Together for a better tomorrow

Empowering Women Through Education

We work with vulnerable communities in Bangladesh to crate lasting change through sustainable development and humanitarian support.

40,000+

People Reached

64

Districts Covered

200+

Event & Activities

1900

Nationwide Volunteers

Our Programs

Core Program of ERA

Emergency Response and Recovery (ERR)

Support in times of crisis and natural disasters.

DRR and Climate Change (DRRCC)

Building safer and climate-resilient communities.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH)

Clean water and healthy living for all.

Livelihood and Market Development(LMD)

Creating opportunities for sustainable income.

Quality Education, Child Rights, Governance and Justice (QECRGJ)

Education, rights and a brighter future.

Health, Nutrition and Family Welfare (HNFW)

Healthy families, stronger communities.

Youth Engagement and Advocacy(YEA)

Empowered youth for lasting change.

About Era

Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA)

Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA) is a non-profit, humanitarian organization established in 1997, dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities in Sunamganj, Bangladesh. Operating in one of the country’s most disaster-prone and impoverished regions, ERA focuses on sustainable development through health, education, livelihood, and emergency response programs. With a strong emphasis on gender equity, environmental resilience, and community empowerment, ERA works to ensure basic rights and a better quality of life for the underprivileged.

Community
Driven

Transparent & Accountable

Sustainable
Impact

GET INVLOVED

Join Our Volunteer Network

With a mission to empower youth and drive social change, we have united over 55,000 young changemakers from all over Bangladesh. Together, we are transforming communities and creating a better future for all.

Are you ready to make an impact and work with underprivileged communities?

1900

Nationwide Volunteers

64

Districts Covered

200+

Event & Activities

ERA's Latest Blogs

Empowering the Disabled: A Story of Survival and Hope

Empowering the Disabled: A Story of Survival and Hope

ERA has always strived to include persons with disabilities in its various projects, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunity. Globally, approximately 15% of the population lives with some form of disability, and 2–4% of them experience significant functional challenges. According to recent WHO findings, this number is rising—driven…

Ziba Sultana Mim: A Young Dreamer Rising Against the Odds

Ziba Sultana Mim: A Young Dreamer Rising Against the Odds

At just 11 years old, Ziba Sultana Mim, a sixth-grade student from Palash High School in Palash Union at Bishwambharpur Upazila of Sunamganj District, carries dreams far greater than the challenges she faces each day. Living with her parents and five siblings—two sisters and three brothers—Ziba belongs to a humble…

The Inspiring Journey of Suborna Akter Riya: A Beacon of Hope Amid Hardship

The Inspiring Journey of Suborna Akter Riya: A Beacon of Hope Amid Hardship

Suborna Akter Riya, a 16-year-old student from Katakhali village in Bishwambharpur Upazila of Sunamganj District, is a shining symbol of resilience and determination. A candidate for the SSC examination from Katakhali Public School, Suborna stands out as a bright and talented learner with a deep passion for mathematics. Her greatest…

Empowering Women
Through Education

We believe in the limitless potential of every woman, and education is the key to unlocking that power. Yet, due to financial barriers and societal
constraints, many women in rural areas are denied access to education, limiting their opportunities for personal and economic growth. For over
17 years, we’ve been dedicated to changing this narrative.

Through our Sponsor a Girl Program, we have provided quality education to thousands of young girls from underserved communities,
empowering them to break free from the cycle of poverty. You can join this mission and help make a difference. With just BDT 2,500
per month, you can sponsor a girl’s education, enabling her to build a brighter and more equal future.

Meet with Senior Management Team

Late Md Serajul Islam

Founder and Former Executive Director, Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA)

Born in 1962 in Dirai, Sunamganj, Shirajul Islam founded Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA) in 1997 to improve the lives and livelihoods of disadvantaged communities in the haor region. Beginning his professional career at BRAC, he later dedicated himself to building ERA into a development organization focused on disaster response, livelihoods, WASH, education, and community development. Remembered for his commitment to grassroots development and his close connection with local communities, he stood alongside vulnerable families affected by floods and other disasters. He passed away on 2 August 2023, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire ERA’s work with compassion, dignity, and dedication.

Dr. Psyche Islam

Chief Advisor, Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA)

We believe that lasting development begins when communities are empowered, local leadership is strengthened, and every person has the opportunity to live with dignity and realize their full potential. Guided by our commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, ERA works alongside vulnerable and marginalized communities across Bangladesh, particularly in the Haor region. Together with these communities, we promote sustainable livelihoods, gender equality, disaster resilience and access to essential services. I am convinced that strong governance, institutional accountability, innovation and meaningful partnerships are the foundations of lasting change. I encourage ERA to build on its achievements, strengthen its institutional capacity, and deepen its collaboration with communities, government institutions, civil society and development partners. By working together, we can meet emerging challenges and move toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for all.

Fahmida Akther

Executive Director

Md. Kamrujjaman

Program Director

Md. Shamsuddin

Manager-Finance & Admin

Prasun Roy

Project Co-ordinator

Md. Bodruzzaman

Project Manager

Md. Rabiul Ahasan

Project Engineer

Md. Rejaul Karim

Finance & Admin Officer

Tripty Dey

Field Coordinator

Fozlul Karim

Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

Ayesha Akter

MEAL & Documentation Officer

Dr. Tania Akter

Medical Officer

Safina Tus Sabiha

Nutrition Officer

Osiur Raman

Project Officer

Nikhil Chandra Das

Finance & Admin Officer

Muhammad Pipul Miah

Finance & Admin Officer

Shah Md. Jafor Ekbal

Project Officer

Trusted Partners of ERA