DIASPORA PHILANTHROPY IN BANGLADESH Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh Selected case studies, profiles and database

Editors Rashida Ahmad Safi Rahman Khan Mazharul Islam

Case studies Rashida Ahmad, Mohammad Yousuf

Database & information collection Md. Feroz Ahmmead, Sadia Faruque

Publisher & Copyright Bangladesh Freedom Foundation Level 5, 6/5 A, Sir Syed Road Mohammadpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.freedomfound.org

Design and cover photo Mithu Ahmed

Printer: Chowdhury Printers and Supply 48/A/1, Badda Nagar, Pilkhana, Dhaka

Price: BDT 350

The views, analysis and assessments contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and the publisher does not guarantee the accuracy of the data and information included in the book and accepts no responsibility for any consequences of their use. The research and publication of this book was supported by the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium (APPC), Philippines as part of a proposal submitted by the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation and Drishtipat.

ISBN: 978-984-33-1803-9

May 2010

2 FOREWORD

The last two decades and more have seen significant changes in migration from Bangladesh with the demand for labor in the Middle East and Southeast Asia fuelling rapid growth in temporary migration to those regions. Prior to this, migration was largely directed towards the United Kingdom and the United States. It is now estimated that the number of Bangladeshis and/or people of Bangladesh origin living abroad on a temporary or permanent basis stands between 7 to 8 million.

The contribution of remittances from migrants, particularly those relocating temporarily, is critical to the Bangladesh economy. It is shown to be higher than net foreign direct investment, foreign aid, and even higher than earnings from the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, the country's largest export earner, when RMG earnings are adjusted against the cost of imported raw materials. According to the Bangladesh Bank figures, official remittances stood at just over US$ 10.9 billion during the period April 2009 to March 2010. A substantial amount also comes in through unofficial non-banking channels.

While most of the remittances are directed at the household level, it is estimated that a very small portion is transferred as charity towards poorer relatives and village residents or community development through faith based institutions. There is also a gradual increase in the number of Bangladeshi diaspora groups organizing and arranging for collective transfer of resources for philanthropic purposes in their home country beyond individual to individual giving.

3 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

This aspect of philanthropy, i.e. diaspora philanthropy, remains a largely untapped and poorly documented area with significant knowledge gaps existing on both the supply and demand end. To address this gap the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation, an independent grant-making organization, and Drishtipat, a non-profit and non-partisan volunteer diaspora organization committed to safeguarding human rights in Bangladesh, responded to a call for proposals by the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium (APPC) based in the Philippines, to undertake research for developing select case studies, profiles and a database of Bangladeshi diaspora philanthropic organizations. APPC's call for proposals was a follow-up of its conference on Diaspora Giving held in Hanoi, Vietnam in May 2008. The Bangladesh team at this conference was led by the executive director of the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation who also wrote the Bangladesh country paper.

It is hoped that this publication will shed some light on diaspora philanthropy in Bangladesh as well as motivate others to further delve into this area so that it can be better organized and its potential further realized.

I would like to thank the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium for their financial support, to the diaspora organizations that provided access to their projects sites, shared information and in some cases met with our researchers, to the diaspora members who responded to our emails and telephone calls, and to all the researchers and participants who contributed their energy and enthusiasm in making this project a success.

Syed Manzur Elahi Chairperson Bangladesh Freedom Foundation

4 CONTENTS

Foreword 3 Introduction 7 The Context 8 Methodology 10 Case Studies Adhunika 13 Agami 17 Bangla Aid, UK 22 Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) 25 Friends of Khasdobir Bangladesh 31 Imdad-Sitara Khan Foundation 36 Mati 41 Stichting Land Ontwikkelings Project Bangladesh(SLOPB) 46 SpaandanB 51 The Optimists 57 UK Children Aid Trust Fund 63 Volunteers Association for Bangladesh 66 Profiles 77 Database 91

5 6 INTRODUCTION

Diaspora philanthropy remains a largely untapped source of funds for social projects in Bangladesh, with strong potential for further expansion given that the Bangladeshi diaspora has reached a certain size whose remittances could, if better organised, have a greater impact on people and communities in the home country. However, significant knowledge gaps exist on both the supply and demand end, while there remain certain regulatory bottlenecks against efficient and convenient transfer of resources to potential partner organizations in Bangladesh for philanthropic projects. There is very little information available to Bangladeshi organizations regarding the number and scope of diaspora organizations, while diaspora organizations themselves may not necessarily have the means or mechanisms to identify potential partners to work with in Bangladesh.

1 The present publication, based on six months’ research , attempts to address this knowledge gap through preparing a select number of case studies, profiles and database of diaspora philanthropic organizations for dissemination among the extensive network of social sector organizations in Bangladesh. The provisional database of 350 2 organizations based mainly in the United States and United Kingdom is also possibly the first attempt to develop a central depository of Bangladeshi diaspora philanthropic organizations.

7 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

It has three parts including case studies of 12 of these organizations based in the UK, US and also mainland Europe. These cases describe the origins, goals, activities, organization, funding practices and self- perceived successes of the profiled diaspora groups. The organizations vary in size, age, ambition and scope, supporting work in fields as far ranging as education, environment and health to child sponsorship programs, women’s empowerment and community development.

3 The Context Recent decades have seen a rise in the migration and movement of people as economic and cultural globalization, ease of travel and communication grows. One of the consequences of this rise is greater transfer of resources by expatriates back to families and communities in their country of origin, generally flowing from developed destination countries to developing home countries. A World Bank study estimated that remittances to developing countries totalled US$167 billion in 2005, up 73% from 2001. A separate study found worldwide remittances to total US$275 billion in 2006, of which $206 billion flowed to developing countries. Many developing countries are thus attaching greater importance to the earnings of their migrant populations. In countries such as Bangladesh, there may be a tendency to recognize this potential primarily in terms of remittances to families of migrants. Yet some of the flow also goes to philanthropic activities ranging from financing of schools and clinics to developing community programs. Remittances from migrants are critical to the Bangladesh economy with its contribution to the development budget ranging from 30% to 50%. It is higher than net foreign direct investment, foreign aid, and is even higher than earnings from the largest export earner, the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector when its earnings are adjusted against the cost of raw materials. Remittances are also said to positively impact on national income GNP, consumption, investment, and imports.

8 Introduction

According to the Bangladesh Bank, remittances from overseas workers crossed the $10 billion mark for the first time in 2009, up a hefty 20 percent from the previous year. But many analysts are of the opinion that factoring in remittances through unofficial, non-banking channels means the total more likely stands at between US$16 to US$17 billion. Even though most of this flow is directed at the household level, it is estimated that a very small portion, approximately 1% or US$160 to US$170 million, is transferred primarily as charity directed towards poorer relatives and village residents or community development through faith based institutions. But there has also been a gradual increase in the number of Bangladeshi diaspora groups organizing funds for philanthropic purposes in their home country beyond individual-to- individual giving. This form of social investment, however, has hardly been studied outside 4 of a handful of countries. According to one author , it is among the “least understood components of the philanthropic landscape.”

5 A 2008 Bangladesh paper on ‘Diaspora Giving’ has, however, attempted to present “some understanding on the social contribution of migrant populations—termed as ‘diaspora philanthropy’—in the context of Bangladesh”. More specifically, the paper looked at the migration patterns of Bangladeshis; their philanthropic practices; related policy, legal and fiscal issues; the extent to which diaspora giving might be a driver of social change; and recommendations for further realizing the potential of diaspora philanthropy. The author observed, however, that the research was limited by the paucity of information, studies, and data on diaspora philanthropy in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, what may be of relevance to this report, are the differences found between Bangladeshi diaspora philanthropic organizations in the US and UK. The US organizations “seem to be relatively well organized, incorporated as not-for-profits with basic information related to the organizations and their activities easily accessible via their websites”, according to the study. As most have tax exempt/deductibility status,

9 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

they also tend to be better equipped to solicit donations and resources beyond their members, it adds. In contrast, the paper found that philanthropic organizations in the United Kingdom seem to operate more informally, as individual/family- run organizations, even though they may be incorporated as not-for- profit organizations. Another difference that stood out was the regional versus non-regional nature or focus of organizations in the UK and US with organizations in the UK appearing to operate more as regional associations, home regions rather than just hometowns, especially the Sylhet region where many British Bangladeshis originate. The US-based organizations, on the other hand, seem to be organized along particular fields or sectors and do not necessarily operate with a regional focus. The difference may not be particularly surprising considering that the vast majority of immigrants to the UK have come from one particular region, whereas the US diaspora’s geographical origins are far more varied, the paper adds. Some of these differences, between UK and US-based groups, are borne out by the descriptions of the 12 organizations profiled in the following pages, especially the regional versus non-regional focus, though there are undoubted exceptions in terms of the apparent level of organization, presentation of information and funding activities on both sides of the reported Atlantic divide. Moreover, in at least two of the case studies presented here, organizations founded and run by philanthropically motivated individuals appear from the given history to have gained their impetus from and owe their success precisely to the passion and vision of single individuals.

Methodology Data collection for this research was primarily limited to searching selected websites such as the UK Charity Commission, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and through internet search engines. In addition, organizations were selected from the 2008 Bangladesh Paper

10 Introduction presented at the Fourth Regional Conference of the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium on Diaspora Giving: An Agent of Change in Asia Pacific Communities? An introduction letter was sent out to established and well-known diaspora online networks and forums, informing diaspora members of the project. Information regarding the project was also shared via postings on various web portals, sites and links and through word of mouth. A questionnaire template accompanied the introductory letter for diaspora organizations to fill out certain basic information. While it is estimated that over 10,000 individuals and organizations were reached through these efforts the response was very poor with only around 16 to 17 organizations responding to the questionnaire with detailed information. Nevertheless, around 350 organizations were 6 finally identified with most of them based in the UK and USA, though Europe, Australia and other parts of the world are also represented. In addition, 30 profiles of select organizations were prepared based on material available to the researchers. Field visits were also conducted to a number of project sites of diaspora organizations and/or their partners in Bangladesh. Based on the reports from the field, interviews and available information, 12 organizations were selected for individual case studies7.

11 12 ADHUNIKA

www. adhunika .org

The web for women Based in the US, the Adhunika Foundation is a volunteer based organization aiming to bringing about social change in the lives of women of Bangladesh, including expatriates, through the use of technology. Adhunika was initially launched in 2002 as an internet-based network for Bangladeshi women worldwide. As a portal or online resource for Bangladeshi woman, Adhunika’s vision was to learn, as an organization, and to help its members through exchange of information and knowledge. Adhunika started as a purely online entity, with the website www.adhunika.org, but it has since evolved to develop some offline activities as well. It further aims to raise funds to promote the use of technology among Bangladeshi women and to invest with partner organizations in relevant projects. Adhunika has so far established partnerships with a handful of organizations, and eventually wants to create a network that Bangladeshi women can connect to, and develop information and communication technology (ICT) skills.

13 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Finally, Adhunika Foundation aims to provide a “virtual platform for the voices of Bangladeshi women” by promoting their personal stories, highlighting female role models, creating awareness of woman’s issues and connecting them to other organizations that work towards women’s advancement.

Organization and Governance Adhunika was founded in March 2002 in New York State and is registered as a nonprofit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code. Its US office manages its activities and coordinates with partners in Bangladesh. Volunteers contribute ideas, help with event planning and various promotional activities. Adhunika posts announcements on its websites-seeking volunteers for projects with partners, various events and fundraising.

Finance and fundraising Adhunika Foundation raises funds through its volunteers, benefit events, and invites donations through its website. It arranges various social and cultural events in Bangladesh and the US in celebration of various national days of Bangladesh and international days, especially International Women’s Day. Some of these are fundraisers, others are regarded as social and networking events or for raising Adhunika’s profile. Adhunika is a “partner” of Shahruk’s Collection: A Nityoshongee, a new clothes line by Bangladeshi designer Shahruk Shahid, proceeds of which support the Adhunika Cares Project in Bangladesh.

Projects and Activities Adhunika Foundation works in collaboration with Adhunika Bangladesh Society on the Adhunika Cares Project. “ABS runs

14 Adhunika development programs with priority on poverty reduction and total development of underprivileged women” according to Adhunika’s website, but no other details are available on the site. Adhunika is a coalition partner of DREAM (Diabetes Research, Education, and Action for Minorities) project a five-year community based participatory research study based in the Center for the Study of Asian American Health at the NYU Langone Medical Center. The goal of the project is to develop and test a Community Health Worker Program to improve diabetes control and diabetes-related health complications in the Bangladeshi community in New York City. From February 2006-December 2008, Adhunika was a sponsor of the Computer Literacy Program of the US-based Volunteers Association 8 for Bangladesh (VAB) and Development Research Network (D.Net) in Bangladesh. More than 300 girls from impoverished backgrounds were trained in computer use with Adhunika’s support of the VAB program. Adhunika also supported the pilot project ‘Information Technology Training for Women’ by Adhunika Bangladesh Society from August 2004 to January 2006.

Challenges and Opportunities As Adhunika is primarily an “online resource”, steered from the US, the rate of computer literacy among the targeted Bangladeshi women also remains a matter of concern with regards to its web- based intitative. For example, Adhunika has launched an English-language blog aimed at “knowledge sharing between women from different walks of life” and “empowering women through a common web-based platform”, however, a visit to the blog shows entries are few and far between. It is now planning to launch a Bangla-language blog to connect

15 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

more women with Adhunika community, though resources are a stumbling block. Despite funding strictures, Adhunika says it is planning to launch women’s leadership and professional development programs. It also wants to continue its outreach program on diabetes for Bangladeshi women in the US, and take up programs to tackle domestic violence and other social issues, as well as expand the ABS IT pilot project for women in Bangladesh.

16 AGAMI

www.agami.org

‘Enough talk’

“Enough talk, we need to do something” is the motto that drives Agami, a US-based non-profit organization founded in 2003, with a belief that all children in Bangladesh should have an equal opportunity for a quality education. In fact, the natural disasters afflicting Bangladesh provided the trigger or impetus for its initial work but education soon became Agami’s focus. “Education is the only tool that will bring the children of Bangladesh out of the darkness of poverty and into a bright future,” says Agami vice president Dr. S Mahmudul Hassan. With this view, Agami fosters basic education in poor rural communities and urban slums of Bangladesh with projects that provide educational materials, access to education and support and an end goal of creating self-sufficiency in these areas. While its focus is “empowering people through education”, Agami also aims to partner with other organizations to provide “a holistic

17 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

solution addressing other critical needs such as health care, nutrition and economic opportunities”. Agami, which means ‘Future’, sees itself first and foremost as an ‘action group’, and also underlines its core principles and ideals as secular, non-political and volunteer based. “We aim to help any underprivileged child, regardless of religion. Similarly, we will not sponsor sectarian projects,” says the group. It also points out that all administrative costs are borne by its volunteer members. “100 percent of your donation goes to the people who need it the most, the children,” Agami promises.

The Context Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country of more than 150 million people. Nearly 40 percent live below the poverty line. More than six million children work in Bangladesh to help eke out a living for their families. Education is not meaningful, attractive or accessible to many of these children yet it is considered an essential tool to eradicate poverty. The government of Bangladesh spends only 2.7 percent of GNP on education, the lowest in South Asia. Primary school enrollment is approximately 94 percent, according to the government. Primary school dropout rate, however, is over 20 percent, while the average attendance rate is 60 percent. Dropout rates are much higher in the secondary, higher secondary and tertiary levels. Against this backdrop, a group of expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States founded Agami. Although a handful of volunteers had conceptualized the organization as early as 1992, it finally took shape in 2003.

18 Agami

Organization and Governance Headquartered in Fremont, California, and registered under 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code, Agami is steered by a six- member board of directors. The board members are all volunteers and do not receive any honorarium. Agami is fully run by dedicated volunteers who contribute both time and financial support. They are seen as the organization’s lifeblood. “It is the volunteers and donors who keep the organization alive,” says the group.

Finance and Fundraising The expenses Agami incurs to host events, transfer funds and maintain its website are matched by the revenue it receives from fundraising tickets, board member fees, corporate sponsorship and software license donations. Its corporate sponsors are Mentor Graphics, Citi Foundation, KT Foundation, Global Impact, Wachovia Foundation, Oracle, Google and Applied Biosystems. Members of the organization also chip in for operational expenses so that 100 percent of donations go to the intended beneficiaries. Agami organizes a fundraiser annually to finance its projects. Its first fundraiser was held on July 25 in 2004 that drew a crowd of hundreds to Chandni Restaurant in Newark, CA and fetched the organization nearly $15,000. The fundraising programs mainly feature dinner and a show. Apart from annual fundraisers, Agami sponsors occasional benefit events such as that marking International Mother Language Day 2010, with a screening of the Bangladeshi film ‘Matir Moina’ at the Mountain View Academy in Mountain View, CA. The event, aimed at raising funds to rebuild three Aila-damaged Agami schools in Khulna, pulled in about $7000.

19 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Projects and Activities

9 Agami had running projects in 11 schools across Bangladesh in 2009. It has also introduced two recent initiatives: the Student Internship Program and the Million Light Initiative. The Student Internship Program aims to connect local high school and college students with Agami projects in their area. The internships may vary in scope and duration. Usually each internship includes a visit to an Agami school and works with the students, teaching staff and the community there. The interns are expected to bring their own ideas and skills, and work with Agami to develop and execute a project that will meet a particular need at the participating schools in Bangladesh, as well as give the interns an opportunity to further develop their own skills through working with Agami. With the Million Light Initiative, Agami aims to introduce solar light for the students of its project schools to promote green energy. The organization has partnered with One Million Lights for the initiative and has received 100 solar lights as part of a pilot phase. Agami plans to provide solar light for all its 2,300 students in its various schools that include remote rural settings and the slums of capital Dhaka. In addition to its projects in Bangladesh, Agami also arranges programs to promote Bangladeshi culture in the US.

Challenges and Opportunities Agami sees itself as reaching “a stage of growth and maturity in just seven years that has made the initiators pluck up the courage to take on wider and bigger challenges”. It is looking to undertake projects that demand better design of school curricula, encompass larger aspects of disaster relief, and truly impact large segments of society in a very profound way.

20 Agami

But mobilizing funds to meet increasing project costs, getting more volunteers involved, monitoring the projects and receiving feedback still remain the key hurdles. However, Agami is optimistic enough to declare its ultimate goal as no less than “creating leaders for Bangladesh” through education.

21 BANGLA AID, UK

Froud Community Centre, 1 Toronto Avenue London, E 12, 5JF

At home and abroad Unlike many other Bangladeshi expatriates, the founder of Bangla Aid UK, Jamal Uddin, took in the problems of his countrymen both at home and abroad, in Britain where he himself had settled. The organization works in the London Borough of Newham and Tower Hamlets in the UK and in Bangladesh, it works in Dhaka, Golapganj and Sylhet districts. In Bangladesh, the organization works to alleviate poverty through education, training, counselling and better health care. It has also provided disaster relief and rehabilitation in times of need. Bangla Aid, UK also opened a healthcare centre in March 2009. The main objective of its work in Britain is to advance community development and citizenship. It also provides some facilities, particularly to the elderly and disabled.

Organization and Governance Bangla Aid UK, a nonprofit organization, was registered in the UK as a charity in 2003 and with the NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh in 2007.

22 Bangla Aid, UK

Founder Jamal Uddin is the chairman of the organization. He is also its main donor. Two boards of trustees operate activities of the organization in the two countries, the UK and Bangladesh. There are 12 members on the UK board and seven on the board in Bangladesh. Jamal chairs both.

Financing and Fundraising Being a new organization, Bangla Aid, UK depends totally on its members who donate from their own pockets while some also collect from their contacts. Founder and chairman Jamal Uddin is the key donor for the organization. Despite some shortcomings, the Bangla Aid, UK founder’s dreams grew with the spontaneous response and 10 contributions of the members. In a single year, it collected £ 9,000 and has spent approximately Tk 2,500,000 on its projects to date. Jamal Uddin is working on reaching more donors and going forward with more projects.

Projects and Activities Just two years after registering with authorities in Bangladesh, Bangla Aid, UK set up a hospital for the poor in Dhaka Dakkhin. The hospital, built on land donated by Jamal Uddin, employs four visiting doctors, two nurses and one paramedic but provides only primary and emergency healthcare at present. It is not yet able to deal with complicated cases or with surgery. Lack of necessary equipment is one of the key obstacles to providing better services. Patients arriving at the centre in critical condition are referred to the nearby government hospital. Jamal Uddin also considers his organization’s work with Bangladeshi expatriates in Britain as a success. Bangla Aid, UK has helped them form better relations with their employers by enhancing their skills

23 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

and thus fulfilling the requirements of the related companies. Jamal also saw many Bangladeshis settled in Britain were completely unaware of the government services that they were entitled to, mainly due to lack of education. Bangla Aid, UK informs them about the services and teaches them the procedures to avail medical and other services offered by the state.

Challenges and Opportunities Funding remains a challenge for Bangla Aid, UK. People have pledged funds but have not always kept their commitments. This has made it difficult to complete projects such as its hospital project. The most disappointing thing, according to Jamal, is that many Bangladeshis in his community in the UK prefer to make donations for religion-based projects rather than social development. Another challenge is the sheer mismanagement and corruption faced in undertaking projects in Bangladesh. Jamal alleged that his organization was forced to spend a good chunk of money in the name of “service charges”. This practice often pushed back the progress of the projects. “It is very difficult to work here without paying so-called service charges,” he said. Bangla Aid, UK also believes having good doctors is the prerequisite of a good hospital. Large buildings and sophisticated equipment do not make any sense if the hospital does not have efficient doctors says Bangla Aid, UK, but the organization found it difficult to get doctors in Bangladesh who were committed to helping the poor and being involved in ‘charity work’.

24 BANGLADESH ENVIRONMENT NETWORK (BEN)

www.ben-center.org

On the environmental frontline Bangladesh has suffered serious environmental degradation in recent decades and now stands on the frontline of climate change. Always prone to natural disasters, it has also emerged as a country threatened by man-made ecological disasters, both global and local. The Bangladesh Environment Network was founded in 1998 by Bangladeshis living in the United States believing that the government response to the situation has been inadequate. Popularly known as BEN, it aims to unite and mobilize non-resident Bangladeshis and other members of the international community to work with environmental protection groups in Bangladesh. It is open to all Bangladeshis in their home country or living abroad as well as to non-Bangladeshis who are interested in the country’s environmental problems. BEN’s mission is to gather and disseminate information on environmental issues and provide solutions, strengthen links between local and international organizations, and persuade the government to implement environment-friendly policies.

25 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Since inception, BEN has been working in Bangladesh in collaboration with Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon or BAPA, an umbrella organisation of local environmental groups, to nurture a broad social movement. The collaboration covers joint conferences, policy advocacy and public campaigns. BEN also provides financial support to BAPA to maintain its secretariat.

The Dhaka Declaration BEN’s first International Conference on Bangladesh Environment, ICBEN 2000, resulted in a number of recommendations that were adopted as The Dhaka Declaration on Bangladesh Environment. Some of these recommendations have since been implemented. Among the key recommendations were launching public campaigns on environmental issues, enforcing the Environment Conservation Act, maintaining river networks and preserving wetlands, improving irrigation practices, reducing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, preserving forests and discouraging use of polythene bags. The Declaration also recommended banning vehicles using two- stroke engines, converting vehicles for CNG use, expanding environment-friendly mass transit systems and modifying the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s Eastern Refinery to produce lead-free petrol.

The Context Climate change, an ever-growing population, untreated industrial and household waste, chronic air pollution, arsenic-contaminated drinking water, loss of vital wetlands, deforestation and disappearing wildlife are just some of the reasons why BEN fears the country is still heading towards an ecological disaster. With global warming and the possibility of rising sea levels, much of the country, being just a few feet above the sea-level, could well go

26 Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) underwater. Meanwhile, population density has reached a dangerously high level. The forests are disappearing. Unknown numbers of animal and plant species have become extinct. Rivers and other water bodies are being filled up. The level of lead in the air of Bangladesh's cities is several hundred times higher than the WHO recommended safety level. Bangladesh's arsenic situation has already become a focus of international alarm. The level of arsenic in 43 out of Bangladesh's 64 districts has been found to be more than 500 percent of the WHO recommended safe mark. Chemical runoff from farms into water bodies is damaging the country's fish stock. Disposal of solid waste has become a major problem in urban areas. Rising use of plastic and other toxic and non-biodegradable materials is making even household waste a major threat to health and the environment. As Bangladesh tries to industrialize, increasing amounts of toxic and non-toxic industrial waste are being dumped onto lands and into water bodies. The Bangladesh government lacks an overall coherent plan of its own to fight environmental degradation, often relying on initiatives, funds and proddings by donor agencies, says BEN. “The result has been an array of disconnected and often contradictory projects, which are generally ineffective,” says the group.

Organization and Governance Headquartered in the United States, there are three levels of operations within the organization; (a) the general membership forum, where all members can participate; (b) the Consultative Committee that directs major policy initiatives and reviews the finances; and (c) the Initiators Group that oversees the different initiatives and day-to-day operations. While the bulk of BEN’s members are based in the US, it has members in Australia, Canada, Sweden, the UK and a few other countries.

27 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Its activities are largely organized through email and discussion groups. Members of BEN hold discussions on air pollution, flood control, arsenic contamination, loss of bio-diversity, and other environmental problems facing Bangladesh via the internet. BEN also draws on the expertise of university professors, scientists, engineers, lawyers, and physicians as well as concerned people from all walks of life for campaigns, conferences and other activities.

Finance and Fundraising Regular fundraisers and voluntary contributions by members are the key sources of finance for BEN projects. It does not solicit or accept funds from government or donor organizations, which allows it to remain independent and critical of these bodies when required. BEN is registered with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a non- profit organization engaged in the protection of the environment, with contributions being tax-deductible.

Projects and Activities ICBEN 2010 BEN and BAPA organized the third International Conference on Bangladesh Environment, known as ICBEN, on January 2-3, 2010 in Dhaka. Academic, environmental and civil society groups assisted BEN and BAPA in organizing the conference attended by representatives from government and non-government organizations. It was BEN’s third such conference, following on from previous ones in 2002 and 2000. The first, ICBEN 2000, intended to strengthen the relationship between BEN and Bangladeshi environmental organizations, as well as increase networking between these organizations.

28 Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN)

Campaigns On September 18 2009, BEN launched Bangladesh Climate Change Global Action Day with a rally in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York. Prior to the rally, 10 BEN representatives from New York, Boston and Pennsylvania held a meeting with the UN Director of Sustainable Development, Tariq Banuri, and hand delivered a memorandum to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. BEN also organized rallies in Australia on the day, outside the UN regional office in Canberra and in Sydney’s Hyde Park, to draw attention of the international community to environmental threats in Bangladesh. Australian MPs, among other supporters, expressed their solidarity. A delegation from the rally also handed over a ‘Memorandum’ to the local UN office. Members of the community also signed a petition in support of the Memorandum addressed to the UN Secretary General. PriyoAustrlia launched an online petition too in support of the Memorandum and an ‘Action Plan’ for Bangladesh. BEN also recently passed a resolution on the impact in Bangladesh of India’s planned Tipaimukh hydroelectric power project and dam on the cross-border Barak river.

Successes Twelve years ago, BEN drew up a summary of Bangladesh's environmental problems and suggested viable solutions to them. It handed over the summary to the government on October 3, 1998 in the form of a memorandum. ICBEN 2000 had also adopted the Dhaka Declaration on Bangladesh Environment 2000, setting out the programmatic and organizational tasks before the environment movement. Success in raising public awareness of issues by BEN, BAPA, and other environmental organizations has led to some concrete action

29 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

by the Bangladesh government in the interceding years. For example, unleaded gasoline replaced leaded gasoline and numbers of two-stroke engine vehicles in major cities fell dramatically. Other key successes have been re-imposition of the ban on polythene bags, introduction of low-cost methods to provide arsenic free water and legislation to protect water bodies. Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha recently launched a drive to remove illegal structures along the four choked rivers surrounding Dhaka city, while the High Court has ordered all industries to set up effluent treatment plants to cut pollution of their waters. BAPA and BEN have also been successful in influencing policies in a range of other areas, including urban planning.

30 FRIENDS OF KHASDOBIR BANGLADESH

www.khasdobir.org.uk

‘One of the oldest’ Friends of Khasdobir Bangladesh is one of the oldest UK based diaspora philanthropic organization. Founded in 1984, it aims to help poor Bangladeshis increase their opportunities through education and training. Founder Haroon Ahmed, originally from Sylhet, settled in the UK decades ago. After setting up a successful restaurant business there and working with the Bangladeshi community in the East End of London for 16 years to change the lives of underprivileged people in the area, he returned to Sylhet in the early 1980s with a British colleague Peter East to pursue philanthropic activities back in his motherland. On arrival in Sylhet, the two worked with villagers to teach young children how to read and write. They also gave small grants to elderly, destitute widows. This was how the organization started its work. Haroon Ahmed died in 1997 and Peter East in 2004. Although the organization’s focus has mainly been skills development, Friends has now broadened its operations to include healthcare.

31 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

It also continues to provide allowances to destitute women, aims to instil confidence in Bangladeshi women by developing their abilities and works to strengthen community ties among villagers and between different religious groups. Registered in the UK, Friends of Khasdobir implements its projects through its Bangladesh-registered chapter Khasdobir Youth Action Group or KYAG.

The Context Huge population growth, slow pace of development and an inadequate education system mean that the formal employment sector in Bangladesh can accommodate only one third of adults reaching working age every year. Recent years have witnessed a rise in private sector employment in the country, but millions remain excluded from these opportunities due to a lack of basic education and skills. In this context, Friends of Khasdobir aimed to develop work skills among some of the most vulnerable sections of society. Its first projects focused on basic education for children along with assistance and limited work training for destitute women.

Organization and Governance Friends of Khasdobir was formally registered in the UK on July 8, 2006. The board of trustees comprises 14 members, which include Bangladeshi expatriates and British nationals. Khasdobir Youth Action Group has been working in Khasdobir, Sylhet, for more than two and a half decades and was registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh in 1990. KYAG is run by an executive committee. Members of the board of trustees in the UK visit projects in Sylhet annually to appraise implementation, use of funds and

32 Friends of Khasdobir Bangladesh documentation. The visit also intends to strengthen links between donors, KYAG and the local communities. The executive committee of KYAG submits an annual report on its activities to the authorities of Friends of Khasdobir in the UK. A retired government employee is the president of KYAG and oversees the day-to-day activities of the organization on a voluntary basis. Both organizations operate on a voluntary basis, though KYAG has five paid employees, the accountant, assistant accountant, an office aide, an orderly and a night guard. There are also 48 project staff, 31 male and 17 female, who are considered volunteers but receive reasonable allowances.

Funds and Fundraising The organization seeks to ensure sufficient funds in reserve to maintain their operations for at least one year. Friends of Khasdobir aims to raise at least £31,000 a year. Contributions in the form of money, ideas and time from members and their friends are the lifeblood of Friends of Khasdobir. The ‘Quarterly Meal Event’ at Bangladeshi-owned restaurants across the UK has proved to be a popular and lucrative means of raising funds. The organization also raises money through the internet and direct mailing as well as arranging cultural events such as concerts.

Projects and Activities KYAG currently runs 13 projects and has established 12 primary schools under one of these projects. It recently partnered with Khasdobir Government Primary School to provide the salary for one teacher. It provides special coaching for

33 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

students from Class 6 to Class 10 in English, Mathematics and Science. Higher secondary class students are provided with coaching in English. KYAG pays admission, tuition and exams fees for poor but meritorious students ranging from Class 6 to Class 10. Students are selected for the stipend on the basis of their academic performance and financial condition. In some cases, KYAG also provides uniforms, books and other materials. It also offers some basic computer lessons for selected students. The organization has a program to provide women with literacy education every year in which they are taught basic reading, writing and numeric skills. The number of women selected for the project is determined based on available funds. Skills to find work in the apparel sector are taught to help women earn an income. Thirty women are given training on cutting and sewing every year under the program. Some women trained by KYAG have now secured employment at different garment factories. There are many destitute widows in Khasdobir who are unable to meet their own or their children’s needs and KYAG pays an allowance of Tk 500 a month to a number of these widows. The organization has also set up a healthcare project in Khasdobir. The Haroon Peter Memorial Health Center, established in 2006, provides free healthcare to the villagers. In conjunction with this KYAG has a program called Medical Support to the Poor, which provides money for medical tests such as X-rays and scans. KYAG also maintains a center where children are immunized against various diseases such as polio, hepatitis, tetanus and measles. These centers also offer vitamin supplements for children. There is an advocacy program too, which intends to increase awareness of birth control issues, birth registration, drug abuse, sanitation, HIV/AIDS and prevention of child and woman trafficking.

34 Friends of Khasdobir Bangladesh

On special occasions such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, KYAG distributes rice, flour, milk, sugar, oil and potatoes among impoverished people.

Challenges and Opportunities Financial sustainability is a common challenge for every philanthropic organization. Friends of Khasdobir is no different. On the ground, KYAG has faced some difficulties in bringing women out of their homes to participate in training programmes. Friends of Khasdobir also finds that the targeted population does not always stay in touch with the organization for continued appraisal and/or support. In Bangladesh, the rate of school dropouts is very high and it is often difficult to send children back to school once they give up, especially if the reasons are economic. This has turned out to be a big challenge for KYAG to ensure complete schooling for dropouts.

35 IMDAD-SITARA KHAN FOUNDATION

www.iskkc.org

‘Giving hope’ The Imdad-Sitara Khan Foundation (ISKF) has focused its work on the great need for local medical facilities for kidney patients in Bangladesh who in most parts of the country are required to travel great distances for treatment. Bangladeshi expatriates Dr Imdad H. Khan and his wife Mrs Sitara A. Khan originally established the Khan Family Foundation in the USA in 2003 to donate funds to different philanthropic organizations around the world. ISKF was in turn established as a trust under the patronage of the Khan Family Foundation, specifically to carry out philanthropic activities in Bangladesh. Its focus was not clear until the US chapter of the Old Rajshahi Cadets Association (ORCA-USA) approached the foundation to help fund kidney centres. The foundation plans to open more such centres in cooperation with OCRA-USA. The US-based Independent Dialysis Foundation Inc has donated 39 dialysis machines for the centres. The foundation ultimately seeks to

36 IMdad-Sitara Khan Foundation set up facilities for kidney transplants in addition to dialysis at its centres. In addition to establishing kidney centres, the foundation funds the Imdad-Sitara Khan Scholarship for meritorious but financially insolvent students to pursue higher studies in science, engineering 11 and medicine .

The Context According to the Bangladesh Kidney Foundation's statistics, about 40,000 people in Bangladesh die from kidney diseases every year due to inadequate dialysis facilities. Many kidney patients are forced to resign themselves to an early and avoidable death due to lack of local treatment centres or exorbitant costs. The cost of treatment forces many others to compromise on the number of dialysis sessions their condition requires, while also devastating families financially. Against this backdrop, ORCA-USA approached ISKF to establish five kidney centres in Bangladesh of which four are currently functioning.

Organization and Governance ISKF is registered as a non-profit organization in Bangladesh under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It has a five-member advisory council and a nine-member executive committee. The foundation’s activities are overseen by the executive committee. Each Imdad-Sitara Khan Kidney Centre has an operation-in-charge. Steven S Guest, nephrologist at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Santa Clara, CA, and Dr Shamim Ahmed, a professor of nephrology at the National Institute of Kidney Diseases & Urology, Bangladesh are patrons of the foundation.

37 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Finance and Fundraising The Imdad-Sitara Khan Foundation itself provides some funding for its projects, while donations from likeminded organizations and individuals also play a contributory role. The foundation also has a Zakat Fund open for donations. The Independent Dialysis Foundation in Maryland, USA, is a key donor, having donated 39 dialysis machines to the kidney centres, which operate on a non-profit basis. Donations can be made towards purchase of dialysis machines or a piece of land to set up a centre, as well as sponsoring a patient for dialysis or kidney transplant.

Projects and Activities Imdad-Sitara Khan Kidney Centres The foundation in cooperation with ORCA-USA has established Imdad-Sitara Khan Kidney Centres (ISKKCs) in Dhaka, Kushtia, Rangpur and Bogra. Work on another centre in Rajshahi is ongoing.

ISKF ultimately plans to establish kidney centres in district towns throughout Bangladesh. This ambitious project brings hope to kidney patients throughout the country with its mission to provide equal access to quality treatment, including eventually kidney transplants, for all. The foundation is also planning to launch a campaign to raise public awareness for prevention of kidney diseases and publish informative journals and booklets on nephrology.

Imdad-Sitara Khan Scholarships The Imdad-Sitara Khan Foundation launched a scholarship program in 2004 to help poor but gifted students pursue higher studies. With

38 IMdad-Sitara Khan Foundation an annual budget of $120,000, a total of 450 students receive the Imdad-Sitara Khan scholarship annually. Of them, 150 scholarships go to medicine students, 120 to engineering students, 120 to science students and 60 to HSC students. SpaandanB, a non-profit organization also run by US-based expatriate Bangladeshis, is responsible for selecting and distributing the scholarships. A committee comprising nine reputed academics from top Bangladeshi universities nominate students for the award following a review of their academic records and financial status. Awardees are firstly nominated for one year, but the scholarships are renewed every year until graduation. The renewal is subject to certain level of academic achievement.

Challenges and Opportunities The Imdad-Sitara Khan Foundation plans to establish quality kidney centres with haemo and peritoneal dialysis facilities for outpatients in every district town. The centres will help detect renal complications through adequate bio-chemical investigation and routine examination. The foundation also has plans to gradually equip these centres with instruments for kidney transplantation and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis, and other advanced devices. It also aims to establish a modern comprehensive Kidney Hospital, Medical College and Research Centre and training centres for advanced medical knowledge. To achieve these ambitious goals, the foundation will require significant funding. To this end it is planning to organize and mobilize donors, especially Bangladeshi expatriates, to exploit their economic, technical and moral support to set up, equip and run its kidney centres and further projects.

39 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Being a non-profit organization, the foundation’s kidney centres face an enormous challenge to provide free facilities to poor patients in the world’s most densely populated country. Greater links with other kidney foundations at home and abroad are also being fostered for mutual benefit.

40 MATI

www.mati-net.de

‘Self-defined development’ Mati Bangladesh was established in 1998 with a vision of “self- defined sustainable development”, seeking to empower the rural poor to choose the kind of development they want for their communities, while promoting ownership and responsibility for those activities. “We believe that our success has to do with the fact that we work with the people, rather than for the people. Mati is not just a project, it is a community,” says its organizers. Mati was founded by Bangladeshi Lenin Rahman. After studying engineering in Germany, Rahman returned to Bangladesh determined to tackle some of the many problems facing his homeland. Its first objectives were to guarantee access to basic human necessities such as safe drinking water, food, clothes and shelter, sanitation, medical care, basic training and education. Mati began in a small way by training two women as health workers. Gradually it expanded its operations over a wider area. It now helps poor families gain access to funds to start a small business where the lack of capital is a key obstacle to their advancement.

41 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Women living below the poverty line, especially widows, divorced or abandoned mothers, and their children are the key stakeholders of Mati projects. It also seeks to raise awareness of basic human rights in its project areas, and provides practical ad-hoc support in times of crisis and disaster. There are currently 19 villages, with around 10,000 direct beneficiaries—including poor women, children and marginalized groups such as the landless, disabled, religious and other minorities— under different Mati projects.

Organization and Governance Mati eV works in collaboration with its partner organization Mati Bangladesh in the two northern districts of Sherpur and Mymensingh. Mati eV and Mati Bangladesh are two separate and independent organizations. Mati eV is represented by a board that is elected by the general members and is accountable to them. Mati Bangladesh has a seven-member executive committee and 21 general members. Rahman works as executive director of the organization and is responsible for its day-to-day operations. The organization’s head office is in Sankipara, Mymensingh. It also operates separate field offices in Mymensingh and Sherpur. Around 60 full-time employees work for Mati. All its projects are planned in Bangladesh and coordinated through the head office. Mati believes in participatory decision making processes at all levels and conducts frequent meetings to ensure constant improvement and revision of work strategies. It views itself as a facilitator to translate the wishes and needs of the people into action, while placing high emphasis on ownership and responsibility.

42 Mati

Finances and Fundraising Rahman started raising funds by collecting old clothes from his friends and selling them in local flea markets in Germany, while also organizing cultural programs as fundraising events. As Mati expanded, it received greater input from philanthropists around the world. International donors, public grants, sponsors and private members now contribute the majority of funding needed for Mati’s projects. Mati’s main donors are the BMZ or the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development Cooperation; the Hessen Ministry of Economics, Transportation, Urban and Regional Development in Wiesbaden; GTZ, a German enterprise for sustainable development working, in Eschborn and Dhaka; the German Embassy in Dhaka; MISEREOR, the overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Germany; Deswos e.V., the German Development Assistance Association for Social Housing; youth organisation Stiftung Brücke e.V; and Bread for the World.

Projects and Activities Mati has concentrated on two main areas - education for better living and livelihood support. It educates women on basic health care, nutrition, child and prenatal care with the intention that they will share their knowledge and skills with other women. It also runs training facilities in project areas for work skills including sewing, office management and computer literacy. The basis of Mati’s work are women’s groups in the project areas, which meet regularly to discuss their living circumstances and develop ideas on how to improve their situation. Village health workers or field motivators, who visit on a regular basis, assist the groups.

43 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

There are now about 130 women groups, with 15 to 30 members each, totalling around 3,500 women who are actively participating within the Mati framework. Within the extended family and community context, Mati estimates there are around 20,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries of its programs. Under the Livelihood Assistance Initiative, Mati developed programs to develop tree nurseries, small businesses and animal husbandry. It has helped women to set up poultry and dairy farms. Mati has a Kitchen Garden Program, which aims to improve nutritional value of poor families’ diets. It encourages cultivation of small vegetable plots on bare land around homesteads. The organization has also established an elementary school and a special support program called Ashar Alo (Ray of Hope), which helps poor students with financial assistance to enable them to finish school. Mati has also provided several hundred households with sanitary latrines and tube wells. In cooperation with Bread for the World, Mati provides small interest- free credit to ultra poor families to establish small private enterprises. GTZ provides financial assistance to the project. Additional support is also given to the beneficiaries to increase access to health care and sufficient nutrition under the program. Mati Bangladesh also has a special Volunteer Program encouraging Westerners to become active participants in their local Bangladeshi communities to foster greater cultural understanding.

Challenges and Opportunities In a poor country like Bangladesh, where the rate of literacy is still very low, building institutional capacity has proved to be a major stumbling block. Recruiting skilled people for a philanthropic/charity organization

44 Mati also remains a challenge in Bangladesh. The major challenges facing Mati Bangladesh today are lack of capital for small enterprises and conservative attitudes, particularly relating to projects concerning women. Mati sees its greatest achievements in gaining the trust of local communities and involving large numbers of women in its projects. For example, Mati started work in 2006 in Ajmatpur Village, 15 kilometers north of Mymensingh town, where most families were suffering from economic hardship. No household in the village had a fresh water pump or sanitary latrine. Around 80 percent of the villagers do not own their own land, and mainly work as day laborers. There was no school in the locality and most children in the village were undernourished. Yet, the local population was deeply suspicious of help from non- government organizations as two organizations had recently fled the area after taking money from locals in the name of a ‘savings’ project. Mati, however, gained the trust of the people through a simple campaign to de-worm children. Its success encouraged locals to become involved with Mati projects to repair houses, buy cattle and set up latrines and water pumps. The organization went on to form two women’s groups and even established a community savings fund from which small loans are given in times of need. This venture proved highly successful and became a model for future Mati projects.

45 STICHTING LAND ONTWIKKELINGS PROJECT BANGLADESH (SLOPB)

www.sitefeeling-asp.nl

‘Integrated agriculture’ Stichting Land Ontwikkelings Project Bangladesh (SLOPB), based in the Netherlands, embarked on philanthropic activities in 1995 in one upazila of Bangladesh, and is currently focused on helping households there to increase incomes through small-scale aquaculture, poultry farming and homestead gardening. Its ‘Integrated Agriculture' program, in Bauphal upazila in the southern Patuakhali district, provides training, microcredit and other support for poor households to turn their hand to small farming with an eye to improving agricultural production and enhancing supply of vegetables, fishes and poultry production for consumption. SLOPB also runs healthcare projects and works in disaster preparedness and rehabilitation management. The charity was founded by Abdul Motalib Howlader and his partner Ingrid. Motalib was born to a very poor family in Bauphal. Economic hardship had forced Motalib’s father to give up his six-year-old child. A Dutch family adopted Motalib in 1977. Seventeen years later, Motalib returned to Bangladesh with an education and funds for the family he left behind and the people of his birthplace.

46 Stichting Land Ontwikkelings Project Bangladesh (SLOPB)

Its mission was always to improve livelihoods, but its work, starting with a water and sanitation project, initially focused on basic health and social security services for the poor, especially targeting women, children and the disabled. SLOPB, from its inception, also promoted grassroots organizations for economic empowerment of the poor of Bauphal Upazila. It continues to support the development of partner organizations through capacity building to ensure secure livelihoods for the poor and disadvantaged and equal access to, participation in and benefits from social, economic and political spheres.

Organization and Governance SLOPB is an international NGO registered as a charity in the Netherlands. It also registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh in March 1997. It has a two-tier governance system with two boards – a supervisory board in the Netherlands and a local board in Bangladesh. The supervisory board maintains relations with donors and provides policy guidance. The local board provides guidelines for the director of SLOPB working in Bangladesh on the on-going projects, helps devise new projects, oversees their management and other matters. Members of the local board include government employees, NGO employees, businessmen, teachers and lawyers.

Finance and Fundraising All projects run by SLOPB are dependent on donors. It has been able to spend generously on its projects thanks to the Dutch government and the Danish International Development Agency, as well as international humanitarian organizations, foundations and businesses. Among other major donors that responded to SLOPB’s appeals are Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and Concern Bangladesh, as

47 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

well as the Dutch bank Rabobank, Nutreco, a multinational animal nutrition and fish feed company, Intervet, a manufacturer of a wide range of animal pharmaceuticals, the Bosch Foundation and the Stok Foundation.

Individual donors also contribute significant funds The treasurer of the supervisory board manages financial matters. All donations are deposited in a bank account in the Netherlands. All official documents are registered by the notary public at least once every five years.

Projects and Activities

EPIA SLOPB is currently running a Tk 5.75 crore project for Empowerment of the Poor through Integrated Agriculture (EPIA) in Bauphal Upazila of Patuakhali district in southern Bangladesh. The main objective of the project is to ensure transfer of technology to poor households to make them self-reliant. It also aims to improve agricultural production, enhance availability of vegetables, fishes and poultry production for consumption, empower communities with greater knowledge and interest in homestead vegetable growing, aquaculture and home poultry rearing practices. The major activities of the project include training, group formation, micro credit advancement, supporting field production and linkages to local suppliers. A total of 3,000 families or 15,000 people of the locality directly benefit from the EPIA, a five-year donor-assisted project that started in October 2008. Most of the beneficiaries were selected from women headed households.

48 Stichting Land Ontwikkelings Project Bangladesh (SLOPB)

SLDP-2 SLOPB had also worked with the government of Bangladesh to implement the Smallholder Livestock Development Project (SLDP-2) in five coastal districts - Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Patuakhali and Barguna. The objective of the project was to give support to women from the poorest and landless households through sustainable poultry farming. The Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) was also a partner of the project. The project distributed Tk 53.28 lakh to 1,312 project participants.

DPRM SLOPB has initiated Disaster Preparedness & Rehabilitation Management (DPRM) project at a cost of € 50,000. Developing appropriate mitigation and responses to natural disasters is the key task of the project.

Health SLOPB has helped improve the health conditions of 1,500 students of four primary schools of Bauphal under its School Sanitation & Hygiene Education Project. Sanitation facilities, including two toilets, two urinals, five washing corners and one deep tube well with an overhead tank, were constructed for each school. In Bauphal as a whole, SLOPB has helped install 356 deep tube wells, 2,672 latrines and provided health education to 5,378 community people up to December 2003 under its Water and Sanitation Project. The key objective of the project was to reduce water born diseases. An evaluation on the project conducted in November 1999 confirmed that diarrhoea had decreased in the area. SLOPB is also running its own Child Health and Maternity Clinic for antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant mothers and newborn babies.

49 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Two doctors, a medical assistant, two nurses, a pathology technician, two field staff and administrative staff provide the care. Recently a pathological laboratory and indoor treatment facilities were added to the clinic. A referral system has been established with different hospitals in Barisal and Dhaka for complicated cases. The objectives of the program are to reduce the death rate of pregnant mothers and new-born babies, to improve care during pregnancy and during lactation and to give medical support during delivery and emergency time.

Microcredit SLOPB has a Micro Credit Project that was launched to improve socio-economic conditions of its beneficiaries. It has provided over Tk 21.50 lakh to six partner NGOs to support income generation activities. SLOPB introduced a new activity in its micro credit scheme in 2003 to create employment opportunities for the local rickshaw pullers to help a "Rickshaw Puller, to be a Rickshaw owner".

50 SpaandanB

www.spaandanb.org

‘Respect for education’ A handful of expatriate Bangladeshis founded SpaandanB in 1998 to work mainly in the field of education, along with striving to bring some fundamental socio-economic changes to the lives of the people it works with in Bangladesh. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, USA, SpaandanB seeks to instill a sense of respect regarding the advantages of education among the poor Bangladeshi communities it operates in. In this regard, it has undertaken a number of school development projects to create education friendly environments. It also awards scholarships to poor but brilliant students, finances extra-curricular activities, builds infrastructure and helps set up libraries and laboratories at schools. SpaandanB also provides income generating opportunities among the disadvantaged communities and provides food, medicine, shelter and rehabilitation support in times of crises. The organization also runs projects to provide basic health services for its communities, with health infrastructure development being a major focus.

51 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Organization and governance SpaandanB is a charitable organization run by volunteers, with an executive committee tasked with strategic planning. All members of the executive committee are also unpaid volunteers. The president, general secretary and treasurer are elected bi- annually by the executive committee from among committee members at the organization’s administrative office in the USA. The executive committee appoints a country director responsible for operations in Bangladesh. In the Bangladesh office, SpandaanB’s country director heads a team that includes a project coordinator, project monitor and one office staff. Executive committee members regularly visit projects to monitor progress in addition to receiving regular status reports on all projects. Many SpaandanB projects are conceived by individual donors, who are encouraged to become involved in the projects in the longer term. SpaandanB also works only with registered non-government organizations in Bangladesh.

Finance and fundraising SpaandanB is a non-profit organization listed under section 501(c) (3) of the US Internal Revenue Code and incorporated in the State of California. Expatriate Bangladeshis living in the US account for the majority of donors and the organization also accepts Zakat donations. SpaandanB only initiates new funding campaigns after completion of feasibility studies. Projects are handed over to the Bangladesh office for implementation when sufficient funding has been secured.

52 SpaandanB

SpaandanB is notable for having very low overhead costs relative to other non-profit organizations, and independent audits of its finances are conducted on a regular basis in the US. Progress reports and financial statements of its projects in Bangladesh are sent to the executive committee who share the information with donors to ensure transparency. The organization has no salaried employee in the US, while low overheads in the Bangladesh office ensures that no individual project entails more than a 15 percent overhead cost.

Projects and Activities Rural Talent Advancement Program Under the Rural Talent Advancement Program, SpaandanB awards 50 scholarships to high school students selected from 27 schools in Delduar Upazila in Tangail district. School library and computer laboratory development are also among the key features of the project. It also finances various extra-curricular activities including debating clubs, essay competitions and SSC practice tests.

Other Scholarships

12 SpaandanB also distributes the Imdad-Sitara Khan Scholarship , launched in 2004, for higher studies. With an annual budget of $120,000, 450 students receive Imdad-Sitara Khan scholarships every year to support their education through high school and to pursue higher studies in science, engineering and medicine. SpaandanB also helps distribute the Chamanara Scholarship of the Bohumukhi High School in Raipura in Narsinghdi and scholarships of the Nazrul Islam Trust in Galachipa High School in Patuakhali. It also coordinates a scholarship for students of the Bangladesh

53 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

University of Engineering and Technology. Two female students of the electronics and electrical engineering department residing in the female dormitory receive a scholarship each year. With financial assistance from Bilbos Foundation, SpaandanB also established a scholarship program at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in 2001. This program provides $250 per year to two meritorious students majoring in computer science and engineering. Two scholarships of Tk 5,000 each are awarded annually to one female and one male student pursuing undergraduate studies in General History or Islamic History.

School Development Programs SpaandanB has undertaken a number of school development projects to improve basic infrastructure, such as building and outfitting libraries in a bid to create education friendly educational institutions. It co-implements a project with Hunger Project Bangladesh to improve Kuripaika High School at Kuripaika village in Patuakhali district. Development of Modhupur School at Modhupur village in Feni Sadar Upazila and Singhora School in Singhora village of Nawabganj Upazila in Dhaka district are also among its school development program. SpaandanB also assisted in establishing a computer laboratory in the department of linguistics at the University of Dhaka. The organization also contributed $2,000 to Gurudayal College in Kishoreganj, sponsored by one of its donors. Since 1998, SpaandanB has supported two schools in Dhamrai and in Nabinagar, Savar, initiated by the Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation where disabled and able-bodied children study together.

54 SpaandanB

Health Services A number of residents of the San Francisco Bay Area initiated a project at Dhaka Medical College Hospital with SpaandanB to help burn victims. It also sponsored the first five Cleft-Lip Operation Camps run by the DMCH. It co-sponsors the DMCH Pediatric Unit to help financially distressed children with congenital abnormalities by covering expenses for surgical materials. It also helped in improving the infrastructure of the Pediatric Unit. SpaandanB has also partnered with Badhan in Bangladesh, a voluntary blood donor organization, to implement a modern blood transfusion center at the University of Dhaka to promote voluntary blood donation. The organization has also been co-sponsoring a free health clinic at Parchanga village in Comilla district since 2000. Aiming to cut infant and maternal mortality rate, SpaandanB also opened the Haridashi Child Care and Nutrition Center in Gokorno village in Brahmanbaria district where children and expecting mothers are provided basic health care services and nutritious food. In 2008, SpaandanB engaged with HWCCNC in a 3-year contract to build a laboratory in the village.

‘Sustained Subsistence’ SpaandanB started working in sustainable livelihoods with a project called Gram Theke Shuru, which means "starting from the village". It operates in Masimnagar, Kanchanpur and Salimabad villages in Brahmanbaria district and provides small scale monetary support to underprivileged villagers to assist them build income generating activities such as rearing livestock. Gram Theke Shuru is a specific donor supported and monitored project. SpaandanB is running another income-generation project called the Sewing Training Program with HELP-ORCA, which aims to promote self-sufficiency in women.

55 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

The organization also provides emergency money in the event of natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.

Successes Following the launch of the Rural Talent Advancement Program, the average passing rate for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees has improved from before and increased to 70 percent in Delduar Upazila in Tangail district. Furthermore, around half of the RTAP scholarship recipients have obtained high marks (GPA-5) in recent SSC exams. SpaandanB also counts its healthcare initiatives among its successes.

56 THE OPTIMISTS

www.theoptimists.org

‘55 cents a day’ The Optimists, a US-based volunteer-driven charity, has been running sponsorship programs since 2001 for some of the most vulnerable children in Bangladesh. Education, which is at the heart of The Optimists’ programs, has helped hundreds of children continue schooling despite multiple adversities. Orphans and the children of abandoned, divorced or otherwise single mothers are the key beneficiaries of its major programs. The Child Sponsorship Program provides food, clothing, school fees, books and medical care for beneficiaries up to Class 12, for just “55 cents a day” or $ 200 a year. The Special Sponsorship Program provides financial assistance to children of dispossessed families who want to pursue higher studies. The charity also runs a Disaster Relief Program in times of need. The Optimists claims to be unique since the entire organization is managed and run by unpaid volunteers and paying members, 13 mainly in the US and Bangladesh , with only 10 percent of 14 membership fees/donations going to running costs .

57 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

The Context In a country like Bangladesh with pervasive poverty, there are few means to accommodate orphans or children abandoned by one or both parents. “Amenities and opportunities such as food, shelter, education, medical care, access to clean water and sanitation, established as birth rights in the developed world, are nothing but distant dreams for millions of Bangladeshi children,” The Optimists points out. “Those of us who have our roots in Bangladesh have witnessed these stark realities,” say the founders, who want to bring hope in the lives of the “distressed, dispossessed and deprived children of Bangladesh”.

Organization and Governance The Optimists, headquartered in New York and founded in 2000, is a charity incorporated in the state of New York and registered with the New York State Charities Bureau. With a branch office in Dhaka and six district offices, it is also registered under the NGO Affairs Bureau in Bangladesh. It is run and managed by a board of directors in the US. It also has a principal executive committee that nominates members to the country executive committee in Bangladesh. The country CEO, who works as a volunteer and does not receive any remuneration, oversees projects, while volunteers in project areas monitor the disbursement of benefits, well-being of the sponsored children and their progress in school. The district level volunteer committees report their observations and assessments regularly to the Bangladesh branch office. The sponsor is provided with full details of their sponsored children along with periodic progress reports. The sponsors may also establish

58 The Optimists direct contact with the children if they wish and monitor their progress.

Finance and fundraising Funds come mostly from patrons, individual donations, sponsorships, membership fees, website appeals, and fundraising events such as cultural programs. Almost all of the donated money is spent directly on the children. Some of the funds from donors go towards project management expenses. Other costs are met through specific donations from patrons and members.

Members The Optimists has three types of members, general members, donor members, and donor supporters. Members volunteer their services for six months. Each member must also sponsor at least one child. The principal executive committee of the organization grants memberships to individuals on application. Membership also requires recommendation of the board of directors. For general members, the one-off non-refundable application fee is $500.00 and monthly membership fee is $10.00. Donor members who give $2,000 a year including sponsorship of 2 children or advertisement in the organization’s publications are particularly honored for their significant contributions. Donor supporters give $500.00 a year including sponsorship of 1 child or advertisement in the organization’s publications.

Projects and Activities The Optimists has three running projects in seven districts – Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Narayanganj, Rangpur, Comilla, Munshiganj and

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Habiganj. The sponsorship programs have reached 366 children.

Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) This is a 10-year program designed to keep sponsored children in school. Children from Class 3 to Class 12, who otherwise would not be able to go to school, are given educational support including clothing, food, regular and emergency healthcare. Each child is supported by one sponsor.

15 It costs the sponsor US 55 cents a day or US $200.00 or equivalent a year, which provides primary school students with Tk 6,000 and junior and secondary school students Tk 7,200 per year. In addition, each student is given two sets of clothing as well as winter wear and a pair of shoes; a schoolbag, pens, pencils, paper, binders and books. They are also provided with soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and nail cutter. Each student gets their health checked up four times a year and treatment if necessary. Children are selected on the basis of financial need. Those who have lost fathers or both parents get priority. The selection process of sponsored children follows a set criteria and examination process to determine the deserving children. Volunteer mentors monitor the disbursement of stipends and progress of the sponsored children at school and home.

Special Sponsorship Program (SSP) This six-year program provides financial support for children of dispossessed families who achieve high marks (GPA-5) in SSC and HSC examinations to encourage them to pursue higher studies and earn a degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, English Language, Law, Business Administration or Medicine at a public university or medical college. It costs US 85 cents a day or $310 or equivalent a year and to receive continued support throughout the six years is contingent on the

60 The Optimists students’ performance. The financial assistance amounts to a lump sum yearly payment of Tk 7,500 for admission fees, books, supplies and clothes, and monthly financial assistance of Tk 1,000 for food and boarding.

Disaster Relief Program (DRP) This is a donor-based program run during times of need. Any donor can donate any amount of money for victims of natural disaster such as floods and cyclones. Although it is not a regular program and only active in emergencies, donations to this program are accepted year round.

Challenges and Opportunities The Optimists finds its present assets, funds and set up are insufficient to maintain its projects and future goals as per guidelines given by its board. The charity was aiming at one time to bring at least 15 districts under its coverage by the end of 2010. Also, realities on the ground remain the biggest obstacle for the success of its programs to encourage schooling since many families still depend on the income of their children. Despite tremendous efforts and wide-ranging assistance, many of its beneficiaries are still leaving school to earn money for their families. Collection of funds is another problem. Sponsorship money often arrives late. But, though The Optimists has faced temporary shortage of funds several times for not receiving sponsorship money on time or sponsors dropped out altogether, the organization has always managed to maintain programs and individual sponsorships uninterrupted. The Optimists eventually hopes to bring the whole country under coverage of its programs.

61 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

It also plans to launch more programs to encourage children to continue their education including providing tuition and textbooks for qualified poor high school students, income generation schemes for the families to cut dependency on the income of children, computer training, student loans for higher studies and job placement.

62 UK CHILDREN AID TRUST FUND

www.ukcatf.com

‘No more homeless children’ “I don’t want to see any more children homeless or on the streets. As human beings we should help each other,” Abdul Khalik Ayub, founder of the UK Children Aid Trust Fund, said during a recent field trip to Bangladesh. Ayub, a Bangladeshi expatriate settled in the United Kingdom, established the organization to provide the youth of his motherland, especially street children, with a helping hand in life. The roots of this organization, lying in the tireless charitable work of one man and his family, are still very much in evidence, although the need to set the Fund on a firmer footing is also now equally evident. Born in Sylhet, Ayub migrated to the UK at the age of 14 and is now in his late fifties. He started his charitable work with individual donations to poor children to help them continue their studies, but the scale of problems facing children in his home country quickly led to the establishment of UK Children Aid Trust Fund. The Fund also broadened its scope to include healthcare of poor children, particularly orphans and the homeless.

63 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Until now the activities of the Fund have relied on Ayub’s generosity, although the success of its projects pressed home the need to institutionalize his work and register the organization with the UK authorities.

Organisation and Governance UK Children Aid Trust Fund is still run by a single family, and although it has registered as a charitable organization in the UK, it is yet to take on a more formal structure. There was no system to ensure accountability, no reporting to stakeholders until 2006. Ayub is the chairman of the board of trustees and his family still makes up all other members of the board. He has been overseeing the projects undertaken by the organization from the beginning. But Ayub is now finding it difficult to run the organization as it broadens its scope. The Fund is therefore considering a stronger management system.

Funds and Fundraising The majority of donations to UK Children Aid Trust Fund still come from its founder, his family and relatives. However, the growing need for money has led to an increase in the number of donors, which now inlcudes friends and the wider Bangladeshi expatriate community in the UK. To date, fund raising has also been undertaken through television appeals, newsletters and via the Internet, in addition to door-to-door collections.

Projects and Activities Housing for homeless children in Bangladesh lies at the core of UK Children Aid Trust Fund activities.

64 UK Children Aid Trust Fund

The trust fund is now constructing a shelter on a one-and-a-half acre site in Habiganj district, Sylhet division for both boys and girls where they will also be provided with basic education. Ayub has also helped young people to find a means of livelihood off the street, providing rickshaws to some, while others now run small shops. Many families have now been lifted out of poverty through the work of UK Children Aid Trust Fund, says it founder. The Fund also provides financial assistance to a madrasa in Habiganj. The money covers the operational costs of the institution as well as the education of a number of children there who would otherwise be homeless. The trust provides the very poor with medical support, with particular consideration given to individuals diagnosed with severe health problems. UK Children Aid Trust Fund helped many families devastated by cyclones Sidr and Aila in 2008 and 2009. The fund provided housing to severely affected families as well as distributing food, water, clothes and medicine in the aftermath. The founder of UK Children Aid Trust Fund also personally distributes meat among the poor each year on Eid-ul-Azha.

Challenges and Opportunities The success and rapid expansion of the Fund’s activities requires far greater funding for the future. In line with this expansion, a more formal organizational structure is required to ensure sustainability of projects. The UK Children Aid Trust Fund presently lacks adequate planning to sustain the long term viability of its projects. If structures and planning can be ensured, the organization will be put on a firm footing and greater donor support can be secured. According to Ayub, a major challenge is the need for greater transparency of the Fund’s programs.

65 VOLUNTEERS ASSOCIATION FOR BANGLADESH (VAB)

www.vabonline.org

‘Education for poverty alleviation’ The Volunteers Association for Bangladesh, founded in 1998, believes poverty alleviation depends on a strong science and technology base underpinned by excellence in education at all levels and a well-trained ICT work force. The US-based group supports quality education, better schools and computer access for the underprivileged youth of rural Bangladesh. To fulfill this mission, VAB activities in Bangladesh include scholarships for poor students, improving educational facilities in poor areas, training for teachers and establishing computer literacy centers. Although its focus is on secondary education, it also works at the preschool and college levels. Headquartered in New York State, VAB’s members come from across the US and include diaspora in other countries. VAB is a member of InterAction—the largest coalition of US-based international NGOs with over 180 member organizations focused on “interconnected missions of development and humanitarian action” in developing countries-giving it access to international donor expertise, networks, and best practices.

66 Volunteers Association for Bangladesh (VAB)

Organization and Governance VAB was registered as a charity in New York in 1998. It received IRS tax-exempt status in February 1999 that enabled it to draw volunteers and raise funds more effectively. In 2003, VAB launched a New Jersey chapter, which runs the computer literacy program in Bangladesh with the help of D.Net, a local NGO. It opened its Dhaka office in 2005, registering with the NGO Affairs Bureau in Bangladesh in 2006. Its US office is tasked with policy, planning and designing projects and raising funds while the Bangladesh office executes the projects. Both offices have an executive body, board of directors, advisors, and other members. VAB’s activities are decentralized and participation is encouraged from many communities. With volunteerism as the key principle, VAB welcomes time, labor, expertise and specialized skills in IT, research and management. VAB has five paid employees in Bangladesh. But its services are also delivered through volunteers which has helped VAB to keep its overhead cost low. For example, graduate students from various universities in Dhaka, trained by VAB, volunteer to deliver and monitor VAB inputs in schools. Members of its advisory committee also offer expertise and time in planning and organizing other projects such as teacher training and computer training. Audits of both US and Bangladesh operations of the organization are done annually.

Finances and Fundraising VAB’s fund-raising initiatives began initially through direct mailing to Bangladeshis in the US. It also undertakes occasional community- based fundraising, places newspaper advertisements and goes to

67 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

individual contacts to raise money. Corporations, foundations and institutional donors are also sometimes approached for additional funds. VAB has received great support from non-Bangladeshi individuals too, mostly former Peace Corps volunteers. Non-Bangladeshis comprise 31 percent of the VAB's 400 patrons on its donor list. VAB New Jersey launched a special scheme to fund its Computer Literacy Program, whereby individuals can directly donate computers or sponsor computer centers in Bangladesh. Around 75 percent of VAB’s existing computer centers were established under this system. Sponsors now cover two-thirds of the costs of the Computer Literacy Program. VAB also divides its volunteers or associates in the US into different groups based on their skills and expertise. Its Fundraising Associates conduct research to identify potential donors. Grant-writing Associates write proposals to foundations and donor organizations. Marketing Associates design and develops content for marketing materials and prepare fundraising letters. Publicity & Outreach Associates contact media and other organizations for PR purposes. School & College Outreach coordinators work on fundraising activities with high school and college organizations. Corporate Sponsorship Coordinators work with companies to raise funds through matching grants and corporate sponsorships. There are also Management & Administration Associates who support a variety of management and administrative tasks.

Projects and Activities VAB runs innovative programs in 32 schools around the country to address the challenges that poor students face in rural Bangladesh. These include a Preschool Program, High School Scholarship Program, College Scholarship Program, School Improvement

68 Volunteers Association for Bangladesh (VAB)

Program, Teacher Training Program and a Volunteers Training Program and Computer Literacy Program. The High School Scholarship Program runs in VAB’s 32 assisted schools, including five girls’ schools, with 20 students from each school receiving scholarships. The scholarship money covers textbooks, exercise books, educational materials, exam and tuition fees, and uniforms. Over 3,000 students have benefited from this program so far. Under the College Scholarship Program, VAB has provided 201 college scholarships at an annual cost of $150 per student since 2005. The School Improvement Program has so far provided 15 schools with computers, books, science equipment, and sports and cultural equipment. The Teacher Training Program was launched as VAB believes qualified teachers are a prerequisite for quality education and schools in rural Bangladesh are dangerously short of qualified teachers. So far, a total of 400 teachers have received training under this program. VAB also trains its volunteers, who operate and monitor programs. After two days of training in practical research methods, interviewing techniques, accounting procedures, and a day of fieldwork, each intern is assigned one or two schools for a year. VAB also supports ad-hoc activities in response to natural disasters. After Cyclone Sidr in 2007, for example, VAB leveraged its donor base to raise funds on behalf of relief activities.

Computer Literacy Program (CLP) In 2004, VAB’s New Jersey chapter launched the Computer Literacy Program to make personal computers and basic computer training accessible to economically disadvantaged Bangladeshi youth.

69 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

VABNJ has partnered with D.Net (Development Research Network), an NGO in Bangladesh to run the CLP. So far, 107 centers in schools and other learning centres have trained 18,000 young people in computer literacy. VABNJ raises program funds from individuals and organizations, ships personal computers to Bangladesh for distribution and develops the computer literacy curriculum in consultation with experts in Bangladesh. D.Net is responsible for receiving and storing the computers in a distribution center, selecting schools and learning centers together with VAB in underprivileged areas, providing requisite training to designated instructors from the recipient institutions and maintaining the donated computers for at least one year; and monitoring progress through site visits.

Successes Students who attended the 32 VAB-assisted schools scored 5 percentage points higher than the national average in the 2009 Secondary School Certificate exams. – 92% of VAB scholarship awardees passed the exam – 82% passed with an “A-” grade or higher – 19% passed with an “A+” Kamal Hossain, a 2006 VAB college scholarship recipient, secured admission to Mitford medical school in Dhaka. The New York State Assembly has cited VAB for its “extraordinary contribution” stating “the efforts of VAB have touched the lives of countless people and are worthy of special recognition.”

70 Volunteers Association for Bangladesh (VAB)

Challenges and Opportunities VAB is now at an important juncture as it stands poised to becoming a mid-size organizations with a million-dollar budget. There are also plans to introduce vocational training at VAB-assisted schools and an integrated program in 50 schools around the country for secondary level students aimed at empowering them to make recommendations on government policies. The most daunting challenge is to mobilize funds for these ambitious projects.

71 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Footnote

1 See later section on methodology.

2 The largest concentration of Bangladeshi Diaspora in the industrialized countries is based in the USA and UK with one estimate placing the figure at 500,000 in each country.

3 This section is based on information from the Bangladesh Country Paper by Safi Rahman Khan presented at the Fourth Regional Conference of the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium on Diaspora Giving: An Agent of Change in Asia Pacific Communities? (http://www.asiapacificphilanthropy.org/files/ APPC%20Diaspora %20Giving_Bangladesh.pdf)

4 Johnson, P. D. (2007): Diaspora Philanthropy: Influences, Initiatives, and Issues. Boston, MA: The Philanthropic Initiative, Inc. and The Global Equity Initiative, Harvard University.

5 Khan, S (2008): Bangladesh Paper, Diaspora Giving: An Agent of Change in Asia Pacific Communities? Fourth Regional Conference of the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium.

6 See Database.

7 See Table of Contents and Case Studies

8 See separate case study on Volunteers Association for Bangladesh (VAB)

9 Project Khulna (three schools in the villages of Patharkhali, Bedkashi and Amadi), Alok Shishu Shikhalay (a slum school in Agargaon, Dhaka), Pearabagh School (a slum school in Moghbazar, Dhaka), Lalitnagar High School (Lalitnagar, Rajshahi), Gono Udyog Girls High School (Laksham, Comilla), Madaripur High School (Madaripur), and Doshgram High School (Doshgram, Sylhet), Sajek School (Sajek, Rangamati) and Mirpur Slum School (Mirpur, Dhaka).

10 £ 1 = approx Tk 100

72 Footnote

11 The scholarship is distributed by SpaandanB; see separate case study on SpaandanB.

12 See separate case study on Imdad-Sitara Khan Foundation

13 There are also a few volunteers in the UK and Canada who coordinate some activities.

14 However, other organizations in this series also describe themselves as wholly volunteer-run with low overheads, with at least one organization, Agami, claiming 100 percent of their donations go to beneficiaries as members pay all running costs.

15 $ 1 = approx Tk 70

73 74 PROFILES

Photo: Courtesy of Kathleen Jackson, Friends of Khasdobir

75 76 PROFILES OF DIASPORA ORGANIZATIONS

The profiles below were compiled based on information available on the organizational websites. It is assumed that majority of the organizations profiled have been initiated by Diaspora members while some may have been established by non-Bangladeshis with links to Bangladesh.

Sl. Organization

Germany

1. Mati eV Year Founded: 1997 Registration Status.: Charities recognize as association Contact person: Lelen Rahman Address: PO Box 4162 , 65 031 Wiesbaden, Tel: 0163 / 4639807 or 0176 / 23,625,086 , [email protected], mati- [email protected], www.mati-net.de Area of Interest: Heath, education, income generation of poor. Projects in Bangladesh: Basic Risk Management vs Health, Hygiene, nutrition, Create income for women, Education and training in Mymensingh and Sherpur district.

77 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization

Netherlands

2. Bangladesh Support Group (BASUG) Year Founded: 2005 Registration Status: Reg. as Foundation Contact person: Mr Bikash Chowdhury Barua, President Address: Dr. J. Presserstraat 30, 2552 Ln The Hague Tel: +31(0)6-106.444.71, Fax: +31(0)70-381.82.04 [email protected], [email protected], www.basug.nl Area of Interest: Women and children, Advocacy for Bangladesh Projects in Bangladesh: Vulnerable & Underprivileged Rural Women, Violence Against Women & Child Marriage, Micro-credit program for the poor women in Hobiganj, Sona Handicraft & Sewing Centre, Children & women project in Laksham.

3. Stichting Land Ontwikkelings Project Bangladesh (S.L.O.P.B) Year Founded: 1995 Registration No.: 41085662 Contact person: Motalib Weijters, Founder Address: Postbus 295, 5830 AG BOXMEER tel +31(0) 413-246359, E-mail: [email protected], www.sitefeeling-asp.nl Area of Interest: Socio Economic development Projects in Bangladesh:Integrated Agriculture, Disaster Preparedness & Rehabilitation Management (DPRM), School Sanitation & Hygiene Education, Water and sanitation, micro-credit, clinic in Patuakhali.

78 Profiles of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization

New Zealand

4. Bangladesh New Zealand Friendship Society (BNZFS) Year Founded: 1991 Contact person: Dr. Mohammed Islam Shakhu Address: 264 Great North Road (Level 1), Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, PO Box: 27-701, Mt. Roskill, Auckland 1440, Tel: +64-(0)9-378-0099, Fax: +64-(0)9-378-0091, [email protected], www.bnzfs.org Area of Interest: Community activities Projects in Bangladesh: Relief during disaster

UK

5. Aisha Welfare Trust (BD) Year Founded: 2007 Registration No.: 1122513 Contact person: M A Chowdhury, Chairman and Founder Address: Yasmeen Mansion, 227 Mather Avenue, Allerton, Liverpool, L18 9UB, Tel:/Fax: 0044(0) 151 427 8399, Mobile:0044 (0) 7956 209 925(UK), [email protected], [email protected], www.aishawelfaretrust.org Area of Interest: Poor women and children Projects in Bangladesh: Poor & orphaned children as student with free food and accommodation. Hoping to implement a project Safe Haven with £7 million.

79 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization

6. Anonddo Charity Year Founded: 1997 Registration No.: 1126435 Contact person: Tahirul Hasan (Juned), Founder Address: Anonddo House, 24 Cornish Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5JU Tel: 07903 740131 [email protected], www.anonddo.co.uk Area of Interest: Health, education, relief Projects in Bangladesh: Mobile medical unit in Northern Bangladesh, Student Sponsorship, Flood Relief in Sylhet

7. Asad Ghazi Foundation (AGF,UK) Year Founded: 2003 Registration No.: 1116410 Contact person: Saad Ghazi Address: 20 Demesne Road, Wallington, SM6 8PP [email protected] www.agfoundation.co.uk, 0208 6473202 Area of Interest: Education, health, Projects in Bangladesh: Skill training, charitable dispensary, Children (Orphanage) and orphanage hostel, building masjid in Sylhet

8. Bagerkhal Welfare & Education Association (UK) Year Founded: 2003 (Reg. 2008) Registration No.: 1124449 Contact person: Alhaj Ukil Ali Address: Flat 6 Barnard House, Ellsworth Street, London, E2 0AT , 07940 656 520, www.bweacharity.org Area of Interest: Helping poor and building Masjid and Madrasa Projects in Bangladesh: The Masjid and Madrasa Project, Education for the Orphans, Care and Support for the Orphans in Sylhet

80 Profiles of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization

9. Beacon of Light Year Founded: 2001 Contact person: Dr M Habibe Millat, Founder Address: 35 Queen Borough Garden, Gants Hill Ilford, Essex IG2 6XZ, Tel +447956513729, [email protected] [email protected], www.bol.uk.com Area of Interest: Education, vocational training, healthcare support, poverty alleviation, conservation of environment Projects in Bangladesh: 10 Bed hospital, scholarship, schools in Sirajgonj

10. Bhola's Children Year Founded: 2007 Registration No.: 1118345 Contact person: Dinah Wiener Address: 12 Cornwall Grove, London, W4 2LB [email protected], www.bholaschildren.org 020 8994 6011 Area of Interest: Orphaned and disabled children Projects in Bangladesh: A home and school for orphaned and disabled children in Bhola.

11. Digdeep for Bangladesh Year Founded: 1999 Registration No.: 1100939 Contact person: Adam Tucker Address:Trevethick, Cragg Drive, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8BE, [email protected], www.digdeep.org Area of Interest: Poverty eradication, health Projects in Bangladesh: Primary health care in Dhaka

81 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization

12. Friends of Khasdobir Year Founded: 2006. Registration No.: 1116316 Contact person: Mrs Kathleen Jackson or Ken Prideaux-Brune Address: 13 Hollybush Lane, Amersham, Bucks. HP6 6EB Tel: 01494 433871. Email: [email protected], www.khasdobir.org.uk Area of Interest: Education, social welfare Projects in Bangladesh: Schools under the Sky, High School program, Sewing, Training, Welfare support.

13. Tayyeb Hussain Foundation Year Founded: 2002 Registration No.: 1102428 Contact person: Tahmina Hussain Address: 103 Normanshire Drive, London, E4 9HB [email protected] www.thfoundation.org.uk, 20885242868 Area of Interest: Education, Health, Research, sports Projects in Bangladesh: Sarah Memorial Girls High School, Tahmina Hussain Women's Hostel, Khorshed Alam Public Library and Information Centre, Teg Ali Shah Clinic, Tayyeb Hussain Foundation Chair at the University of Dhaka, THF sports Centre.

82 Profiles of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization

14. The Shumon Momen Foundation Year Founded: 1992. Registration No.: 1059056 Contact person: Nilufar Momen Address: 21 Edwina Gardens, Ilford, IG4 5BS [email protected], www.shumonmomen.com Tel: 0208 924 8976 Area of Interest: leukaemia research, education Projects in Bangladesh: To support or otherwise help research in leukaemia, Promote children's education in the tea estate in Sylhet

15. The Sreepur Village, Bangladesh Year Founded: 1978 Registration No.: 1085008 Contact person: Mrs P Silvester Address: PO Box 104 , Beckenham , Kent BR3 4HN , Tel: 020 8650 8208, [email protected] , www.sreepurvillage.org Area of Interest: Women and children development in Bangladesh Projects in Bangladesh: Financial support to Shishu Polli Plus (the Sreepur Village)

16. UK-Bangladesh Education Trust Year Founded: 1993 Registration No.: 1027704 Contact person: Abdul Khalik Ayub Address: [email protected], www.ukbet-bd.org Area of Interest: Education Projects in Bangladesh: English Language club, English Language Teaching Method.

83 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization

USA

17. Adhunika Foundation Year Founded: 12/09/2007 Registration No.: 2270 Contact person: Shahnaz S. Yousuf, Founder & President Address: 20-58 Crescent St. # 1B, Astoria, NY 11105, Phone: 212-787- 6514, Phone: 646-484-8743, [email protected], www.adhunika.org Area of Interest: Education, health care, Information technology, environment Projects in Bangladesh: Basic IT and English course in Dhaka.

18. Agami Year Founded: Started 1992, registration in 2004 Registration No.: Tax ID 73-1683721 Contact person: Sabir Majumder, [email protected] Address: PO Box 3178, Fremont, CA 94539, [email protected], www.agami.org Area of Interest: Education, disaster, relief and rehabilitation Projects in Bangladesh: Education program in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Madaripur, Sylhet, Khulna, Comilla.

19. Bangla IT Year Founded: April 1, 2001 Registration Status.: IRS tax exempted Contact person: Muhammad Sayeed Rahman, Founder, Address: 435 Village Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA, Tel: 5024186948, [email protected], www.banglait.org Area of Interest: Information technology Projects in Bangladesh: BUET, Dhaka University, NSU

84 Profiles of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization

20. Bangladesh Center for Community Development Inc. Year Founded: 1991 Registration Status: IRS tax-exempt Contact person: President: MS Alam Address: 313 N Glebe Road, Suite 209000, Arlingon, VA 22203, Tel 703 243 1500, [email protected] www.dcbanglaschool.org/bccdi Area of Interest: Community development Projects in Bangladesh: Help needy people in Bangladesh

21. Drishtipat Year Founded: 2001 Registration No.: IRS Tax ID 38-3657939. Contact person: Asif saleh, Executive Director Address: Drishtipat, c/o Shafaq Islam, 25-24 23rd Street, Apt. 3-F, Astoria, NY 11102, [email protected], www.drishtipat.org Chapters: Canada : info@ canada.drishtipat.org, Australia: info@ australia.drishtipat.org, London: [email protected], New York: [email protected], DC: [email protected] Chicago: [email protected], Virginia: [email protected] , Boston: [email protected] Area of Interest: Human rights in Bangladesh Projects in Bangladesh: Campaign for Child domestic workers, Saving Bhobodoho, Rehabilitation of paralyzed people in Bangladesh, Rehabilitation of Acid Victims, Garments workers rights, Climate Change

85 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization

22. Hope Foundation for Women & Children of Bangladesh, Inc. Registration Status: Register under the IRS Contact person: Iftikher Mahmood, MD Address: 16401 NW 2nd Ave, Ste 202, Miami, FL 33169 , Tel: 305 318 0142, Email:[email protected], www.hopeforbangladesh.org Area of Interest: Health Projects in Bangladesh: Cox's Bazar Hospital for Women & Children, Five Hope Medical Centers, Hope Ambulance Service.

23. Hridoya Bangladesh Year Founded: 2007 Registration Status.: Reg. as charitable organization Contact person: Nazmun Nahar, President Address: 1180 Reed AVE APT 32 Sunnyvale CA 94086-8436, [email protected], www.hridoyabangladesh.org Area of Interest: Education Projects in Bangladesh: Gonit Shikkhon Kormoshuchi (Math Learning Program) with Bangladesh Math Olympiad, Help Bangladeshi Brilliant Students to Continue Their Education, Help High School Students

24. Imdad-Sitara Khan Foundation, USA Year Founded: 2003 Contact person: Dr. Abu Hena M. Kamal, Managing Director Address: 3351 Tracy Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95051, Tel: 408-241-3544, [email protected], www. iskkc.org Area of Interest: Health, education Projects in Bangladesh: Kidney centers in Dhaka, Kushtia, Bogra, Rajshahi and scholarship program for students.

86 Profiles of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization

25. Jalokona Registration No.: US Tax ID 87 079 9891 Contact person: Adnan Mahmud, Co-Founder and CEO Address: P O Box 2153, Kirkland, WA 98083, [email protected], www.jolkona.org Area of Interest: Empowerment, public health, education, cultural identity, environment Projects in Bangladesh: 15 Prosthetics in Bangladesh

26. Probini Foundation Inc. Year Founded: 1990 Contact person: Chairperson: Dr. S. G. Dastidar Address: 80-56 251 Street, Queens, NY 11426, [email protected], www.probini.org Area of Interest: Education Projects in Bangladesh: Girls' dormitory for AndharManik Girls' High School, Bagerhat, Bangladesh Ramakrishna Orphanage, Comilla, Barisal Poor College Student Scholarship, Chirar Bandar Kochna School, Dinajpur, Gandhi Ashram School, Noakhali

27. Samhati Year Founded: 1984 Registration Status: tax identification number 52-1390261 Contact person: Jahanara Hasan, Joint Secretary Address: 3426 Blair Rd., Falls Church, VA 2204, 703-931-9668, [email protected], www.samhati.org Area of Interest: Women development in Bangladesh Projects in Bangladesh: Natore eco village, Katakhali Barabaishdia project, cyclone project

87 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization

28. Sparsha-The Bangladeshi Community of San Diego Year Founded: 2006. Registration Status: Under IRS section 501(c)(3) (A). Contact person: Mr. Tariq Address: [email protected] www. sparsha-sd.org, Area of Interest: Relief Projects in Bangladesh: Donation in SIDR

29. The Optimists Year Founded: 2000 Registration Status: IRS Tax exempted status Contact person: Mohammed A Bhuiyan, General Secretary Address: 25-78, 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11102 , Tel: 718 278 4953, Fax: 718 554 3832 [email protected], www.theoptimists.org Area of Interest: Human rights, Education, Healthcare, Disaster relief and rehabilitation Projects in Bangladesh: Child Sponsorship Program (CSP), Disaster Relief Program (DRP), Special Sponsorship Program (SSP)

30. Volunteers Association for Bangladesh (VAB) Year Founded: 1998 Registration Status: IRS tax-exempt status Contact person: Dr. A. T. Rafiqur Rahman, Founding President Address: 122 Taxter Road, Irvington, New York 10533, Telephone: 1- 914-591-8635 [email protected], arahman10 @aol.com www.vabonline.org Area of Interest: Education Projects in Bangladesh: Support students pre-school to graduation and also support 32 schools in Bangladesh.

88 DATABASE

Photo: Md. Feroz Ahmmead

89 90 DATABASE OF DIASPORA ORGANIZATIONS

The database below was compiled primarily through internet and website searches and hence may not necessarily be the most accurate or up to date. Repeated attempts were made to seek information through telephone and email correspondence but this approach met limited success. Majority of the organizations listed are thought to have been initiated by Diaspora members while a handful may have been established by non-Bangladeshis with links to Bangladesh and/or by Bangladeshi organizations. In the case of a few organizations only their names were identified with no other information available.

Sl. Organization Contact Address

AUSTRALIA

1. Bangla Proshar Committee 74 Botany Street, Carlton, NSW, 2218, Dr. Maksudul Bari, President Tel: 9553 0972 www.banglaprosar.org.au

2. Bangla Sydney.com [email protected] Mr. Anisur Rahman www.bangla-sydney.com

3. Bangladesh Australia T: 0434026731 [email protected] Association Canberra Inc. Mr. Atik Ullah, General Secretary, T: Dr. Moyazur Rahman, 0409442535, [email protected] President Post: GPO Box 2152, Canberra ACT 2601 [email protected], www.canberrabashi.org.au

91 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

4. DU Alumni Association Tel: 0411 021 837, Get-together [email protected] Contact: Anis Majumder, Secretary General

5. JAAGO Amanda Ryan, Head of Operations, Contact: Korvi Rakshand, Liaison Office, Australia Founder [email protected], Tel: (61) 423 350 496

6. Let's Work for Bangladesh 1 De Gruchy Pl, Macgregor, ACT 2615, Contact: Borhan uddin Shafi Canberra (President) [email protected] www.letsworkforbangladesh.org

7. The Bangladesh Association 65 Spurway St., Ermington NSW 2115, Of New South Wales PO Box 3951, Parramatta NSW 2124, [email protected], www.bangladesh-association.org.au

BELGIUM

8. Association of Bangladesh Rue de la Prix 42, 1050 Ixelles, Tel: 0473 Community Belgium (ABCB) 70810 [email protected], [email protected]

CANADA

9. Bangladesh Canada P.O. Box # 56099, 115, 1935-32nd Association of Calgary Avenue, NE Airways R.P.O, Calgary, AB T2E 8K5, [email protected], www.bcaoc.ca 10. Bangladesh Canada [email protected], www.bcae.ca, Association of Edmonton Tel: (780)423-9181 (BCAE)

11. Bangladesh Canada C/O Shah Chandon Association, Windsor-Essex Campaigns & Gov. Relation Secretary 531 Mill Street, Windsor, ON www.bdwindsor.org

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12. Bangladesh Cultural Society [email protected], www.unbf.ca

13. Bangladeshi Agriculturists www.wbasc.org Society in Canada

GERMANY

14. Bangladesch Franz-Wolter-Str. 10, München 81925 Jugendförderung e.V. Tel: +49 - (0) 89/ 7 55 66 06 Fax: +49 - (Youth Aid Bangladesh) (0)32121279360, ontact@bangladesch- Contact: Ziaul Mallik jugendhilfe.de, www.bangladesch-jugendhilfe.de

15. Bangladesh Studies and Development Center

16. Bangladesh Working Group IIK eV , D - 30451 Hannover , in Lower Saxony bangladesh-info.net [email protected], www.bangladesh-info.de

17. Bangladeshi Students and [email protected], www.bsa- Alumni Association germany.de

18. Mati PO Box 4162 , 65 031 Wiesbaden, Contact: Lenen Rahman [email protected] www.mati-net.de Tel: 0163 / 4639807 19. Partnership Shanti Körnerstr. 47, D-74348 Lauffen Bangladesh Association Tel: +49(0)7133-3310, Fax: +49 (0)7133- Contact: Gerhard Stahl 965617, EMail: [email protected] cc.eickhoff @ t-online.de, www.shanti.de ITALY

20. Ital Bangla Association Via Mario Baratta 12-14, 00176 Roma - Italy, Tel: +39 06 24417423, Fax.+39 06 2412288, Mobile : 335 8069130, [email protected], ww.italbangla.org

93 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

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JAPAN

21. Bangladeshi Students' Tokyo Tech, Japan, Association [email protected], www.ryu.titech.ac.jp

22. Japan Bangladesh Society www.japanbangladesh.com/en, [email protected]

NETHERLANDS

23. Stichting Land Ontwikkelings Muntmeester 464, 5406 BK UDEN Project Bangladesh Tel: +31 (0)413-246359, (S.L.O.P.B) Cell: +31 (0)6-52678308, [email protected], Contact: Motalib Weijters www.sitefeeling-asp.nl

24. Bangladesh Support Group Dr. J. Presserstraat (BASUG) 30, 2552 Ln The Hague Contact: Mr Bikash Tel: +31(0)6-106.444.71, [email protected], Chowdhury Barua, President www.basug.nl

New Zealand

264 Great North Road (Level 1), Grey 25. Bangladesh New Zealand Friendship Society (BNZFS) Lynn, Auckland 1021, Mt. Roskill, Contact: Dr. Mohammed Auckland 1440, Tel: +64-(0)9-378-0099, Islam Shakhu [email protected], www.bnzfs.org

[email protected], www.bacnz.org 26. Bangladeshi Association of Canterbury Inc. Con: Dr. M. Deloar Hossain

SAUDI ARABIA

27. The Jalalabad Samity

94 Database of Diaspora Organizations

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SWEDEN

28. Association of Bangladesh Chalmers Karhus, Students Technologgarden 2, SE-412 58 Gothenberg, [email protected] www.abs.chs.chalmers.se

SWITZERLAND

29. Swiss Bangladesh Cultural Lerchen weg 35, 3012 Bern, Club Tel & Fax: +41 (0) 31/ 302 40 60 E-Mail: [email protected], www.sbcc.piczo.com

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

30. The Dhaka Project [email protected] Contact: Werner Linshalm, [email protected], www.thedhakaproject.org

UK

31. 786 Anonddo Charity Anonddo House, 24 Cornish Road, Contact: Tahirul Hasan Chipping Norton, OX7 5JU (Juned) Tel: 07903 740131 [email protected], www.anonddo.co.uk

32. Acid Survivors Trust 164 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, International (ASTI) SW1V 2RA Contact: Dr John Robert [email protected] www.asti.org.uk Morrison OBE Tel: 2078211567

33 Aisha Welfare Trust (BD) Yasmeen Mansion, 227 Mather Avenue, Chairman and Founder: Allerton, Liverpool, L18 9UB, M A Chowdhury Tel: 151 427 8399, Mobile:0044 (0) 7956 209 925(UK), [email protected], www.aishawelfaretrust.org

34 A K Foundations www.akfoundation.net

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35. Al-Haj M.A. Karim Trust 1 Britland Close, Barnsley, S75 2JP Contact: Dr M A Hossain Tel: 01226 246985

36. Al-Imdad Foundation U.K Flat 20 St. Luke's Court, 45 Capworth Contact: Syed Abdullah Street, London, E10 5BQ Sheeraze [email protected], Tel: 020 8556 6085

37. Al-Jalal Islamic Society 140 Carlton Crescent, Luton, LU3 1EW Contact: Saiful Alam [email protected] aljalalmasjid.org.uk, Tel: 01582 411744

38. Al-Jamatul-muslimin of Community Centre & Mosque, 8 St. Bangladesh Georges Street, Northampton, NN1 2TR Contact: Abdul Rohim Tel: 01604 626940

39. Alo Relief Trust 24 Cornwall Terrace, Bradford, BD8 7JS Contact: Muhammad [email protected], Mujib-ul Haque www.alorelieftrust.com, T: 08700 421 654

40. Anwar Welfare Trust 7, Hamilton Road, Felixstone, Suffolk, Contact: Anwar Hussain IP11 7AX, Tel: 01394 282477

41. Asad Ghazi Foundation 20 Demesne Road, Wallington, SM6 8PP (AGF,UK) [email protected] Contact: Saad Ghazi www.agfoundation.co.uk, 0208 6473202

42. Ashton Bangladesh Welfare 102 Welbeck Street North, Ashton- Association under-lyne, OL6 7HN, Tel: 1613300401 Cont.: Shohidur Rahaman

43. Abul Qasim Fund Tel: 0783 2197366

44. Asra Po Box 56146, London, E17 0DW Contact: Mohammed [email protected] Kamal Hanif

45. Bagerkhal Welfare & Flat 6 Barnard House, Ellsworth Street, Education Association (UK) London, E2 0AT Contact: Alhaj Ukil Ali Tel: 07940 656 520

96 Database of Diaspora Organizations

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46. Balagan Education Trust

47. Bangla-Aid UK Flat 9, Froud Community Centre, 1 Contact: Jamal Uddin Toronto Avenue, London, E12 5JF, T: 020 8472 9306, [email protected]

48. Bangladesh Anjumen-e-Al- 1 Cornwall Avenue, London, E2 0HW Islah In U K And Ireland [email protected] Contact: Mohammed Tel: 0208 980 2673 Emdad Hussain

49. Bangladesh Association 539 Stapleton Road, Bristol, BS5 6SQ, (Bristol, Bath & West) www.bangladesh-association.org Contact: Abdus Salam Tel: 0117 9511791 Chowdhury

50. Bangladesh Association Bangladesh Community Centre, (Swindon Area) Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill Swindon, SN2 Contact: Fozlur Rahman 1AD, Te: 01793 700945

51. Bangladesh Association 18A Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UP, Greater Reading Tel: 0118 958 7335, Contact: M R Choudhury, [email protected], President www.centralreadingmosque.com

52. Bangladesh Citizens 348-352 Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 Neighbourhood Welfare 3FU Project (Sheffield) Contact: Abu Rumel

53. Bangladesh Community Nechells Green Community Centre, Development Melvina Road, BirminghaM, B7 4QU Contact: Iqbal Ahmed [email protected] www.bcd.org.uk Choudhury Tel: 0121 3598540

54. Bangladesh Cultural Society 40 Wadhurst Road, Birmingham, B17 8JE (Midlands) [email protected] Contact: Dr A B Mostafa Tel: 0121 507 4035

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55. Bangladesh Female 47 Stokehill, Hilperton, Trowbridge, BA14 Academy Limited 7TJ Contact: Keith Best

56. Bangladesh Football 119-123 Cannon Street Road, London, Association UK E1 2LX www.bfauk.com, Contact: Khayrul Alam [email protected], [email protected], Te: 020 7481 1222

57. Bangladesh Hindu 270 Halley Road, London, E12 6UA Association (UK) [email protected], Contact: Mr Datta www.bengalihindu.org.uk Tel: 7796615410

58. Bangladesh Islamic 10-11 Lewisham Industrial Estate, Association, Smethwick Lewisham Road, Smethwick, B66 2BP Contact : M A Chowdhury Tel: 0121 558 8204 www.bicentre.org.uk

59. Bangladesh Islamic Centre 8 Mayfield Road, Handsworth, Contact: Mohammed Noor Birmingham, B19 1RL TeL: 1215519706

60. Bangladesh Islamic 521 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Organisation Birmingham, B10 0LL Contact: Abdul Ahad Tel: 0121 772 6408

61. Bangladesh Medical Relief 313 Kennington Road, London, SE11 Foundation 4QE [email protected] www.bmrf.org.uk Contact: Margarita Tel: 020 7096 1625 O'malley

62. Bangladesh Multi-purpose 136-148 Victoria Road, Aston, Centre Birmingham, West MidlandS, B6 5HH Contact: Mohammed Fozlu Tel: 0121 326 9500 Choudhury

63. Bangladesh Muslim 93 Vicarage Road, Wednesbury, WS10 Association 9DP, Tel: 0121 502 2137 Contact: Gous Ahmed

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64. Bangladesh Overseas 25 Askerton Drive, Peterlee, SR8 1PW Ladies Organisation (BOLO) [email protected], Contact: Dr Zarina Anam Tel: 7836368266

65. Bangladesh Partnership 90 Denmark Street, Bedford, MK40 3TJ Contact: Heather Travers [email protected], Tel: 01234 405 307

66. Bangladesh Social 26 Ferryman Road, Loughborough, LE11 Association 1GF, Tel: 1509611723 Contact: Fuljar Miah

67. Bangladesh Welfare 19-21 Alum Rock Road, BirminghaM, B8 Association 1LL, Tel: 0121 328 4746 Contact: Wali Muktha

68. Bangladesh Welfare 24a Lion Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8NR Association-London South Tel: 0208 304 2113 East Con.: Faozia Sultana Rashid

69. Bangladesh Welfare 173 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff CF5 Association (Cardiff) 5, United Kingdom Con.: M A Hannan, CEO Tel: 029 2034 4770

70. Bangladesh Welfare Shaheed Bhavan, 39 Fournier Street, Association (UK) Limited London, E1 6QE, Tel: 0171 2472105 Contact: Nurul Islam

71. Bangladesh Welfare 30 North Street, Barking, Essex, IG11 8AE Association Barking & [email protected] Dagenham www.bwassociation.org Contact: Foyzur Rahman Tel: 0208 470 8048

72. Bangladesh Welfare 321 Bensham Lane, Thornton Heath, Association Croydon Surrey, CR7 7ER, [email protected], Tel: 020 8684 0272

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73. Bangladesh Welfare 12b-12c Devonshire House, School Association In Middlesex Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 1QX Contact: Abdul Ansary Tel: 020 8577 2694

74. Bangladesh Welfare 106 South Street, Enfield, Middlesex, EN3 Association of Enfield 4QA, [email protected], Chairperson: Mumitur Reza Tel: 2088049573 Chowdhury

75. Bangladesh Welfare 9 The Crescent, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 Association of Royal 3QX [email protected] Tunbridge Wells Tel: 07855 267449 or 01732 454100 Contact: Kamal J Miah www.bwatw.co.uk

76. Bangladesh Welfare Unit 1-3 Portsmouth Jam-e-mosque, 75 Association Portsmouth Bradford Road, Southsea, Hampshire, Contact: Abul Kalam Fazul PO5 1AD Hoque Suyeb Tel: 02392 295448

77. Bangladesh Welfare Associaton & Community Centre Bolton Contact: Sala Uddin

78. Bangladesh Welfare Centre 33 Pound Street, Newbury, RG14 6AE Newbury Tel: 07960 631 817 Contact: Shamin Ahmed

79. Bangladesh Welfare Society 138 High Road, East Finchley, London, of Barnet N2 9ED, [email protected], Contact: Jamal Miah Tel: 020 8883 1557

80. Bangladesh Womens 497 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Association (Midlands) Birmingham, B10 0JS Contact: Dr. Eba Pasha [email protected] Tel: 0121 766 7990

81. Bangladesh Women's Mitalee Centre, Stanley Road, London, Association In Haringey N15 3HB, Tel: 0208 365 7498 Contact: Rowshan Ara Islam

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82. Bangladesh Youth & 30-32 Biddulph Street, Leicester, LE2 1BF Cultural Shomiti [email protected] Contact : Dr. S I Chowdhury www.bycs.org.uk, Tel: 0116 275 5855

83. Bangladesh Youth League 94-106 Leagrave Road, Luton, LU4 8HZ (Luton), Contact person: [email protected] Shahed Koyes www.byl.org.uk, Tel: 01582 519500

84. Bangladesh Youth 21-23 Henriques Street, London, E1 1NB Movement [email protected] www.bym.org.uk Chair: Shah Mahmud & Tel: 0207 488 1831 CEO: Fanu Miah

85. Bangladeshi Council in 36 Vivian Avenue, Hendon, London, Europe NW4 3XP, [email protected]

86. Bangladeshi Islamic Centre The Jamie Mosque, 77 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Contact: Haji St. Albans, AL1 4JL Babru Miah

87. Bangladeshi Mental Health [email protected], Association www.wordsmith.demon.co.uk/bmha

88. Beacon of Light Limited 35 Queenborough Gardens, Ilford, IG2 Contact: Dr Habibe Millat 6XZ, [email protected], www.bol.uk.com

89. Beani Bazar Jonokolyan 233 Whitechapel Road, 1st Floor, Samithy U.K London, E1 1DB Contact: Zaki Husein Tel: 020 7247 4945

90. Beckton Bangladesh 21 Tunnan Leys, London, E6 6WS Welfare Association [email protected] Contact: F Chowdhury Tel: 0207 474 3230

91. Bengali Care Trust 31 Hyderabad Way, London, E15 4PL Contact: Giash Uddin [email protected] Tel: 0208 555 8319

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92. Bengali Womens Group Rockingham Community Centre, Contact: Laila Anjuman Falmouth Road, London, SE1 6QP Banu [email protected], Tel: 0207 403 9888

93. Bengali Women's Health Coram Parents Centre, 49 Project Mecklenburgh Square, London, WC1N Contact: Mrs T Khan 2QA, [email protected], www.bwhp.org, Tel: 2075200315

94. Bhola's Children 12 Cornwall Grove, London, W4 2LB Contact: Dinah Wiener [email protected], www.bholaschildren.org Tel: 020 8994 6011

95. Bishwo Shahitto Kendro The Brady Arts & Community Centre, (BSK), UK 192 - 196 Hanbury Street, London E1 Chair: Shamim Azad 5HU [email protected] www.bsklondon.co.uk, T: 07984 427 989

96. Brian Byrnes Memorial Fund 14 Penryn Avenue, St. Helens, WA11 9EX Chairperson: Peter Byrnes [email protected], www.bottomleyorphanage.org.uk

97. British Bangladesh Ear 67 Lavender Avenue, London, NW9 Society 8HG [email protected] Chair:Barrister Abdul Tel: 020 8537 9809 Chowdhury

98. British Bengali Welfare Flat 72 Rogers Estate, Globe Road, Association London, E2 0JZ Contact: Mohammed Fazlul Tel: 0207 791 2221 Haque

99. Chhatak Jubo Shongsta(UK) 142 Malmesbury Road, London, E3 2EE Contact: Md Mushahid Ali Tel: 0208 980 5405

100. Children's Hope UK Ltd 25 Dunster Gardens, London, NW6 7NG Contact: Latifur Rahman Tel: 0207 372 9955

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101. City Bangladesh 2a Buckfast Street, London, E2 6EY Community And Cultural Tel: 7984728490 Centre Trust Contact: Khalisur Rahman

102. Culloden Bangladeshi 51/49 Aberfeldy Street, London, E14 Parents Association 0NU [email protected], Contact: Asabur Rahman Tel: 0207 987 3505

103. Darul Khidmah Wal Falah, 152 Drayton Park, London, N5 1LX UK Tel: 020 7359 3338 Chairman: Ghulam Sarwar

104. Dashghar Union Probashi Unit 4g, 10-14 Hollybush Gardens, Society London, E2 9QP Contact: Abdul Quddus Tel: 020 77397277

105. Dhaka Ahsania Mission 8 Woodville Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 Correspondent: Mrs Ahmed 5AF, Tel:0208 540 8019 Neaz

106. Dhaka Ahsania Mission 4 Hayne Close, Tipton St. John, (DAM) Sidmouth, Ex10 0BA,UK Chair: Zina Fear [email protected], Tel: 01404 813996

107. Dig Deep for Bangladesh 21 St. Johns Road, Ilkley, LS29 8QT Contact: Adam Tucker [email protected] www.digdeep.org, Tel: 01943 603227

108. East Anglian Bangladeshi Naz Moin Cottage, 7 Kenan Drive, Islamic Trust Attleborough, NR17 2RJ Contact: E Khan

109. Education Development & 54 Grove Lane, Handsworth, Advisory Services (EDAS) Birmingham, B21 9EP Foundation [email protected] Contact: Dr. Arshad Ahmed Tel: 0121 507 9903

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110. Enfield Bangladesh Welfare 180 High Street, Enfield, EN3 4EU Association [email protected] Contact: Chaudhury Tel: 020 88044006 Mohammed Anwar

111. Family To Family 50 Arbury Hall Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 Contact: Mamun Bakth 4PZ [email protected] Tel: 0121 745 5283

112. Fast And Feed Movement 25 Cherry Fields, Bradford, BD2 1LB Contact: Anwar Ahmed Tel: 1274391617 Sheikh

113. Friends of Khasdobir 13 Hollybush Lane, Amersham, HP6 6EB Bangladesh [email protected] Chair: Mrs Kathleen Jackson www.khasdobir.org.uk, T: 01494 433871

114. Friends of Sylhet Lal Quila, Dudley Lane, Cramlington, Contact: Robert William NE23 6UW Little [email protected] Tel: 01670 734268 or 01670 731746

115. Gateshead Bangladesh 55 Coatsworth Road, Gateshead, NE8 Association 1QL, Tel: 0191 422 4885 Contact: E H Choudhury

116. Global Help 452 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Contact: Mohammed Birmingham, B11 4AE Ramzan Tel: 0121 7731962

117. Grameen Smile Charity 8 Rosen Square, Chadderton, Oldham, Contact: Mrs Shelley OL9 9SY [email protected] Rahman Tel: 0161 626 8297

118. Greater Bogra Association 65 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, CR5 2BE in the UK www.gbauk.com Contact: Ahmed Joarder Tel: 0208 668 8923 or 07790 557 389

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119. Greater Manchester 19a Birch Lane, Manchester, M13 0NW Bangladesh Association [email protected] www.gmba.org.uk and Community Centre Tel: 0161 225 4012 Contact: Hafizur Rahman

120. Greater Sylhet 1a Vine Court, London, E1 1JH, Development & Welfare [email protected] www.gscuk.org, Council ( U.K.) Tel: 020 7377 9595 Contact: Monchab Ali Jp

121. Green Crescent 62 Green Pastures, Stockport, SK4 3RA Bangladesh U.K. [email protected], Contact: Dr Faisal Mostafa greencrescent.org, Tel: 0161 432 1855

122. Habibur Rahman Charitable 27 Acre Street, Stroud, GL5 1DR Trust Tel: 1453753548 Contact: Roger Gwynn

123. Hackney Bangladeshi 187 Well Street, London, E9 6QU Cultural Association Contact: Anjuman Ara

124. Help The Disabled in Manderley, Hatton Road, Hinstock, Bangladesh Market Drayton, TF9 2SU Contact: Dr M Ahmad Tel:1952591555

125. Hope in Bangladesh 103 Hervey Close, London, N3 2HH Contact: Rezaul Haque Tel: 020 8343 2448

126. Hyde Bangladesh Welfare 19 Chapel Street, Hyde, SK14 1LF Association Tel: 0161 368 8716 Contact: Mohammad Abdul Musabbir

127. Imdad Foundation UK Flat 20 St. Luke's Court, 45 Capworth Contact: Syed Abdullah Street, London, E10 5BQ, chair- Sheeraze [email protected], Tel: 0208 5566085

105 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

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128. Insaan Aid 32 Bond Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1JE Contact: Mohammed Tel: 1473216678 Mainul Alam

129. International Foundation for Challenge House, 616 Mitcham Road, Human Concern Limited Croydon, Surrey, CR0 3AA Contact: Golam Martuza [email protected], www.ifhc.org.uk Tel: 020 8683 6457

130. Ipswich and Suffolk Staines & Co, 629 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Bangladeshi Muslim IP3 8NE, Community Centre & Tel: 01473 716650 Mosque Contact: Manik Miah

131. Iqra Bangladesh

132. Islington Bangladesh 71 Caledonian Road, Islington, London, Association (IBA) N1 9BT, [email protected] Contact :Asad H www.ibal.org.uk, Tel: 0207 833 0591 Choudhury

133. Jago Community Trust Ltd 196 Normandy Road, Birmingham, B20 Contact: Abdul Kalam Azad 3BA, Tel: 0121 344 4012

134. Jalalia Welfare Trust 14 Grosvenor Place, North Shields, NE29 Contact: Akbar Hussain 0NH [email protected] Tel: 1912580579

135. Jalchatra Project Innisfree, Chapel Lane, Sibsey, Boston, Contact: Ms Minnette PE22 0SN Maxwell Tel: 01205 750 341

136. Khedmot International 1st Floor, 124 Whitechapel Road, Contact: Yousuf Abdulla London, E1 1JE [email protected] Tel: 020 7375 2299

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137. Kotal Pur Village Aid (UK) 45 Layard Road, Enfield, EN1 4BA Contact: Najrul Khasru Tel: 0208 363 6591

138. Latifia Islamic Support Flat A, Grosvenor Buildings, Wynnstay Contact: Chomok Ali Road, Ruthin, LL15 1AS, [email protected]

139. Life Plus 9 Grinton Avenue, Manchester, M13 Contact: Shafihur Rahman 0QS [email protected], www.lifeplus.org.uk, Tel: 1612240392

140. Madinatul Khairi Al Islami 23 Bahram Road, Epsom, KT19 9DN, Contact: Moulana Foyez [email protected] Ahmed Tel: 01372 743750

141. Mahmuda Afruz Rucstall Centre, 1 Rembrandt Close, Orphanage & Education Basingstoke, RG21 3QR Complex Trust Tel: 1256818450 Contact: Khalku Miah

142. Marylebone Bangladesh 19 Samford Street, London, NW8 8ER Society [email protected] www.mbs-uk.org Con:Abdus Hamid Tel: 0207 724 7427

143. Merseyside Bangladesh 101-107 High Park Street, LiverpooL, L8 Association 3UF, Tel: 0151 726 0294 Contact: Mahmud Hussain

144. Mobarak Ali Charitable Trust 4 Osmond Gardens, Wallington, SM6 Contact: M. Rahman 8SU, Tel: 0208 647 0439

145. Moslem Ali Khan Welfare Docklands Business Centre, 10-16 Tiller Foundation UK Road, London, E14 8PX Contact: Mohammed [email protected] Abdul Hafiz www.moslemalikhanwelfarefoundation. org.uk, 020 7345 5245

146. Mozidia Trust UK 21 Harbut Road, London, SW11 2RA Contact: Inamul Haque [email protected], www.mozidiatrust.org, T: 020 7924 2851

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147. M-R Foundation 61 Palmerston Road, London, E17 6PR Contact: Hammad Malik www.m-rfoundation.org, T: 2085905555

148. Msh Budbaribazar Union 25 Monthope Road, London, E1 5LL Tel: Trust 0207 247 1586 Contact: Sayra Khanam

149. NAID Po Box 4058, Cardiff, CF14 4YQ Contact: Dilwar Ali [email protected] www.naid.org.uk Tel: 7050367361

150. Newham Welfare Trust 14 Plymouth Road, London, E16 1PA Contact: Lucky Miah [email protected] www.newhamwelfaretrust.org, Tel: 0207 511 5005

151. Nooria Mission 8 Iddesleigh Road, Bedford, MK40 4LW Contact: Shah Muhammad [email protected] Helim Uddin www.nooriamission.org, T: 01234 359700

152. Norfolk & Norwich 134 Oak Street, Norwich, NR3 3BP Bangladesh Welfare [email protected] Association Tel: 01603 666 022 Contact: Sirajul Islam

153. Northampton Bangladeshi Gateway Resource Centre, Mill Road, Association Semilong, Northampton, NN2 6AX Contact: Abdul Latif [email protected] nbagateway.org.uk, Tel: 01604 624930

154. Nottinghamshire 2 Cambridge Road, West Bridgford, Bangladesh Centre Nottingham, NG2 5LZ Contact: Sabbir Hossain [email protected], www.bangladeshcentre.co.uk Tel: 0115-9452177

155. Orphans Shelter Foundation www.orphansshelterfoundation.org

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156. Peacock Trust (United 1 Gainford Road, Billingham, TS23 3HP Kingdom) [email protected] Contact: Dr S Sultana www.greeninternational.org, Tel: 01642 560 590

157. Queens Park Bangladesh Office 2, Beethoven Community Association Centre, Third Avenue, London, W10 4JL Contact: Mr Somru Miah [email protected] www.qpba.org, Tel: 0208 968 1177

158. Root Development Agency 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, Contact: Golam WC1N 3AX, [email protected], Chowdhury [email protected] www.rdabd.comandwww.rda-uk.com

159. Selfless 33 Clonmore Street, London, SW18 5EU Contact: Yasir Chowdhury [email protected] www.elective-aid.org, Tel: 2031377888

160. Shaba 16a Witton Road, BirminghaM, B6 5NY Contact: Afsor Ali [email protected], www.shaba.org Tel: 0121 551 3600

161. Shobujshathi 214 Jubilee Street, London, E1 3BS Contact: A B Chowdhury Tel: 0207 790 8181

162. Sircer Pasha Welfare Trust 5 Birch Close, Birmingham, B30 1NA Contact: Badrun Nesa [email protected], Tel: 124596754 Pasha

163. Sylhet Bawl Shangith Ghosti Flat 17 Horwood House, Pott Street, (Sylhet Spiritual Music London, E2 0EH Group) Tel: 0207 613 1580 Contact : Dilawar Ali

164. Tayyeb Hussain Foundation 103 Normanshire Drive, London, E4 9HB Contact: Tahmina Hussain [email protected] www.thfoundation.org.uk, Tel:20885242868

109 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

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165. The Ar-rahman Care Trust 72 Cinder Bank, Dudley, DY2 9BH (Dudley) Tel: 01384 833148 Contact: Councillor M Rahman

166. The Bangladesh Association 108, Ramsay Street, Rochdale, And Community Project Lancashire, OL16 2EZ, Chairperson: Muhibur [email protected] Rahman Tel: 00-44- (0)1706 860 349

167. The Bangladesh Centre 24 Pembridge Gardens, London, W2 Contact: Gulnaher Khan 4DX [email protected] www.bangladeshcentre.org Tel: 0207 2299404

168. The Bangladesh Centre 102 Park Hall Crescent, Birmingham, B36 Contact: Mohammed 9SU [email protected] Abdur Rashid Tel: 0121-747 1154

169. The Bangladesh Cultural Foy Cottage, Ytton Road, Woking, Association (Woking) GU22 7BH, Tel: 01932 886558 Contact: Numan-uz Zaman

170. The Bangladesh Islamic Jami Mosque Madrasha And Islamic Association Centre, 63 Mount Street, Walsall, WS1 Cont: Mohammed Ashik Ali 3PL [email protected], T: 01922 709 013

171. The Bangladesh Shomity 451 Romford Road, London, E7 8AB Contact: Haji Mukhlisur Te: 2085556258 Rahman

172. The Bangladesh Welfare 66 Belford Street, Burnley, Lancashire Association Community BB12 0DF, Tel and fax: 01282 450269, Development Trust [email protected], www.bangladesh-welfare.org.uk

173. The Bangladeshi Islamic 1 Ballard Road, Dudley, DY2 9EY, Cultural Society Tel: 01384 456055 Contact: H M A Rahman

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174. The Charles Wallace 4 Dorville Crescent, London, W6 0HJ Bangladesh Trust www.wallace-trusts.org.uk, Contact: Tim Butchard Tel: 0208 741 0836

175. The Friends of Bangladesh 178 South Lodge Drive, Oakwood, Contact: Dr. M A Awal, London N14 4XN, Tel/Fax 020 8360 9046 President [email protected], [email protected], ww.friendsofbangladesh.com

176. The Fulshaind Village Trust Flat 19 Hurdwick House, Harrington (UK) Square, London, NW1 2JH Contact: Saleh Ahmed [email protected] Khan Tel: 0207 388 5880

177. The Isle of Dogs Bangladeshi [email protected] Association and Cultural www.iodbangladeshi.org.uk Centre Contact: Abdul Noor

178. The Mirza Hussein Ali Flat A, 14 Gabriel Street, London, SE23 Namazie Educational Trust 1DT [email protected], Contact: Ms Heike Koehler Tel: 020 8699 5398

179. The Newham Bengali Unit 3, 2 Barking Road, London, E6 3BP Community Trust [email protected] Contact: Azad Choudhury www.nbct.org.uk, Tel: 0208 552 9777

180. The Shumon Momen 21 Edwina Gardens, Ilford, IG4 5BS Foundation [email protected] Contact: Nilufar Momen www.shumonmomen.com Tel: 0208 924 8976

181. The Sreepur Village, 36 Belmont Road, Beckenham, BR3 4HN Bangladesh [email protected] Contact: Mrs P Silvester www.thesreepurvillage.org Tel: 0208 650 8208

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Sl. Organization Contact

182. Tiverton Sundarban Support Lower Beer Farm, Uplowman, Tiverton, Group EX16 7PF [email protected] Contact: R L P Hodgson www.tivertonsundarban.org.uk Tel: 01884 821239

183. UK Bangla Education Trust [email protected], www.ukbet-bd.org

184. UK Bangladesh Education Orchard House, Long Hyde Road, Trust South Littleton, Evesham, WR11 8TH Contact: Mrs H M Martin

185. UK Children Aid Trust Fund 85 Darlaston Road, Walsall, WS2 9RD Bangladesh [email protected] www.ukcatf.com Contact: Abdul Khalik Tel: 01922 624008

186. Unity Children Fund

187. Valerie Taylor Trust 4 Wilberforce Road, Coxheath, Contact person: Brian Maidstone, ME17 4HA Woodgate [email protected] www.valerietaylortrust.org, Tel: 01622743011

188. Village Aid, Bangladesh 128 Southgate Road, London, N1 3HX, Contact: Dr Ahsan Habib Tel: 0207 2546699 Sowdagar

189. Walsall Bangladeshi 291 Wednesday Road, Pleck, Walsall, Progressive Society West Midlands, WS2 9QJ Contact: Gulam Choudhury Tel: 01922 610773

190. Wapping Bangladesh Wapping Youth Club, First Floor, Tench Association Street, London, E1W 2QD Contact: Join Ullah [email protected], Tel: 2077021708

191. Wear Surma 75 Project 47 Barnard Street, Sunderland, SR4 7RX Contact: Mrs Marjorie [email protected] Wilkinson www.thewearsurmaclinic.com, Tel: 0191 5289662

112 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact

192. Weavers Community Trust 129 Springfield Drive, Ilford, IG2 6QP Ltd Contact: Anwar Chowdhury

193. West Bromwich Bangladesh Islamic Centre, 67 Dartmouth Street, Muslim Welfare Association West Bromwich, B70 8BZ Islamic Centre Tel: 0121 553 5598 Contact: Abdul Waki

USA

194. Adhunika Foundation 20-58 Crescent St. # 1B,Astoria, NY Contact: Shahnaz S. Yousuf, 11105, Tel: 212-787-6514, 646-484-8743, Founder & President [email protected], www.adhunika.org

195. Agami ([email protected]) Contact: Sabir Majumder, PO Box 3178, Fremont, CA 94539, Member Board of Directors [email protected] and Secretary www.agami.org

196. America Bangladesh 15 Warren Street Hackensack NJ Medical Inc. Tel: 07601-5450

197. American Institute 203 Ingraham Hall 1155 Observ Bangladesh Stu Madison WI 53706-0000

198. Anwarul Quadir Foundation www.quadir.org, Cambridge, MA

199. American Association of Tel:202-841-6269, 301-404-5567, Bangladeshi Engineers and [email protected], Architects (AABEA) www.aabeat.com Contact: Ahmed Ali

200. Ankur International Tel:503- 539-3944, ankur-international.org

201. Association for Economic & Seattle, WA 98195, Tel: (206) 543-5836, Development Studies on Email: [email protected] Bangladesh (AEDSB) Contact: Fahad Khalil

113 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

202. Bangladesh American 17211 Hillside Ave Jamaica NY 11432- Association for 4643 Rehabilitation in New York Contact: Dr M Mohsin Ali

203. Bangladesh American PO Box 941786 Houston TX Society of Greater Houston 77094-8786

204. Bangladesh Association 401 Meadow Trail LN Friendswood LN TX 77546-2483

205. Bangladesh Association 1015 15TH ST NW STE 1000 Washington America DC 20005-2621

206. Bangladesh Association of 7816 Painted Daisy Drive, Springfield, America, Inc.(BAAI) VA 22152 (571) 435-6728 President : Inara Islam [email protected], www.baaidc.com

207. Bangladesh Association of LA: 213-820-9511 California Contact: Majib Siddiquee, Chairperson

208. Bangladesh Association of 20535 Columbus OH 43220-0000 Central Ohio Contact: Mahmubur Rahman

209. Bangladesh Association of PO Box 59849 Chicago IL 60659-0849 Chicagoland Contact: Sahadat Hossain

210. Bangladesh Association of 31 Carriage Knoll Court, Langhorne, PA Delaware Valley (BADV) 19047, [email protected] www.badv.org

211. Bangladesh Association of 1140 Hatteras CIR W Palm Beach FL Florida 33413-3003 Contact: Rafiqul Haque

114 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact

212. Bangladesh Association Of 4897 Bulford HWY STE 123 Chamblee Georgia GA 30341-3670

213. Bangladesh Association of 314 East Highland Mall BLVD Austin TX Greater Austin (BAGA) 78752-3735, www.bagatx.org Chairman: Rashed T Islam

214. Bangladesh Association of 5230 N Leclaire AVE Chicago IL 60630- Greater Chicago Land Inc. 1625 Contact: Abdul Mannan

215. Bangladesh Association of www.geocities.com/bagkc2 Greater Kansas City www.bagkc.blogspot.com (BAGKC) [email protected] President: Rehan Reza Tel: 785-554-0586

216. Bangladesh Association of PO BOX 901 Manchester MO 63011- Greater St. Louis 1201

217. Bangladesh Association of 818-787-8488, Secretary- Abdul Hakim Greater valley, CA 818-209-5471 President- Shafiqur Rahman

218. Bangladesh Association of 2524 Seven Kings RD Virginia BCH VA Hampton Roads Inc. 23456-7826 Contact: Mizanur R Patwary

219. Bangladesh Association of [email protected] Houston (BAH) 13415 Renn Road, Houston, TX 77083 Chairperson: Afzal Ahmed www.bangladesh-association.com

220. Bangladesh Association of P.O.Box 100782 , Nashville, TN 37224, Nashville [email protected], President: Atiqur Rahman [email protected]

221. Bangladesh Association of 125 Aarons CRESS BLVD Hermitage TN Nashville Tennessee 37076-2615 Contact: Syed Huda

115 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

222. Bangladesh Association of PO Box 390762 Cambridge MA 02139- New England 0009

223. Bangladesh Association of 24 Brownstone TER Hawthorne NJ New Jersey Inc. 07506-3447

224. Bangladesh Association of 12260 Black Cherry Lane Euless TX North Texas 76040-0000

225. Bangladesh Association of 4325 Grason DR Grand Prairie TX 75052- Texas 4327 Contact: Iskander S Khan

226. Bangladesh Association of 20254 Saticoy ST Canoga PARK CA Valley Los Angeles 91306-4433 Contact: Mohammad Hoque

227. Bangladesh Buddhist Center 8624 Whitney AVE BSMT Elmhurst NY of America Inc. 11373-3658 Contact: Panna Lal Barua

228. Bangladesh Buddhist 5916 Woodside AVE APT 3H Woodside Society of America Inc. NY 11377-3512

229. Bangladesh Center for 313 N Glebe Road, Suite 209000, Community Development Arlingon, VA 22203 Inc. TeL 703 243 1500, President: MS Alam [email protected] www.dcbanglaschool.org/bccdi

230. Bangladesh Chemical and 7934 Cheynne CT Baytown TX 77521- Biological Society of North 8375 America

231. Bangladesh Children 3118 35TH ST APT 5G Astoria NY 11106- Progress Organization Corp 1533 Contact: Khandaker S Rahman

116 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact

232. Bangladesh Children's 14020 Browning RD Evansville IN 47725- Educational Endowment 9234 Contact: Tiffany Ann Hodge

233. Bangladesh Christian 65232 Beaver Ball RD Lacombe LA Mission 70445-5000

234. Bangladesh Club of 323-828-4136-c, Ali Akhter 213-258-9564, California Mujib, Emdadul Haque Bob 323-466- Shafiqul Alam Khukon 1523-h, 323-314-8275-c

235. Bangladesh Community 5991 Robin Hood LN Norcross GA Center 30093-3804 Contact: Haroon Al-Rashid

236. Bangladesh Community of PO Box 427 Fishers IN 46038-0427 Indiana Co

237. Bangladesh Cultural 182 30 Wexford TER APT L8 Jamaica Exchange Estates NY 11432-3141 Contact: Mostaque A Khan

238. Bangladesh Dental 527 Grand ST Brooklyn NY 11211-3559 Association Of America

239. Bangladesh Development 5541 Bondy DR Erie PA 16509-3052 Initiative Contact: Syed Saad Andabeeb

240. Bangladesh Development 2508 Flower St Falls Church VA 22046- Research Center Inc 2012 Contact: Bernhard Georg Gunter

241. Bangladesh Environment [email protected] Network (BEN) www.ben-center.org Contact: Nazrul Islam

117 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

242. Bangladesh Foundation 6212 Buford St Orlando FL 32835-2943 Contact: Zillur Khan

243. Bangladesh Hindu Cultural 2376 Grayling St Hamtramck MI 48212- Organization 3660

244. Bangladesh in America 213-388-0790, Mahtabuddin Tipu - Con.: Muhammad Shamim Geneal Secretary 310-743-3032 Hossain, President

245. Bangladesh Indeginious Tel: 909-335-1982 People's Association Robin Dewan

246. Bangladesh Institute of 6732 136TH ST Kew Garden Hills NY Performing Arts Inc. 11367-1624 Contact: Annie Ferdous

247. Bangladesh Islamic Center 2116 S Nelson St Arlington VA 22204- Contact: Mohammed 5410 Mojibul Haque

248. Bangladesh Islamic 3119 W Granville AVE Chicago IL 60659- Community of Greater 2401 Chicago Contact: Mohammad Saiduzzaman

249. Bangladesh Islamic Society 114 Yorktown ST Somerville MA of New England Inc Tel: 02144-2435 Contact: Muhammad Yusuf Siddiq

250. Bangladesh Medical 4250 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 17, Association of North Bethpage, NY 11714-5707 America Tel: (516) 796-4245, Fax:(516) 731-1683, www.bmana.com, [email protected]

118 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact

251. Bangladesh Medical Flint, MI, 810 7201997, Association of North [email protected], America Michigan Chapter www.bmanami.com Contact: Dr. Mohammad A. Jabbar

252. Bangladesh Mela Tarek: 323-382-4129, [email protected], Anis: 213-321- 0267

253. Bangladesh Muslim Center 105 Cortelyou RD Brooklyn NY 11218- Inc. 4509

254. Bangladesh Muslim 3102 Pond View Dr Richardson TX Foundation 75082-2457

255. Bangladesh Orphans 142-20 Franklin AVE, Flushing NY 11355- Center Inc. 2640 Contact: Mohammad Noor

256. Bangladesh Physicians' 909-307-9688-h, Dr. Talat Khan - Organization Secretary, Dr. Ruby Hossain 909-754- Dr. Moazzem Hossain 0448-cell, 951-212-7933

257. Bangladesh Relief and 562-964-1179, Disaster Control (BRDC) [email protected], Con.: Mohammad Alam [email protected]

258. Bangladesh Relief Fund 8550 Willow Run CT Cincinnati OH Contact: Muhit Rahman 45243-3447

259. Bangladesh Social and 3545 79TH ST APT 5A Jackson HTS NY Community Development 11372-4828 Institute USA Contact: Abdul Matin Talukder

119 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

260. Bangladesh Society Inc. 86-24 Whitney Avenue, Elmhurst, NY Chair: Aziz Mohammad 11373, Tel: 718-205-2261 Fax: 718-205-2262 [email protected] www.bangladeshsocietyinc.org

261. Bangladesh Society of 12006 Arista Manor Way Germantown America Inc. MD 20876-5934 Con.: M Mozumder

262. Bangladesh Society of Los Tel: 818-606-7660-c, 818-547-1330 Angeles Zainul Abedin

263. Bangladesh Society of 4302 Market ST Philadelphia PA 19104- Philadelphia 2908 Contact: Sheikh Siddque

264. Bangladesh Students 323-309-1945, Association of California [email protected], Abdullah Al-Mamun www.bdsac.com

265. Bangladesh Theater of 3244 E Washington AVE Gilbert AZ Arizona 85234-4102

266. Bangladesh United States 4601 N Fairfax DR Suite 1020 Arlington Business Council VA 22203-1500

267. Bangladesh Unity T: 909-732-8800, [email protected] Federation Los Angeles PO Box 1524, Rancho Cucamonga, CA (BULFA) 91729, 7052 Golden Nugget Cir Apt 4 President: Khandakar Alam Westminster CA 92683-5088 [email protected], [email protected]

268. Bangladesh Women's Tel: 818-549-9003-h, 818-679-0131 Organization of California [email protected] Contact: Denny Tayyib

120 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact 269. Bangladesh Yellow Society 32 10 30TH AVE 2ND FLR Kakatua 260 New York Inc Astoria NY 11102-0000

270. Bangladeshi Adventist [email protected] Society of America (BASA) P.O BOX: 519, Bryn Mawr, CA 92318, Contact: Suranjan Baidya Paul Ranjon Baroi: [email protected]

271. Bangladeshi American 213-388-0790, Mahtabuddin Tipu - Democratic Party of Geneal Secretary Tel: 310-743-3032 California Contact: M Shamim Hossain

272. Bangladeshi American [email protected], www.bafi.org Foundation Inc. (BAFI)

273. Bangladeshi CHT American 5916 Woodside AVE APT 3H Woodside Buddhist Association NY 11377-3512, 909-363-3664, Contact: Kirti Chakma [email protected], [email protected]

274. Banoful Tel: 909-307-9688-home, 909-754-0448-c Dr. Moazzem Hossain Dr. Ruby Hossain 951-212-7933-cc

275. Baul Mizanur Rahman -Shaheen Tel: 714-262-8425

276. Bay Area Bangladesh 3463 Sagewood LN San Jose CA 95132- Association Inc 0000 Contact: Mizanur M Raham

277. Bestow Blessings on 1810 Bluestem Ln, Salina, KS 67401 Bangladesh Children Foundation President: Donny R. Johnson

121 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

278. Bangla IT [email protected] Contact: Muhammad 435 Village Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601, Sayeed Rahman, Founder USA, Tel: 5024186948 [email protected], www.banglait.org

279. Bangladesh Academy Tel: 213-923-0877, 213-804-0523 Con.: Zahid Hossain Pintu

280. Bangladesh America 8814 Sage Place Houston TX 77071-3263 Literary Art And Cultural Assoc

281. Bangladesh Orphans Center Inc.

282. Bangladesh Society Inc. 86-24 Whitney Avenue, Elmhurst, NY Contact: Babul Chowdhury 11373, Tel: 718-205-2261 [email protected] www.bangladeshsocietyinc.org

283. Bangladeshi Engineers and 504 Baker Systems Engineering Building Applied Scientist of British (BE), 1971 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio Columbia (BEASBC) [email protected], www.bsa.org.ohio-state.edu

284. Bangladeshi-American Tel: 845-268-3225, Pharmacists' Association [email protected], bapainfo.org (BAPA)

285. Bay Area Bangladesh Silicon Valey. California, USA Association (BABA)

286. Bangladesh Community of Indiana Co, USA

287. Bangladesh Muslim Foundation, USA

122 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact

288. Bikrampur Samitee Tel: 213-550-6371 Mohammad Ali

289. Boishakhi Mela Tel: 213-948-7908-c, 213-389-6514-h Abul Ibrahim

290. Change Bangladesh www.changebangladesh.com Contact: Kawser Jama

291. Chittagong Association of S. Tel: 818-917-6000 CA Contact: Taherul Anwar

292. Christian Association Tel: 562-865-5230, Rupom 818-523-2578, Con.: Shamsher Chowdhury [email protected]

293. Drishtipat ([email protected]) Contact: Asif saleh, c/o Shafaq Islam, 25-24 23rd Street, Executive Director Apt. 3-F, Astoria, NY 11102 [email protected], www.drishtipat.org

294. Expatriate Bangladeshi 2000 PO Box 711191, Oak Hill, VA 20171, USA, Inc. 877-376-9590, eb2000@bangladesh- web.com [email protected], www.eb2000.org

295. Friends of Bangladesh Inc. 11 Hessian BLVD Reading PA 19607- 9714

296. Friends' Club of Valley, LA Tel: 818-634-9336 Contact: M.A. Hamid www.friendsclubofvalley.webs.com

297. Hope Foundation for 16401 NW 2nd Ave, Ste 202, Miami, FL Women & Children of 33169 or 5416 NW 190TH STREET MIAMI Bangladesh Inc. FL 33055-0000, Tel: 1 (305) 318 0142, Contact: Iftikher Mahmood Email: [email protected]

298. House of Volunteers (HoV) [email protected] Contact: Raqeebul Islam [email protected], web.mit.edu/hov Ketan, President

123 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

299. Hridoya Bangladesh 1180 Reed AVE APT 32 Sunnyvale CA Tel: 94086-8436, hridoyabangladesh.org

300. Human Rights Congress for P.O. Box 5493, Santa Clara, CA 95056- Bangladeshi Minorities 5493, USA Tel: 212-592-3627 (NY), Fax: 619-330- 0662, email: [email protected]

301. Imdad-Sitara Khan 3351 Tracy Drive Foundation Santa Clara, CA 95051, phone: 408-241- 3544, [email protected], www.iskkc.org

302. Jalalabad Association of Tel: 818-448-1398, Farzu Subhan, California 818-517-2318 Contact: Ahmed Kabir

303. Jalokona PO. Box 2153, Kirdland, WA 98083, [email protected], www.jolkona.org

304. LA Bengals Tel: 323-333-7744, Contact: Maruf Islam Sheikh Mahmud 909-900-6895

305. Love for Bangladesh Inc. 1270 Broadway Rm 1003 New York Ny Contact: Andrew K Chong 10001-3223 CPA

306. Lutheran Health Care 1669 N. Arcade Street, Suite 100, St. Bangladesh-USA Paul MN 55106 Tel: 612-998-9655, Fax 651-774-5956

307. Mission Of Mercy Loves PO Pox 633 Folsom CA 95763-0633 Bangladesh Contact: M. M. Rahman

308. Munshiganj Bikrampur Tel: 213-388-0790 Samity

124 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact

309. Narayanganj Association of Tel: 562-972-0042, North America Noor Babul 562-867-7608 Shohel Rahman Badal

310. Network of Young New York, Tel: 718-514-2124, Bangladeshi American [email protected], [email protected], Professionals (NYBAP) www.nybap.org Contact: Rasheq Rahman

311. North America-Bangladesh 4132 Henhawk CT Ellicott City MD Statistical Association Tel: 21042-5926 Contact: Khandaker Mansur

312. North American P. O. Box 6631, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, Bangladeshi Islamic www.nabic.org Community (NABIC) Tel: (865) 481-8988, 865-481-8970 (Fax) Dr. Abu Bakar Ahmed, [email protected] Executive Secretary

313. ORCA, USA 3351 Tracy Drive, Santa Clara, CA Contact: Dipok Mia 95051, Tel: 4082413544, [email protected], www. orcausa.org

314. Probini Foundation Inc. 80-56 251 Street, Queens, NY 11426, Chairperson: Dr. S. G. [email protected] Dastidar www.probini.org

315. Project Bangladesh, USA [email protected] Contact: Dr.Abu F Islam

316. Project Bangladesh 913 Pine Mill CT Newport News VA Contact: Ajmal Sobhan 23602-9468

317. Rahmans Trust Tel: (404) 840-1172 & (928) 447-4515 Contact: Zia A Rahman www.rahmanstrust.org

318. Samhati Tel: 703-931-9668 Contact: Jahanara Hasan, 3426 Blair Rd., Falls Church, VA 22041 joint secretary www.samhati.org

125 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

319. Sangbadik Union, LA, Tel: 562-879-4374-c, 562-928-2609-h, Contact: Quddus Khan 800-977-5050, www.vinnomot.com

320. Shoriotpur Somity USA

321. Shushil Shamaj of California Tel: 951-264-5416, Shohel Rahman Badal Con.: M Rahman Tufan 562-972-0042

322. Southern California Tel: 818-987-7454-c, 323-382-9976-h, Jalalabad Association Matab Ahmed 818-961-4640 Con.: Jashim Ashrafi Ahmed

323. SpaandanB [email protected] Contact: Zafar Ullah, P.O. Box 64183, Sunnyvale, CA 94088 General Secretary Tel: (408) 836-4534 Fax: (978) 367-4757 [email protected], [email protected] www.spaandanb.org

324. Sparsha-The Bangladeshi sparsha-sd.org/main.html Community of San Diego [email protected]

325. Stateless People in 6804 Highway 6 South, Suite E, Box 211, Bangladesh Inc. Houston, Texas 77083 Contact: Syed K Kamal [email protected]

326. The Kidney Mission Inc 16031 Pioneer Blvd., Suite G7, Norwalk, Contact: Henry E. Haider CA 90650, Tel: (562) 826 7012 [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] , KidneyMissionInc.com

327. The Optimists 25-78 31st Street, Astoria NY 11102 Con.: Mohammed A Tel: 718 278 4953 Fax: 718 554 3832 Bhuiyan, General Secretary [email protected], www.theoptimists.org

126 Database of Diaspora Organizations

Sl. Organization Contact

328. The Society to Help 10 Cresthaven Drive, Burlington, MA Education in Bangladesh 01803, USA, Tel: 617 680 9120 International Inc. E-mail: [email protected]

329. Volunteers Association for 122 Taxter Road, Irvington, New York Bangladesh (VAB) 10533, Tel: 1-914-591-8635 Contact: Dr. A. T. Rafiqur [email protected], arahman10 Rahman, Founding @aol.com www.vabonline.org President

Others

330. Al-Berr Trust [email protected] Contact: Mohammed Abdur Rahim

331. Alochona www.alochona.org

332. Bangla Community www.banglacommunity.com

333. Bangladesh Student web.ics.purdue.edu/bdsa Association of Perdue University

334. Bangladesh Studies and Development Center

335. Bangladeshi Adventist Society of America

336. BD Researchers Tel: +46 7 04041270 Contact: Ashraful Kadir [email protected], [email protected] www.bdresearchers.org

337. BRAC, USA and UK

338. Climate Forecast www.cfab.eas.gatech.edu/cfab/cfab. Applications in Bangladesh html (CFAB)

127 Diaspora Philanthropy in Bangladesh

Sl. Organization Contact

339. Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America

340. Greenspot www.greenspotbd.org

341. JEXCA www.despardes.com/jexca/index.html

342. Jono Sova Jono Seba (JSJS) Ltd Contact: Abdul Shahid

343. Learn Foundation [email protected] Contact: Imran Rasheed www.learn-technologies.net

344. Mirzapur Cadet College Class of 1968

345. Mirzapur Ex-Cadets Association (MECA)

346. Progressive Forum for Bangladeshis

347. Quantum Foundation, USA, UK

348. Shetu Bondhon [email protected] Contact: Mohammed members.nbci.com/shetubondhon Ahsan Rial

349. TechBangla [email protected], Contact: Dr. Shaikh Mizanur www.TechBangla.org Rahman

350. United Bangladesh Appeal [email protected] (UBA) www.unitedbangladeshappeal.org

128