growth and success.

Safi Rahman Khan, Director of Education, Skills Development, and Migration at BRAC, opened the event with a welcoming message for all the parents and students.



The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Chief Guest, Additional District Commissioner (General), Mohammad-Al-Maruf; Special Guest Mayor, Md Rezaul Karim Badsha, and Special Guest Assistant District Primary Education Officer, Md Zaved Akhter.

Mohammad Al-Maruf expressed amazement at the innovative approach of the model school, highlighting its focus on playful learning and modern pedagogical methods, something he never experienced during his childhood. He further emphasised the strong awareness among parents in Bogura for quality education, evident from the academy's demand. Based on this, he urged BRAC to consider establishing a dedicated campus and expanding the school to cater to the growing needs.



Asif Saleh presided over the event, lauding the team's relentless efforts in making the academy a reality. He expressed his deep appreciation for their work, encompassing not just the meticulous design of the school premise but also the crucial groundwork in the curriculum. This involved extensive research, collaboration with international consultants, and thoughtful adaptation of global trends to create a cutting-edge educational programme.

BRAC Academy aims to empower young minds with the tools they need to become future leaders and changemakers. With its expansion to Bogura, BRAC is poised to make a lasting impact on the local community by providing quality education accessible to all.

For admissions and inquiries, interested individuals are encouraged to contact BRAC Academy at 8801332743374 or 8801716386286.

This press release was originally published on February 2, 2024 by the Press Information Bureau, Delhi, Government of India.

National Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (NRLPS), MoRD signed MoU with BRAC International for economic inclusion and social protection for the poorest of the poor women

Caption for image above (left to right: Mona Dave, Consultant for BRAC International, Shameran Abed, Executive Director of BRAC International, Shweta Banerjee, Country Lead for India, BRAC International, Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary and CEO of NRLPS, Smt Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary (RL-1) of DAY-NRLM, Raman Wadha, Director of DAY-NRLM, P. Usha Rani, IBCB SISD and HR, NRLM)

National Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (NRLPS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed an MOU with BRAC International, a Global South-led organisation with a mission to empower people and communities. The MoU has been signed for inclusion of the poorest of the poor under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), a flagship programme under MoRD. The MoU was formalised by Additional Secretary and CEO of NRLPS, Shri Charanjit Singh and Country lead for India, BRAC International, Ms. Shweta S Banerjee in the presence of Joint Secretary (RL-1), DAY-NRLM, Smt Smriti Sharan, Director, DAY-NRLM, Mr. Raman Wadhwa and Executive Director, BRAC International Mr. Shameran Abed.

In his address, Shri Charanjit Singh remarked, “The DAY-NRLM mission has reached a stage where more than 100 million women members have been mobilised into community institutions.” He emphasised on the role of partnerships and leveraging BRAC’s global experience in reaching those furthest behind.

Smt Smriti Sharan conveyed, “this partnership is taking shape at a crucial juncture for DAY-NRLM, which has been steadfastly dedicated to universal and inclusive mobilisation. With 100 million rural poor households mobilised already, our focus now shifts to uplifting ‘lakhpati didis’ through Samaveshi Aajeevika, an inclusive livelihood programme, while also ensuring the inclusion of the most marginalised in the SHG movement.”

Mr. Shameran Abed extended his gratitude to both DAY-NRLM and BRAC India team for their dedication in recognising their respective strengths and coming to an agreement to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He expressed BRAC’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in facilitating Samaveshi Aajeevika with the government taking the lead.

Samaveshi Aajeevika aims to build self-confidence, social inclusion, and prosperity via inclusive livelihoods at the last mile. The programme will introduce holistic productive inclusion strategies to improve the lives of excluded populations. It will adapt a globally tested and proven “Graduation approach” to the DAY-NRLM programme to reach those households that are presently having difficulty benefiting from the SHG net.

Founded in Bangladesh in 1972, BRAC now works in 17 countries and has partnered with over 100 million people, delivering cost-effective, evidence-backed interventions. One such intervention is the globally recognised “Graduation approach” that has been taken up by private organisations and governments and evaluated extensively with positive results.

BRAC is pleased to announce that Divya Bajpai will be joining the organisation on March 2, 2024 as Executive Director for BRAC in Europe, responsible for the development of our partnerships with European-based partners.

This is a new role designed to lead BRAC’s ambitious plans to forge strategic partnerships in Europe to scale up innovative programming approaches in Africa and Asia, and to influence development and humanitarian policies in Europe, towards a shared goal of ending extreme poverty in the world.

Divya, who is currently Interim Executive Director at Frontline AIDS, said: “I am delighted to be joining BRAC at this exciting time as we embark on ambitious plans to broaden and scale up our partnerships across Europe. As the sector works out how best to realise our ambition of empowering our southern partners, I believe BRAC has a unique role and responsibility to help shape this transition.”

Ken Caldwell, Chair of Trustees at BRAC in UK, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Divya to this new role. She brings considerable experience of developing funding and advocacy partnerships across Europe and a real passion for bringing stronger southern voices to shaping international development policies and priorities.”

Executive Director of BRAC, Asif Saleh, also commented on the appointment. “We are aiming to strengthen and broaden our partnerships across Europe, in order to scale up innovative programmes in Asia and Africa focused on supporting families to escape from extreme poverty and to combat the consequences of climate change. We hope to bring the insights from this work to help key decision-makers in Europe to contribute to solving these key global challenges. I am looking forward to working closely with Divya as she leads our efforts to deliver this ambitious plan.”

BRAC Driving School has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first driving training centre in the country to receive the prestigious ISO certification.

The ISO certification is a result of BRAC Driving School’s continuous efforts to upgrade its quality standards in providing the drivers with technical training and road safety education.

The institution employs state-of-the-art training methods, with a strong emphasis on 'Defensive Driving' and road safety practices. The esteemed ISO 9001:2015 certification acknowledges BRAC Driving School's international standard driving training services and underscores BRAC Driving School's ongoing commitment to improving road safety.

Dr. Azizullah M Nuruzzaman Nur, Country Chairman of AGS Quality Action Limited handed over the ISO certificate to Asif Saleh, the Executive Director of BRAC.

Ahmed Najmul Hussain, the Director of the Road Safety Programme at BRAC, said, “Road safety cannot be achieved without driver’s training, skill and the right attitude to drive safely. Usually drivers receive their training through apprenticeship from another experienced but uncertified driver. As a result, most of these drivers, although performing at professional capacity, are unaware of the road safety rules and practices. BRAC driving school was established to bridge that gap.”

The certification was granted after rigorous examinations and inspections based on 103 stringent criteria, following three stages of thorough verification.

BRAC Road Safety Programme started offering driving training services in 2012 and is currently operating six schools at Ashkona, Uttara, Gulshan, Chattogram, Jashore, and Rajbari. A total of 11,535 individuals have received commercial driving training; 8,457 people have received basic driving training; 2,698 women in car driving; 2,013 in motorcycle driving, and 384 as driving instructors till date.

The school offers twelve days of residential Training of Instructors (TOI) for instructors of private driving training schools and thirty three days of non- residential basic driving training for all to obtain both professional and non- professional driving license. Facilities include Modern driving simulator, visual impairment system, seat belt convincer, dual controlled training vehicles, and P- Drive system -- an assessment of on-road driving.

Individuals and organisations interested to avail the service are encouraged to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at the following addresses:

  • BRAC Driving School (Ashkona, Uttara )
    BRAC Learning Centre (Opposite of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Haji Camp) Dhaka1230

  • BRAC Driving School (Gulshan )
    Tejgaon Link Road (Niketon, Gate3)
    Gulshan, Dhaka 1212

  • BRAC Driving School (Uttara R/A )
    House13, Road12, Sector12
    Uttara, Dhaka 1230

  • BRAC Driving School (Chattogram ) 
    Choto Pole, Agrabad Access Road, Chattogram

  • BRAC Driving School (Jashore)
    Bablatala, Jashore Sadar, Jashore

  • BRAC Driving School (Rajbari)
    Kallyanpur, Rajbari Sadar, Rajbari 

 

As part of the Government of Bangladesh's Vision 2041, a master plan has been jointly developed by the Urban Development Directorate, BRAC’s Urban Development Programme, and Gaibandha municipality to transform Gaibandha town into a model city.

To mark World Cities Day, which is observed on 31 October since 2014, the master plan was unveiled at a round table discussion on 'Financing Inclusive Urban Planning and Development', and an exhibition at the BRAC Centre in the capital on Wednesday, 1 November.

Gaibandha, a municipality with a history spanning over a century, is vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. Previously lacking structured planning, the municipality failed to adequately represent the needs of citizens across all segments. To position Gaibandha as a smart city and a role model, aligning with the Government of Bangladesh's Vision 2041, an efficient collaboration was established between the Urban Development Directorate, BRAC, and Gaibandha Paurashava.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Kazi Wasi Uddin, was present as the chief guest at the event, while the director of the the Urban Development Directorate, Dr. Khurshid Zabin Hossain Taufique, was present as the special guest. The event was chaired by Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Kazi Wasi Uddin said, the government is actively engaged in constructing planned cities throughout the country, with rural areas striving to offer urban amenities. We have taken initiatives to facilitate the development of planned cities across the country, encouraging planning even when someone in a village wishes to construct a house.

He added, the Gaibandha plan stands as an exemplary model. Let's take BRAC as a trailblazer. We will also involve other stakeholders in this endeavour. Through our collective efforts, the country will make substantial progress.

Director of the Urban Development Directorate, Dr. Khushid Zabin Hossain Taufique said, this year's World Cities Day celebration holds significant meaning. We have experience in government-level planning, but in the case of Gaibandha, it was accomplished through a coordinated effort between the government and NGOs.

The Executive Director of BRAC, Asif Saleh said, "The trend that we see in Gaibandha where the population has moved from 3,000 to and now almost 200,000 is a country wide trend. We all need to fundamentally reorient our development thinking around urbanisation as people are moving to the cities for climate adaptation and aspirational reasons. Gaibandha urban plan is one step towards that. But the real success will come when this plan gets executed and seeing the success of this, other cities also adapt a more planned approach. When good urban planning and political will comes together, we can see great things can happen. Rajshahi is a great example of that. Now it is time to think about the tier 2 cities and towns and create environment-friendly model towns and cities so that it caters to every single citizen. We hope we can continue to work with the government on this as urban growth centres are the new driving force of economic development."

The event initiated with welcoming remarks from Md Imamul Azam Shahi, Programme Head of BRAC’s Urban Development Programme, emphasising the rapid global shift in urbanisation.

‘Gaibandha Paurashava Master Plan’ was presented by BRAC Programme Manager Md. Saif Iqbal and the project consultant Md. Kawsar Uddin.

In addition, the 'Mirsarai Upazila Master Plan' was presented by Ahmed Akhtaruzzaman, Deputy Director (Research and Coordination) of the Urban Development Directorate, and the 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar Master Plan' was presented by Abdullah Al Mahmud Faruk, Project Director (Joint Secretary) of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority.

Following the presentations, an insightful and thought-provoking roundtable discussion ensued, featuring experts such as Joint Secretary Naila Ahmed from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Meer Ahemed Tariqul Omar, Deputy Chief at the Planning Commission, and Md. Matlubour Rahman, Mayor of Gaibandha Pourashava. The entire discussion was moderated by Md Liakath Ali, PhD, Director of Climate Change Programme, Urban Development Programme, and Disaster Risk Management Programme, BRAC.

In Bangladesh, creating safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements remains an ambitious goal. Since 2016, BRAC's Urban Development Programme has worked towards improving the well-being, resilience, and rights of urban low-income individuals, aiming to reduce multidimensional poverty and deprivation. The partnership between BRAC, Urban Development Directorate, and Gaibandha Paurashava seeks to introduce strategic innovations, locally-led planning, and implementation for the well-being of residents. This collaborative approach through government and non-governmental organisation partnerships in crafting such a master plan hopes to set a benchmark and contribute significantly to sustainable urban development in Bangladesh.

BRAC Health Porogramme (BHP) hosted a special factory visit at Zaber & Zubair Fabrics Limited in Tongi, Gazipur, under the Mothers@Work project, supported by UNICEF, as part of BRAC’s month-long observation of World Breastfeeding Week. In commemoration of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, BHP has launched a month-long celebration throughout August, focusing on raising awareness in the community and workplaces to promote breastfeeding. This year's theme is “Enabling Breastfeeding - Making a Difference for Working Parents.”

World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year to empower and support breastfeeding mothers and raise awareness of the numerous health benefits that breastfeeding offers both mothers and infants.

The celebration of breastfeeding, held on Sunday (August 20th), aimed to encourage support for the environment and promote breastfeeding among working parents. The programme was attended by government stakeholders, including the Line Director of National Nutrition Services (NNS), Professor Dr. Mijanur Rahman.

One of the highlights of the visit was a quiz competition organised for working mothers, addressing various breastfeeding-realted issues. This interactive session not only provided valuable information to the mothers but also offered them an opportunity to win exciting prizes. The event served as a platform for discussion and education, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of breastfeeding for both maternal and child health.

Representatives from the organisations shared their insightful views and words of appreciation, emphasising the importance of BRAC's work and the positive impact on the lives of working mothers.

Chief Guest of the event, Professor Dr. Mijanur Rahman said "It's heartening to witness organisations like BRAC Health Programme and UNICEF taking substantial steps to advocate for important aspects of breastfeeding to develop a healthy workforce and a healthier generation for the future. Such initiatives are fueling our goals of promoting optimal maternal and child nutrition. It demonstrates how impactful public-private partnerships can bring about meaningful changes.”

Monira Parveen, Nutrition Officer, UNICEF added "Every mother deserves the opportunity to give her child the best start in life and we are pleased to support BRAC Health Programme in directly addressing the challenges faced by working mothers.”

Dr. Monowarul Aziz, Programme Head, BRAC Health Programme (BHP) said, “At BRAC, our dedication to improving the lives of mothers is unwavering. Our celebration of World Breastfeeding Week throughout August underscores our commitment to supporting working mothers and promoting breastfeeding as a fundamental aspect of maternal and child health."

The Mothers@Work project aims to create an enabling environment in the workplace for maternity rights protection and breastfeeding support for working mothers and their children. These interventions are crucial in the ongoing effort to create a more nurturing environment for working mothers. The interactive engagement, coupled with the endorsement of esteemed representatives, further solidifies the importance of breastfeeding in the RMG sector and beyond.

BRAC launched its new artificial limb and brace-related service centre on the premises of the BIRDEM General Hospital at Shahbagh in the capital for patients visiting the hospital with the need for brace and limb-related services.

The launch of the centre took place this morning (Saturday, 3 June) at the BIRDEM General Hospital in the presence of Professor M K I Quayyum Choudhury, director general, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) as the chief guest. Dr Jonaed Hakim, head, the Department of Orthopedics, BIRDEM General Hospital & Ibrahim Medical College, was also present.

Dr Morseda Chowdhury, director, Health Nutrition and Population Programme (HNPP), BRAC; and Dr Shahinul Hoque Ripon, programme head, HNPP, and head of BRAC Limb and Brace Centre (BLBC), attended the event on behalf of BRAC.

Over 200 participants including heads of other departments, senior physicians and specialists were present at the launching programme.

BIRDEM director general Professor M K I Quayyum Choudhury expressed delight at the opening of the artificial limb and brace centre, saying from now on availing of artificial limb and brace-related quality services will be easier for patients who visit this hospital. “Now we are accommodating an outlet but we have a plan to establish a full-fledged artificial limb and brace centre and workshop on BIRDEM premises. Our partnership will be stronger in future,” said the DG.

BRAC director Dr Morseda Chowdhury gave an overview of BRAC’s health programme, while outlining the gradual expansion of its partnerships with the government health services. “Up till December 2021, BRAC had been providing artificial limb and brace-related services from its own centre. We had entered into a partnership with the government to establish a limb and brace centre and workshop in the compound of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (SHNIBPS). That centre has already proved its capacity to provide quality services to the patients. In future we hope to further extend our partnerships with other public hospitals,” said Dr Morseda Chowdhury.

In December 2021, BRAC, in collaboration with SHNIBPS established an artificial limb and brace centre in its premises that has been providing quality prosthetics-related services to severely injured fire survivors. BLBC operating since 2000, provides user-friendly quality prosthetics, orthotics and physiotherapy services to amputees and people with disabilities. To date, over 43,000 patients, among them the survivors of Savar factory collapse in 2013 and the Sitakunda container depot fire in 2022, have received these services from BLBC.

BLBC in BIRDEM compound will be open for patients six days a week from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. The centre will be closed on Fridays.

Established in July 2000, BLBC aimed to increase the independence of physically disabled persons by providing affordable, user-friendly, high-quality artificial limbs, braces and pressure garments.

Earlier this month we celebrated our 50th anniversary at the Houses of Parliament in London, where we were joined by over 150 partners and friends of BRAC.

We were fortunate to have speeches and participation from:

  • Chris Law MP, who was also our gracious host for the evening.
  • Lewis Temple, Chief Executive of BRAC’s London Office
  • Her Excellency Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the UK, Ireland and Liberia (Watch speech)
  • Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, and Shameran Abed, Executive Director of BRAC International and Baroness Minouche Shafik, President and Vice Chancellor of the London School of Economics and Political Science, as moderator. (Watch panel discussion)
  • Scott MacMillan, the author of Hope Over Fate: the wonderful newly published biography of our late founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
  • A troupe of dancers from Akademi who performed traditional Bengali dances. Their upcoming show Pravass will take place in May and share stories of the climate-driven migration of people from the Sundarbans mangrove forest in India and Bangladesh.
  • A special video address from Andrew Mitchell, the Minister for Development and Africa at the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Now that the 50th Anniversary year has officially come to a close, we look forward to a bright future and 50 more transformative and impactful years for the BRAC family.

You can view our video summary of the event to get a feel for the celebrations.

 

Join the world’s biggest family

sign-up

Subscribe

STAY INFORMED. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Top