Shiropa Development Society Opens New Head Office, Celebrates 21 Years of Impact in Bangladesh

By Mahbub Hasan Tutul, Bangladesh

Shiropa Development Society, a non-governmental development organisation in Bangladesh, has inaugurated its newly constructed head office in Jugia, Kushtia, marking a significant milestone in its 21-year history.

The new office was formally inaugurated on October 20, 2026, by Jalal Uddin Ahmed, the organisation’s first president.

The inauguration was accompanied by a special event titled “Shiroopa Sammanona 2026”, organised to recognise the contributions of the organisation’s founders, former and current governing body members, financial supporters, organisers, field workers and well-wishers who have contributed to its growth since its establishment in 2005.

The event celebrated more than two decades of institutional development, acknowledging the leadership, dedication, financial support and collective efforts that have shaped the organisation.

Several founding organisers, former and current executive committee members, supporters and early field workers received recognition. A posthumous award was also presented to the family of the late Haji Aslam Uddin, a former General Council member, in recognition of his nearly 14 years of service to the organisation.

A 21-Year Journey of Institutional Development

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Shiropa Development Society, Shahidul Islam, said the organisation was established in 2005 through the vision, initiative and collective efforts of a small group of people.

“Since its establishment, Shiropa has overcome various challenges and limitations to reach its 21st year. The organisation’s progress would not have been possible without the dedication of its founders, organisers, financial supporters, governing body members and field-level employees. This recognition programme is our way of expressing gratitude for their contributions,” he said.

He added that nine executive committees had served the organisation since its establishment, while the tenth executive committee is currently serving a three-year term covering 2025–2028.

According to the organisation’s records, 22 organisers served in different capacities across the first nine executive committees, six of whom remain associated with the current governing body.

Founding Leadership and Institutional Foundations

The organisation’s first president, Jalal Uddin Ahmed (2005–2008), played a key role in establishing its legal and institutional foundation by securing its initial registration with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC), Bangladesh.

The second president, Md. Abdur Rakib, contributed to developing the organisation’s initial administrative policies, official forms and draft proposals.

Under the initiative and leadership of its third president, Dr. Md. Aminur Haque, Shiropa became an associate organisation of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in 2010.

Upazila Vice-Principal Md. Abdus Salam subsequently served as vice-president and president during different terms. Under his leadership, the organisation secured its first loan assistance of BDT 500,000 from PKSF. He also played a role in establishing financial agreements with 13 private commercial banks.

The organisation’s early financial and administrative systems were strengthened through the contributions of its first treasurer, Mosammat Jiaun Nahar, and second treasurer, Md. Helal Uddin. Its first vice-president, Md. Sumon Kabir, also supported the initial registration process.

Among other founding contributors, Mosammat Khadeja Tut-Tohura financed the organisation’s initial registration expenses from her personal resources in 2005. She later served as an executive member from 2016 to 2025.

Other individuals, including Md. Makbul Hossain, Md. Habil Uddin, Mosammat Yasmin Nahar and Mosammat Ashrafun Nessa, also contributed through their participation in the executive committee and General Council at different stages.

New Head Office Marks Another Step Forward

The newly constructed head office in Jugia, Kushtia, represents an important milestone in the organisation’s institutional development.

General Council member Taufiq Ahmed led the architectural planning, interior design and construction-related activities for the building.

The organisation also acknowledged the longstanding guidance and support of freedom fighter Hanif Uddin, Matiar Rahman, Dr. Md. Suja Uddin and Md. Khalid Hasan Lalu.

The new premises are expected to provide a more organised working environment for administrative operations, institutional coordination and future programme expansion.

From Initial Financial Support to Reaching Nearly 30,000 Families

The event also highlighted the financial and institutional support that helped expand Shiropa’s field-level operations.

In 2012, Md. Saidul Islam (Maruf) provided BDT 4 million in loan assistance to the organisation, supporting the expansion of its activities.

Kaushik Ahmed and Nazmul Hasan played important roles in facilitating the organisation’s registration with the NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh and securing its first foreign grant from Safe Charity.

The organisation’s first institutional audit was conducted in 2008 by financial consultant Asifur Rahman, FCA, contributing to the development of its early financial accountability framework.

Grassroots Initiatives and Financial Inclusion

Recalling the organisation’s early grassroots activities, the event recognised its first two field workers, Md. Anichur Rahman (Palash) and Md. Swapan Ali.

In 2005, they began the initial membership enrolment and savings collection activities by visiting households in local communities.

What started as a small grassroots initiative has gradually expanded into microcredit and savings operations reaching nearly 30,000 families, according to the organisation.

The expansion reflects Shiropa’s efforts to extend financial services and economic opportunities to local communities across Bangladesh.

Posthumous Recognition for a Dedicated Contributor

The family of the late Haji Aslam Uddin received a posthumous award in recognition of his nearly 14 years of service and contribution as a General Council member.

Speakers at the event emphasised that institutional history is shaped not only by organisational achievements but also by the dedication, experience and commitment of the individuals who contribute to its development over time.

Founders, Former Leaders and Contributors Attend

The programme was attended by the organisation’s first president, Jalal Uddin Ahmed; second president, Md. Abdur Rakib; third president, Dr. Md. Aminur Haque; former vice-president and president, Upazila Vice-Principal Md. Abdus Salam; first vice-president, Md. Sumon Kabir; first treasurer, Mosammat Jiaun Nahar; second treasurer, Md. Helal Uddin; and other founding organisers and contributors.

Also present were freedom fighter Hanif Uddin, Matiar Rahman, Dr. Md. Suja Uddin, Md. Khalid Hasan Lalu, Taufiq Ahmed, Md. Saidul Islam (Maruf), Kaushik Ahmed, Nazmul Hasan, Asifur Rahman, FCA, Md. Anichur Rahman (Palash) and Md. Swapan Ali.

Other representatives included Zillur Rahman Siddique, Coordinator of the RAISE Project, and Md. Sabuj Hossain, Training and Employment Support Officer, alongside officials and representatives from various departments of the organisation.

Looking Ahead

In its concluding remarks, the governing body stated that Shiropa Development Society’s 21-year journey was not the achievement of any single individual or leadership group but the result of the collective efforts of its founders, organisers, financial supporters, employees and well-wishers.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the contributions of those whose dedication, knowledge, financial assistance and guidance helped build the institution.

The inauguration of the new head office and the recognition of its founding contributors mark a new chapter in Shiropa Development Society’s institutional journey in Bangladesh.