The Story of READO and its vision
Empowering Rural Bangladesh: The Story of READO and Its Visionary Leader, Nasir Uddin Ahmed
Category: NGO Profile & Development • Tags: Rural Development, Education, Women Empowerment, Human Rights
Hello, fellow readers! If you're passionate about social development, gender equality, and uplifting marginalized communities, today’s post is for you. We’re diving into the inspiring world of READO Bangladesh— a non-political, volunteer-driven NGO working in rural Bangladesh since 1999. Founded by Nasir Uddin Ahmed, READO focuses on sustainable change in education, health, livelihoods, and human rights. Whether you’re an NGO enthusiast, a development professional, or simply curious about grassroots impact—welcome.
What is READO Bangladesh?
READO stands for Rural Economy and Agricultural Development Organization of Bangladesh. Established on July 1, 1999, in Sylhet district, READO began as a group of like-minded social workers addressing agriculture, culture, and microloans. By 2000, it evolved into a structured development NGO.
At its core, READO is committed to gender equality, human rights, and sustainable livelihoods. It is non-political and volunteer-based, prioritizing the upliftment of backward and poor populations.
Official registrations include
- Department of Social Services (No. Syl-682, dated Oct 4, 2000)
- NGO Affairs Bureau (No. 1886, dated Nov 11, 2003)
- Department of Youth Development (No. Syl-193, dated Apr 29, 2008)
A Legacy of Impact: Ongoing and Past Programs
What sets READO apart is its hands-on, sector-based approach. Below is a snapshot of ongoing initiatives and implemented programs.
Ongoing Programs
| Sl | Sector | Program | Beneficiaries | Location | Donors/Partners | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Education | Out of School Children Education Program (OSCEP, Jan 2021–Dec 2025) | 2,100 | Ajmiriganj, Habiganj District | Bureau of Non-Formal Education (GoB); funded by World Bank, UNICEF | 4,30,36,220.00 |
| 2 | Livelihood (Food Security) | Vulnerable Woman Benefit (VWB) Program (Jan 2023–Dec 2024) | 2,816 | Sylhet Sadar, Osmaninagar, Companiganj Upazila | Dept. of Woman & Children Affairs (GoB); funded by WFP, World Bank | 11,96,800.00 |
| 3 | Good Governance & Human Rights | Street Deprived Children Bank Account Opening (Ongoing from Jan 2022) | Target: 10,000 | Sylhet District | Agrani Bank Limited | 5,00,000.00 |
Implemented Programs (Selected Highlights)
- Vulnerable Group Maternity Program (VGM, Jan 2020–Dec 2021): 1,050 women; funded by Ministry of Women Affairs/WHO; Amount: 10,14,400.00 BDT.
- Vulnerable Group Development (VGD, Jan 2019–Dec 2020): 2,514 women; funded by GoB/WFP; Amount: 10,68,450.00 BDT.
- Post Literacy Continue Education and Human Development (PLCEHD-2, Jan 2010–Dec 2013): 4,200 beneficiaries; funded by BNFE/ADB/SDC; Amount: 4,60,00,000.00 BDT.
- Eradication of Hazardous Child Labor (EHCLB-3, Jul 2012–Jun 2014): 750 children; funded by GoB/ILO; Amount: 3,74,00,000.00 BDT.
- Additional areas include safe migration initiatives, HIV/AIDS awareness, rural water & sanitation, and women’s entrepreneurship training.
Meet the Driving Force: Nasir Uddin Ahmed
No story of READO is complete without its founder and Executive Director, Nasir Uddin Ahmed. Born on October 1, 1963, in Moulvibazar, Ahmed brings over 35 years of experience in finance, education, and development.
- Education: Master of Management (2nd Class), Dhaka University (1987 batch; examination held 1989)
- Career: Accounts Officer (1987–1993), Dhaka WASA (1993), District Coordinator BNFE (1993–1998), Delta Life Insurance (1999–2000), READO leadership (2000–present)
- Leadership focus: Water & sanitation, education, women’s empowerment, human rights, livelihoods, safe migration
- Contact: +880 1711-280635
Networks and Partnerships: Strength in Collaboration
READO doesn’t work in isolation. It builds and maintains collaborative networks across government, Upazila administrations, national NGOs, local organizations, and social/community memberships—helping ensure programs are sustainable and far-reaching.
- Government: District and divisional offices across Sylhet, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj.
- Upazila level: Engagement with local administration to support implementation.
- National NGOs: Partnerships and coordination with major civil society actors.
- Local NGOs: Grassroots collaboration for field delivery and community mobilization.
Why READO Matters in Today’s World
In Bangladesh, rural poverty, gender inequality, limited access to education, and livelihood insecurity remain persistent challenges. Organizations like READO are lifelines—delivering practical interventions: educating children, empowering women, and promoting health rights. Looking ahead, READO’s community-led model aligns strongly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
If you’re inspired, consider supporting similar initiatives, partnering, or volunteering. Have you worked with a development organization? Share your thoughts in the comments—your insight matters.
Partner with READO
We welcome donors, media partners, universities, civil society networks, and community stakeholders to support program pilots and replication across Bangladesh.
Contact: Nasir Uddin Ahmed • Phone: +880 1711-280635
Email: readoofbd.org@gmail.com
Website: www.readobd.org • Blog: www.reado-org.blogspot.com
Note: This article is based on the organization’s profile information and leadership background shared for publication. For the latest updates, please contact READO directly.
Presented by: Minhaz Samad Chowdhury,
Independent Human Rights Defender
Focus: State Violence, Political Rights, Minority Protection & Democratic Accountability
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