On the occasion of the International Fortnight for the Prevention of Violence against Women and Begum Rokeya Day 2025, Ms. Mukta Akter who had previously been selected as the best woman at both the upazila and district levels in the category “Triumphing in Life by Overcoming the Nightmare of Abuse” under the Indomitable Women Award 2025 has now earned this prestigious recognition at the divisional level.

The award was presented on Monday (2 March) at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy Auditorium in the capital. The event was organized by the Department of Women Affairs under the overall supervision of the Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Dhaka. The Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Mr. Momtaz Ahmed, attended as the Chief Guest. The program was presided over by the Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka, Mr. Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury. Special guests included the Director General of the Department of Women Affairs, Ms. Jinat Ara, and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Dhaka Range, Mr. Rezaul Karim Mallik.

Ms. Mukta Akter is a courageous survivor under the “Ashshash” project, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland, supported by Winrock International, and implemented by SDS. Transforming the hardships of her personal life and her experience of being deceived abroad into strength, she is now actively engaged in preventing human trafficking and supporting the rehabilitation of women who return home after being trafficked or defrauded overseas.

Through courtyard meetings and awareness activities, she has already reached and sensitized more than 350 people. Her unwavering courage, self-respect, and sense of responsibility toward society inspire us all. We are proud and delighted to stand beside her in her journey of resilience and determination.

With financial support from Islamic Relief Bangladesh, Shariatpur Development Society (SDS) distributed Ramadan food packages to 358 poor families in Purba Naodoba Union under Jazira Upazila of Shariatpur District, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. Each beneficiary family received: 40 kg rice, 4 kg pulses, 5 liters oil, 3 kg sugar, 1 kg salt, 5 kg chickpeas, 3 kg flattened rice, and 1 kg dates.The food items were distributed among the ultra-poor families in the presence of representatives from Islamic Relief Bangladesh. On behalf of the organization, Ms. Rabeya Begum (Executive Director), Ms. Amala Das (Deputy Director, Human Resources Division), along with SDS field-level officials and volunteers, were present at the distribution event.

Pre-election meeting between SDS and the European Union election observer team. SDS is one of the member out of 81 registered NGO as an Observers organization by the Bangladesh Election Commission.

Today a pre-election meeting was held between SDS and the European Union Election Observer Team in view of the upcoming national election. SDS shared insights on the pre-election environment, field-level preparedness, and its observation plans with the EU team!

The meeting emphasized voter awareness, campaign activities, administrative readiness, and cooperation between national and international observers to ensure a neutral, transparent, and credible electoral process. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a peaceful and trustworthy election.

SDS is partnering with EU through Alliance for Fair Election and Democracy (AFED) for observing the upcoming National Election will be held in 12 February 2026. SDS will conduct observation activities in 9 parliamentary constituencies across 5 districts (Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Gopalganj, and Barishal). The constituencies are: Shariatpur-02 and 03, Madaripur-01 and 03, Faridpur-02 and 03, Gopalganj-01, and Barishal-03 and 06.

In the continuous journey of development, the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of SDS was held on 29 December 2025. The inaugural session was graced by the Honorable Deputy Commissioner of Shariatpur District, Ms. Miz Tahsina Begum, as the Chief Guest.

Special Guests at the event included Mr. Rawnak Jahan, Superintendent of Police, Shariatpur; Mr. S. M. Anwarul Karim, Deputy Director, District Social Services Office, Shariatpur; Ms. Elora Yasmin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (Sadar), Shariatpur; and Mr. Mozibur Rahman, Founder of SDS. Major General (Retd.) Jibon Kanai Das was present as the Guest of Honour.
At the outset of the programme, a one-minute silence was observed in solemn remembrance of the distinguished individuals and loved ones who passed away over the past year, as a mark of deep respect.

The inaugural session was chaired by Mr. Gowhar Nayeem Wahra, President of the Executive Committee of SDS. Among others present were Ms. Rabeya Begum, Executive Director of SDS, along with members of the General Council and Executive Committee of the organization. The programme was moderated by Mr. B. M. Kamroul Hassan, Director (MF), and Ms. Rabeya Khatun, Case Manager, Ashshash Project, SDS. Representatives from various non-governmental organizations, members of the media, and officials from the SDS Head Office were also in attendance.

Following the inaugural session, the working session of the AGM commenced at 12:00 noon. The session was presided over by Mr. Gowhar Nayeem Wahra and facilitated by Ms. Rabeya Begum, Executive Director of SDS.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November-10 December), the organization is conducting a two-week awareness campaign. The primary objective of this campaign is to prevent violence against women and girls and to raise public awareness on the issue. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” underscores the importance of ensuring women’s safety in digital spaces.
As part of the campaign activities, a bicycle rally was organized with the active participation of adolescent girls from Shariatpur Sadar Upazila under the “AA-SRSP” project, implemented by SDS with financial support from the WFP-World Food Programme. The rally is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the girls’ confidence, promoting safe mobility, and raising social awareness.

In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November–10 December), the organization is conducting a two-week awareness campaign. The primary objective of the campaign is to prevent violence against women and girls and to enhance public awareness on this critical issue. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” underscores the importance of ensuring women’s safety in digital spaces.
As part of the campaign, SDS organized a badge and hand-band wearing programme, a rally, and a discussion session with the participation of all levels of officials and staff at the SDS Head Office. These activities aim to strengthen awareness and reinforce the commitment of staff members to preventing violence against women.
The event was graced by Ms. Rabeya Begum, Executive Director of SDS, as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Mr. B.M. Kamroul Hassan, Director (MF); Mr. MD Easin Khan, Deputy Director (Finance & Accounts); Mr. Kazi Md. Safwat Hossain, Deputy Director (Project); along with various Project Heads and all officials and staff of the Head Office.