Bangladesh Development Initiative (BDI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the United States. Its members include scholars and professionals committed to supporting development initiatives in Bangladesh to improve the quality of life for all its citizens. BDI engages in and facilitates scholarly exchange between Bangladesh and overseas scholars through educational programs, an academic peer-reviewed journal (Journal of Bangladesh Studies), and a book publication program. BDI also organizes conferences to promote new and relevant research on Bangladesh and provide a forum for debating policy alternatives about Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Development Initiative (BDI) works to:
- support policy research that will advance the formulation and implementation of national policies to ensure the availability of food, home, health care, clothes, education, and transportation to the people of Bangladesh,
- support industrialization and acceleration of rural development in Bangladesh as a means to alleviate poverty,
- foster strong relationships and solidarity among Bangladeshi residents of North America, to raise awareness around the developmental issues facing the country and address those issues with a unified effort,
- initiate cultural exchange to promote international understanding between the people of Bangladesh and the world community,
- publish books, pamphlets, and research dissertations to enhance the above objectives and
- target the underprivileged classes, women, and children in all developmental efforts.
BDI Membership
BDI offers three kinds of membership:
- General Members: A general member of BDI is a person who is interested in Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development, is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the people of Bangladesh, and is able to contribute to the mission of BDI.
- Executive Members: The Executive Committee consists of officeholders of the President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and 5 to 7 Executive Committee Members.
- Honorary Members: BDI grants honorary membership to anyone who has made significant and outstanding contributions to preserving BDI’s aims and objectives.
BDI has no membership fees; however, all members must subscribe to the organization’s Constitution and by-laws. All members, except the Honorary Members, can vote electronically by email.
Washington Office:
Bangladesh Development Initiative
15160 SE 54th Place
Bellevue, WA 98006, USA
Team
President: Munir Quddus, PhD
Vice President: Rahim Quazi, PhD
General Secretary: Akhlaque Haque, PhD
Treasurer: Muhammad Faizul Islam, PhD
Executive Member: Farida Khan, PhD
Executive Member: Sukomal Modak, PhD
Executive Member: Elora Shehabuddin, PhD
Executive Member: Farzana Noor Bindu
Executive Member: Waziuddin Saud Chowdhury