Under the implementation of SDS, a significant roundtable discussion titled “Reviewing and Exploring Ways to Address Climate Change-Induced Non-Economic Loss and Damage (NELD)” was held at the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, under the Non-Economic Loss and Damage Special Initiative Project.

The event was jointly organized by SDS and Prothom Alo, with support from the Climate Justice Resilience Fund (CJRF). The discussion brought together climate experts, policymakers, and development practitioners from across the country.

Speakers highlighted that while visible losses caused by climate change such as damage to homes and crops receive global attention, invisible or non-economic losses remain largely overlooked. These include displacement due to river erosion, identity crises, social isolation, child marriage, school dropouts, and psychological stress. The speakers emphasized the need to assess these losses and incorporate them into national policy frameworks.

Mr. Md. Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, stated that key areas of non-economic loss and damage have already been identified through various studies and reports. He stressed the importance of integrating these issues into national frameworks, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

Ms. Rabeya Begum, Executive Director of SDS, noted that although river erosion is a regular reality in Shariatpur district, it has not yet been recognized as a full-fledged national disaster. As a result, affected communities continue to suffer from various invisible losses that are not adequately addressed.

According to research findings, 98% of people in the study areas of Shariatpur district have been displaced at least once due to river erosion. Displacement has led to identity crises, exclusion from social safety net programs, and increased vulnerability to child marriage.

Representatives from affected communities also shared their experiences, stating that repeated displacement often leads to social discrimination in new areas. Some even face derogatory remarks, being labeled as “Rohingya.” They demanded sustainable embankment construction, improved educational support, and strengthened rehabilitation programs.

Disaster expert and Chair of SDS, Mr. Gawhar Nayeem Warah, highlighted the increasing salinity in the Padma River in the Shariatpur region. He warned that without coordinated river management initiatives, the situation could worsen in the future. He also pointed out that children are among the most affected by non-economic losses during disasters.

Other speakers emphasized the lack of adequate data on non-economic losses and called for data-driven planning. They also stressed the importance of incorporating these losses into resilience-building programs.

The session was moderated by Mr. Firoz Chowdhury, Assistant Editor of Prothom Alo.

Distinguished participants included Ms. Kavita Bose, Country Director of Plan International; Ms. Nuzhat Jabin, Country Director of Christian Aid; Mr. Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive of CPRD; Ms. Farhana Afroze, Program Management Expert at Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation; Mr. Md. Shamsuzzaman, Program Manager at Islamic Relief Bangladesh; Mr. Sakib Haque, Managing Director of ICCCAD; Mr. Sajid Raihan, Head of Network Development at Start Network; Mr. Pavel Partha, environmental and biodiversity researcher and writer; Mr. Mrityunjoy Das, Deputy Chief of Party at CARE Bangladesh; and Mr. Kamrul Hasan Shawon, Program Manager Climate Change and Resilience at Plan International.

SDS continues to work tirelessly to make invisible climate losses visible and to ensure that the voices of affected communities are included in policy-making processes.

SDS celebrated International Women’s Day 2026. On this occasion, the day began at the SDS Head Office with the participation of officials and staff from all levels. The program included a badge and handband wearing ceremony, a colorful rally, a van campaign, and a discussion meeting.

The rally marched through the main roads of the district, passed the Sadar Upazila premises, and ended again at the SDS Head Office. During the rally, calls were made to ensure the rights of women and girls, justice, and a safe future.

After the rally, Ms. Rabeya Begum (Executive Director, SDS) officially inaugurated the van campaign. The awareness campaign was later conducted on several important and busy roads of the district town.

Following the van campaign, a discussion meeting was held under the chairpersonship of Ms. Rabeya Begum, Executive Director of SDS. Officials and staff from the head office as well as representatives from different projects of the organization were present at the meeting. Speakers emphasized the importance of collective efforts to protect the rights of women and girls, ensure justice, and build a safe and equitable society.

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.