Executive Director’s Message
RDA founded with a deep conviction that real and lasting development begins in the heart of communities — among people who dare to dream of change, who strive for dignity, and who work every day to build a better future for themselves and others. From this belief, RDA emerged as a catalyst for empowerment, equity, and transformation — focusing particularly on those often left behind: the rural poor, youth, women, girls, adolescent, person with disabilities and marginalized populations of northern Bangladesh. The Rural Development Association (RDA), based in Rangpur, is a non-political, non-profit, and voluntary social welfare organization (NGO).
As a newly established, community-rooted, and mission-driven organization, RDA was born out of a shared belief that meaningful and lasting development must be inclusive, participatory, and context-specific. Guided by this conviction, RDA seeks to empower rural youth, women & girls, children, and marginalized communities to become active agents of change rather than passive recipients of development assistance.
Our commitment is to create a just, resilient, and empowered society, where every individual — regardless of gender, ability, or social standing — can realize their full potential. RDA envision to build a building just, resilient, and empowered communities in northern rural Bangladesh – free from exploitation and discrimination – where everyone can realize their full potential and enjoy dignity, equal opportunity, security, and a sustainable future.
The next decade presents both challenges and immense possibilities. As climate change reshapes livelihoods, as social inequities persist, and as new technologies transform opportunities, RDA will stand by communities with compassion, innovation, and accountability. The decade ahead is critical for Bangladesh — a nation transitioning toward middle-income status while facing the evolving challenges of inequality, climate vulnerability, and socio-economic disparity. Northern Bangladesh, particularly the Rangpur region, continues to face persistent poverty, youth unemployment, and limited access to services.
The decade ahead will demand collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility. RDA seeks to be a trusted partner to government institutions, development agencies, corporate actors, and civil society organizations working toward common national and global goals. Our focus on building partnerships, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based practice will help us expand our impact and ensure that no one is left behind.
To this end, RDA developed a 10-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2035) focuses on bridging these gaps by promoting youth skill development and entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, child protection, access to health services, education for all, livelihood enhancement, agricultural resilience, and environmental sustainability — all integrated under a holistic rural development framework. RDA strategic plan is a roadmap of our collective aspirations, grounded in the realities of northern Bangladesh and guided by the shared vision of inclusive and sustainable development. It aligns closely with the national priorities of Bangladesh, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and international development frameworks.
Over the next decade, RDA will strengthen its institutional foundation, expand its multi-sectoral programs, and deepen its partnerships to foster community-driven, women, youth and adolescent focus, climate-resilient, and inclusive growth.
We are committed to ensuring that gender equality, social inclusion (GESI), environmental and social safeguards, and accountability remain cross-cutting principles across all our interventions. RDA’s approach emphasizes participatory community engagement, transparency in governance, and the empowerment of local actors — because sustainable development must be rooted in the strength, dignity, and participation of people themselves.
At the heart of our mission lies people — the youth and adolescent seeking opportunity, the women aspiring for equality, the farmers cultivating resilience, and the children dreaming of a future filled with hope. Our work is for them and with them.
Together, we will continue to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and uphold the principles of justice, inclusion, and dignity.
With the support of government, donors, partners and civil society — I am confident that RDA will emerge as a beacon of change and a trusted partner in the pursuit of sustainable development. With collective passion and perseverance, I am confident that RDA will emerge as a leading organization for youth-led innovation, gender equity, social inclusion, and sustainable rural development in northern Bangladesh and beyond. RDA will continue to grow as a credible, transparent, and impactful development organization — one that embodies hope, resilience, and innovation in every action it takes.
Together, we move forward —
Empowering Community, Realizing Potential, Building a Sustainable Future.
Md. Habibur Rahman (Habib)
Founder and Executive Director
Rural Development Association (RDA)
Rangpur, Bangladesh