বন্ধু সোশ্যাল ওয়েলফেয়ার সোসাইটি,ময়মনসিংহ ডি আই সি

Bandhu Social Welfare Society

Bringing Changes, Improving Lives, Keeping Promises

HIV and AIDS prevention program, other health issues like mental health, non-communicable diseases, advocacy program, livilihood program, Social justise and protection, civil entilements

The year 1996, Naz Foundation International, a UK based international charity and community-based organization, led by Shivannda Khan identified some key community representatives, commissioned a study on the sexual and reproductive health needs of gender and sexual minority (GSM) communities in Bangladesh. The study was conducted in Dhaka during October 1996 – March 1997 with funding support by the Ford Foundation.

The findings of this study indicated social exclusion, marginalization, and stigmatization among the GSM communities along with a range of high-risk practices for STI/HIV infection. As Bangladesh society is non-tolerant towards gender diversity and practices, the vulnerability of these population was well perceived and internalized by a group of friends. From their philanthropic notions and commitments, Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) came into existence in 1996 to address these important but unattended issues through a concerted effort. This was the first of its kind initiative in the country to stand for the health and human rights issues of the GSM communities.  This was an effort for the community, led by the community with no formal training in management of NGOs.  Thus, began the journey of learning and changing lives.

Bandhu Social Welfare Society (Bandhu) is formally registered with Ministry of Social welfare and NGO Affairs Bureau since July 1997. All activities of the organization are in line with the guidance provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) and Ministry of Social Welfare (MOSW) of the Government of Bangladesh.

Bandhu implements essential Sexual Heath and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) activities including HIV intervention, legal support, capacity building and policy advocacy with an aim to bring positive changes in the lives of thousands of community members by addressing the social, religious, cultural and legal impediments in terms of their rights and freedom.

HIV prevention commodities, couseling, STI and general health treatment, health education, local level advocacy and national level advocacy, legal support

The Global Fund Project, Priotized HIV prevention in Bangladesh, icddr,b as a management agency

Center Manager, Medical Assistant, Outreach Supervisor, Peer educator, Support staff

Shale Ahmed, Executive Director

আব্দুল্লাহ আল আশিক

01720-839167

mymensingh.rcc@gmail.com

www.bandhu-bd.org

৩১, জে সি গুহ রোড, সদর, ময়মনসিংহ-২২০০