About
Action for Rural Advancement is a non-governmental, non-profit and development organization working with marginalized coastal and rural communities in Bangladesh since 1996.
- Founded1996
- Registered1999 / 2001 / 2018
- Staff & Volunteers160
- Coverage9+ Districts
Action for Rural Advancement
ARA (Action for Rural Advancement) is a development organization established in 1996 by a group of young social entrepreneurs in Satkhira, a south-western coastal district of Bangladesh. The organization works on climate change, women’s empowerment, safe water, human rights, elderly care and disaster management.
From its beginning as a community forum, ARA gradually evolved into a full-fledged non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities through rights-based, inclusive and sustainable development.
From Community Forum to Development Organization
ARA was born from the needs of coastal communities facing poverty, salinity, disasters and shrinking livelihood opportunities.
ARA was formed in Satkhira by young social entrepreneurs as a community initiative.
Registered with the Department of Social Welfare.
Registered with the Department of Youth Development.
Research-based coastal area initiatives became a stronger part of ARA’s work.
Registered with NGO Affairs Bureau and expanded formal development partnerships.
Strategic focus on climate resilience, human dignity, innovation and sustainable development.
Vision
A resilient, equitable and self-reliant society where every community can live with dignity and opportunity.
Mission
To empower rural and coastal communities through inclusive development, rights-based services and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Values
Transparency, accountability, participation, equality, inclusion and sustainable development guide ARA’s actions and policies.
Registered & Legally Compliant
Transparent Governance Framework
Highest decision-making body with 21 experienced volunteer members.
7-member committee elected for a two-year term to guide policy implementation.
3-member body providing strategic guidance and expert advice.
Committees for Accountability & Protection
ARA maintains management and safeguarding committees to ensure transparent operations, safe practice and quality delivery.
Financial Accountability & Public Disclosure
ARA emphasizes annual financial audits, report publication and information disclosure so partners, donors and community stakeholders can access organizational information with confidence.
People Behind the Mission
| Position | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Level | 04 | 03 | 07 |
| Mid-level | 15 | 07 | 22 |
| Field Level | 33 | 16 | 49 |
| Old Age Home | 02 | 05 | 07 |
| Volunteer | 55 | 20 | 75 |
| Total | 109 | 51 | 160 |
ARA’s Activities in Bangladesh
ARA works across coastal, rural, northern and disaster-prone regions of Bangladesh with a strong focus on marginalized communities where poverty, climate vulnerability and social challenges are most severe.
Major Areas of Work
Climate Resilience & Water Security
Safe water, climate adaptation, resilient agriculture and disaster preparedness.
Human Rights Protection
Legal aid, women protection, disability inclusion and social justice.
Community Empowerment
Education, health, youth skills and community-led development.
Democratic Governance
Accountability, transparency, participatory planning and local governance.
Charitable Mission
Old Age Home, care, shelter, healthcare and humanitarian support.
Finances & Partnerships
ARA collaborates with government bodies, national NGOs and international development partners.
Evidence-Based Coastal Development Since 2010
ARA has deepened its work through research on climate change adaptation, salinity and drinking water, climate-resilient agriculture, disaster preparedness, gender-based violence, livelihoods and skill development.
Awards & Recognition
Established Probin Abasan Kendra (Old Age Home) as a humanitarian charitable initiative.
Awarded Best Youth Organization in Satkhira District in 2014.
Received Human Rights Peace Award in 2016.
Awarded Best Stall at Climate Information Fair in 2014.
Recognized at District Development Fair in 2018.
Received District Best Social Worker recognition in 2024.
Building a Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Future
ARA’s strategic direction focuses on climate adaptation, women empowerment, human rights, humanitarian assistance, organizational capacity, research and partnerships to improve the living standards of marginalized communities.
Join Hands With ARA
Together we can support climate-vulnerable coastal and rural communities to live with dignity, safety and opportunity.
Donate Now