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.

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 increase public awareness on this issue. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” highlights the importance of ensuring women’s safety in digital spaces.

As part of the campaign, a captivating Jari Gan performance was organized in Tarabunia Union of Gosairhat Upazila under the “What Girls Want – Campaign” implemented by SDS with financial support from Girls Not Brides Bangladesh, with the aim of raising awareness to prevent child marriage.

Through this event, efforts were made to foster positive attitudes among local communities about the harmful effects of child marriage, the protection of girls’ rights, and ensuring a safe and secure future for them.

Implemented by SDS and supported by Start Network, a Forecast-based Disaster Preparedness Workshop was organized under the Start Network Solidarity Fund Project with the participation of the Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs) of Gosairhat Sadar, Kodalpur, and Nagerpara Unions under Gosairhat Upazila, and Boro Gopalpur and Jajira Sadar Unions under Jajira Upazila in Shariatpur district.
The main objective of such preparedness workshops in disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh is to reduce disaster risks and raise awareness among communities about effective disaster management.
During the workshop, participants discussed:-
• Identification of local disaster risks
• Forecasting and early warning systems
• Effective coordination processes during disasters
• Priority actions for vulnerable populations
• Sustainable, community-based disaster preparedness planning
Through this workshop, members of the Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMC) will be better equipped to play a more effective role in responding to future disaster situations.