Bangladesh
Published on: Apr 13, 2007

Autonomous Research Institutes

  • Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD)
    Kotabari
    Comilla 3505
    Fax: 880-081-68406

    Profile: BARD is an organization under the ministry of local government and it involves multi-sectoral rural development activities. Its major objectives are to impart training to officials of government organizations regarding rural development, to conduct research on rural development issues, and to conduct action research for evolving suitable models of rural development.

  • Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC)
    Farm Gate, New Airport Road
    Dhaka 1215
    Tel:880-2-8114032, 9132214-18
    Fax:880-2-8113032
    Web:www.saic-dhaka.org
  • Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS)
    E-17, Agargaon, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar
    Dhaka 1207
    Tel:880-2-8121304, 8121615, 8129603, 9140358-9
    Fax:880-2-8113023
    Web:www.bids-bd.org/

    Profile: BIDS is a multidisciplinary research organization. It undertakes basic research on development problems of Bangladesh and functions as an agency for promoting study, research and dissemination of knowledge in the fields of economics, demography, and other branches of social sciences including those relating to planning for national development and social welfare. It also provides training in socio-economic analysis and research methodology for its professional staff and for members of other organizations from home and abroad, concerned with development problems.

  • Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS)
    1/24 Old Elephant Road
    Dhaka 1000
    Tel: 880-2-9336287, 9353808
    Fax: 880-2-8312625
    Web: www.biiss.org

    Profile: BIISS was a statutory institution established in 1978 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to undertake and promote research and deliberation on international affairs, security and developmental issues. The institute is also expected to advance knowledge and understanding of contemporary international and strategic issues in national and regional perspectives. The main activities of the institute are carried out by the research faculty consisting of a team of full-time researchers with varied social sciences background. BIISS is autonomous in formulating its own research policies and agenda. Research areas include: strategic studies, international studies, democracy and governance, and economic and environmental studies. It holds a number of national seminars, conference and workshops on issues of topical and national interests every year

  • Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM)
    4, Sobhanbagh, Mirpur Road
    Dhaka 1207
    Tel: 880-2-8117405
    Fax: 880-2-8114304

    Profile: BIM is an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Ministry of Industries. It was set up in 1961 to assist the improvement of industrial productivity through the process of human resources development. While training, research and consultancy are the three mandated actives of BIM, the major thrust during the last decade has been on training and post graduate diploma program. The institute organizes more than 75 courses and seminars every year. The duration of the courses ranges from one to four weeks, sometimes even of longer duration.

  • Bureau of Economic Research (BER)
    Economics Department
    Arts Building
    University of Dhaka
    Dhaka 1000

    Profile: BER is an autonomous body of Dhaka University. It was established in 1959- 61. The Bureau undertakes and promotes research in the field of economics and related subjects. Its research activities are aimed at focusing on the quality of teaching by providing data as well as analysis of economic and social problems. In particular, the research aims at finding solutions to many practical problems, which helps in policy making in national development. An important part of the program of the Bureau is involved in training of research workers at different levels, particularly graduate students so that they can take up independent research work. Chief researchers are teachers of economic department, Dhaka University.

  • Bureau of Socio-Economic Research and Training (BSERT)

    Profile: An autonomous body under the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenshigh, the main activities of the bureau are the following: to conduct and promote socio-economic research with particular emphasis on rural problems of Bangladesh designed to gather new knowledge useful for sound teaching and practical application; provide training to research workers and personnel engaged in rural development works initiated by this university or any other agency; make available the results of its research and training through publication and other means of communication; and, establish functional linkage with national and international agencies with respect to collaborative research and training programs in agricultural and rural development.

  • Centre for Alternatives (CA)
    431 Lecture Theatre
    Faculty of Arts
    University of Dhaka
    Dhaka 1000
    Bangladesh
    Tel: 880-2-9661900-59 ext. 4550
    Fax: 880-2-8615583
    Email: calter@bangla.net
    Web: www.calter.org

    Profile: CA is an independent and non-governmental research, deliberative and policy forum for promoting alternative thinking related to society, state and the world. The centre is interested in social, political, environental and security issues on a national and international level. The CA publishes its own annual journal, Theoretical Perspectives, and participates in collaborative publications and projects with insitutes from the region. The centre hosts a lecture series and public forums on issues of concern and relevance to society.

  • Centre for Social Science Research (Rajshahi)
    Rajshahi University
    Rajshahi 6205

    Profile: CSSR is an independent, academic research organization established in 1996 at the University of Rajshahi for promoting and exploring empirical and qualitative research concerning contemporary issues of social sciences, of empirical or theoretical or topical interest with particular emphasis on socio-economic development policy issues with reference to developing countries, specially Bangladesh. The centre is supposed to undertake participatory and action research, organize seminars and workshops, public administration, communication and society journal, ADCOMSO, and other publications, and provide training for researchers and development workers.

  • Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP)
    Chameli House
    17 Topkhana Road
    GPO Box 2883
    Dhaka 1000
    PABX: 880-2-9558751, 9559686
    Fax: 880-2-9562035
    Web:http://www.cirdap.org.sg/

    Profile: CIRDAP, established in 1979 for the Asia and Pacific Region, is a regional, inter-governmental, autonomous institution. Supported primarily by the United Nations, the centre's objectives are to assist national action, promote regional cooperation and act as a servicing institution for its member countries in promoting integrated rural development (IRD) through research, action research, training and information dissemination. Areas of concern for CIRDAP include : agrarian development; institutional/ infra-structural development; resource development including human resources; and employment.

  • Department of Urban and Regional Planning (U.R.P)
    Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
    Dhaka 1000
    Tel:880-2-9665634
    Fax:880-2-863046, 863026
    Web:www.buet.edu
  • National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT)
    Azimpur
    Dhaka 1205
    Tel: 880-2-864448-50
    Subject: population, maternal and child health, family planning
  • Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU)
    Room 4020, Arts Building
    University of Dhaka
    Dhaka 1000
    Tel: 880-2-9661920 Ext. 4483
    Fax: 880-2-8615583
    Email: cabrar@citechco.net, rmmru@aitlbd.net
  • Rural Development Academy (RDA)
    Bogra 5842

    Profile: The three major functions of the academy are training, research and action research on the socio-economic issues of the rural areas of Bangladesh. Research projects are primarly concerned with suverying and evaluating the impact of development programs initiated by government, non-government organizations, and national and international agencies. In addition to this, the academy also pursues research focusing on the rural condition including agricultural operations and management of rural institutions dealing with rural development.


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Major Government Agencies

  • Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU)
    Ministry of Food
    Dhaka
    Tel: 880-2-9957686, 6033
    Fax: 880-2-9559328
    Email:fpmu@citechco.net
  • National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM)
    Moha Khali
    Dhaka 1212
    Tel: 880-2-881236

  • National Academy for Educational Management (NAEM)
    Dhanmondi
    Dhaka 1212
    Tel: 880-2-9670357/9
    Fax:880-2-8619084
    Email:naembd@bdcom.com

    Profile: An attached department under the Ministry of Education, NAEM is responsible for developing, organizing, conducting and coordinating various training courses in educational management, administration and planning for educational functionaries of different levels. It provides research support to the ministry in formulating education plans, policies and organizing workshops, seminars and meetings on educational problems and issues for facilitating research activities.

  • National Institute of Mass communication (NIMC)
    125/A Darus Salam
    Mirpur, Dhaka 1215
    Tel: 880-2-808658
    Fax: 880-2-900580
    Email: nimco@bangla.net

    Profile: A government body, the major objectives of the institute are to develop the broadcasting in Bangladesh by improving the professional capabilities of the work force and increase outreach to rural communication; evolving method, technique, material and resources which allow the broadcasting organizations to perform more effectively; creating a network of collaboration in the field of broadcasting development training and research.

  • National Institute of Local Government (NILG)
    29 Agargaen, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar
    Dhaka 1207
    Tel: 880-2-818947
    Fax: 880-2-326647

    Profile: NILG operates under the Ministry of Local Government. The main objectives of the institute are: to impart training to officials and public representatives of both urban and rural local bodies; conduct research on various problems of local government and related areas; and, offer consultancy services to the various authorities.

  • National Productivity Organization (NPO)
    Ministry of Industries
    Shilpa Bhaban (1st Floor)
    91, Motijheel Commerical Area
    Dhaka 1000
    Tel: 880-2-9562883
    Fax: 880-2-9563553
    Email: npobd@ncll.com
  • Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
    Ministry of Planning
    Sher-E-Bangla Nagar
    Dhaka 1207
    Tel: 880-2-9118726
  • University Grants Commission (UGC)
    Sher-E-Bangla Nagar
    Agargaon, Dhaka 1207
    Email: info@ugc.org
    Web: www.ugc.org

    Profile: UGC was established in 1973 as the apex body of all the Universities of Bangladesh. Its primary objective is to promote and coordinate university education, monitor and help maintain standard of university education, assess the needs in terms of funding for the universities and advise the Government on various issues related to the universities


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NGO's for Social Science Research


  • Asiatic Society of Bangladesh
    5 Old Secretariat Road (Nimtali)
    Ramna, Dhaka 1000
    Tel: 880-2-9560500

    Profile: The Asiatic Society of Bangladesh is a voluntary organization of scholars committed to the study of `man and nature' in Asia. It is a research-oriented organization and its membership is open to research-minded intellectuals of all nationalities.The sole pursuit of the society is in the promotion of research and fulfillment of intellectual curiosity. Activities of the society include sponsoring and guiding research projects, organizing a monthly lecture, and providing fellowships for young scholars doing their M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees in Bangladesh. The society has an extensive publication program as one of its main functions along with research. The society provides reading facilities to its members in its library and maintains a collection of books and manuscripts.

  • Ain-o-Shalish Kendro (ASK)
    26/3 Purana Paltan Line
    Dhaka 1000
    Tel: 880-2-831856
    Fax: 880-2-831856
    Email: ask@citechco.net
    Web: www.mnet.fr./aiindex/ask/
  • Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS)
    House 23 Road 10A
    Dhanmondi, Dhaka
    Tel: 880-2-9119823
    Fax: 880-2-8111344
    Email: info@bcas.net
    Web: www.bcas.net

    Profile: BCAS is a leading Bangladesh NGO. It is a non-profit research and policy institute working on resource management, environment and development issues. Its national program includes impacts on selected flood, drainage and irrigation projects, ground water extraction, shrimp farming in coastal areas and depressed basin ecosystem and aquatic productivity. BCAS has been involved in evaluation, monitoring, data base management in the field of fisheries, wetlands floods, sea level and publication of books, reports and scientific monographs.

  • Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC)
    75 Mohakali
    Dhaka 1212
    Tel: 880-2-9881265-72
    Fax: 880-2-8823542/8823614
  • Bangladesh National Women Lawyer's Association (BNWLA) Chancery Chambers
    7th Floor, Amin Court
    62-63 Motijheel Com. Area
    Dhaka
  • CARITAS Development Institute (CDI)
    2 Outer Circular Road
    Shantibagh, Dhaka 1217
    Tel: 880-2-835405-9 ext. 21
  • Centre for Development Services (CDS)
    38/1 Block F, Ring Road Shyamoli, Dhaka 1207
    Tel: 880-2-811319
    Fax: 880-2-815512
    Email: cds@bdmail.net
  • Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
    House 40/C Road 11 (New)
    Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205
    Tel: 880-2-8124770, 9141734
    Web: www.cpd-bangladesh.org

    Profile: The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), established in 1993, is concerned with addressing the growing demands for a more participatory and accountable development process in Bangladesh. The CPD aims to fulfill this need through conducting research on key developmental issues to influence the policy and decision making processes in Bangladesh. At the core of CPD's activities lies its dialogue programme. The dialogues are designed to produce specific recommendations in terms of redifining the policies as well as ensuring their effective implementation. CPD's major research activities is the preparation of the annual Independent Review of Bangladesh's Development (IRBD). Programmes at the CPD include: Trade Policy Analysis (TPA), Governance and Policy Reforms, Population and Sustainable Development, and Agriculture, Ecosystems, Environment and Rural Development.

  • Institute for Development Policy Analysis and Advocacy
    Proshika
    VI-GA, Section 2, Mirpur-2
    Dhaka-1216
    Tel: 880-2-803398/805812/806795
    Fax: 880-2-805-811
    Web: www.proshika.org
  • Nijera Kori
    Road No. 4A, House No. 40A
    Dhanmondi,Dhaka
  • Nari Uddug Kendra/Centre for Women's Initiatives
    22/18, Khilji Road, Block-B (2nd floor)
    Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207
    Tel: 880-2-325756
    Fax: 880-2-813095/813014
  • Women for Women
    15 Green Square
    Green Road
    Dhaka 1205
    Tel:880-2-503794
    Fax:880-2-813010

    Profile: A research and study group, Women for Women is invovled with research and public education programs that address gender issues and the need to enhance the status of women. Established in 1973 by a group of committed women professionals representing a variety of academic disciplines, activities of the organization include research, information dissemination, advocacy awareness and motivational programs.


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University Departments and Centres


  • Bangladesh Agricultural University
    Mymensingh 2202
  • Chittagong University
    Chittagong
    Tel: 880-31-682031 to 39, 714923, 726311-14
    Fax: 880-31-726310
    Email: cu@ctgu.edu
    Web: www.cu.ac.bd
  • Dhaka University
    Ramna, Dhaka-1000
    Tel: 880-2-966-1900 to -59
    Fax:880-2-865583
    Web:www.univdhaka.edu
  • Jahangirnagar University
    Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
    Tel:880-2-7708478-85 (8 lines - PABX)
    Fax: 880-2-7708069
    Web:www.juniv.edu
Institute of Bangladesh Studies (IBS)
Rajshahi University
Rajshahi
  • Shahjalal Science and Technology University
    P.O. University, P.C.
    Sylhet - 3114
    PABX: 8021-713491, 714479, 713850
    Fax: 880-821-715257

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