50 Years of Bangladesh's Independence

Bangladesh’s development journey has been remarkable. Despite limited resources at the time of independence, the country has made significant progress in social and economic indicators. Alongside government efforts, innovative grassroots interventions by civil society organizations (CSOs) have played a crucial role, particularly in areas such as women’s empowerment, livelihood development, education, healthcare, climate change, and governance. This book, commissioned by the CSO Alliance to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), highlights the significant impacts of CSOs over the past five decades since independence. Utilizing annual reports, impact assessments, historical records, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, it analyzes how CSOs have influenced policies and improved lives in Bangladesh. While this edition primarily highlights the contributions of CSOs in service delivery and related policy advocacy, future editions will delve deeper into their roles in governance, democracy, and human rights. Capturing the full spectrum of CSO activities in one volume is challenging, and we acknowledge that some information may be underrepresented, future edition will aim to address these gaps. This book is a tribute to the dedication of CSO leaders and members, aiming to inspire future generations to work toward a better Bangladesh. It is a must-read for understanding the crucial role of civil society in shaping the country's socio-economic development.