Empowering Communities, Driving Change
A non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development through research, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Empowerment and Progress Research Center (EPRC) is a non-profit organization committed to fostering sustainable development across various sectors. Through rigorous research, strategic advocacy, and active community participation, we address critical challenges and promote positive change. Our work spans multiple domains, including water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, agricultural development, livelihood enhancement, health improvement, disaster resilience, educational advancement, human rights advocacy, and renewable energy solutions.
Our Programs and Research
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
EPRC identifies key challenges in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, particularly in rural and flood-prone regions. Access to safe drinking water remains a critical issue, with millions affected by groundwater contamination from arsenic and saline intrusion.
Environmental Sustainability
The living environment faces significant challenges due to rapid urbanization, overcrowding, and environmental degradation. Many urban areas, particularly Dhaka, struggle with inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water, leading to health risks. Air pollution is a severe issue, worsened by industrial emissions and traffic congestion.
Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture and food security in Bangladesh face multiple challenges, including climate change, flooding, erratic weather patterns, and soil degradation, which impact crop yields. The majority of farmers rely on monsoon-fed irrigation, making them vulnerable to droughts and irregular rainfall.
Livelihood Enhancement
Livelihood challenges are primarily driven by poverty, limited access to resources, and vulnerability to natural disasters in Bangladesh. Many people depend on agriculture, which is increasingly affected by climate change, floods, and soil degradation. Urban migration has led to overcrowded cities with limited job opportunities, especially in informal sectors.
Health Improvement
Preventive and public health initiatives focus on reducing disease burden through vaccination, hygiene, sanitation, and health education. In Bangladesh, nutrition remains a key concern, with efforts aimed at combating malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, especially among children and women.
Disaster and Climate Change Resilience
Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to disasters exacerbated by climate change, including floods, cyclones, and river erosion. Its low-lying geography, dense population, and reliance on agriculture make it particularly susceptible to rising sea levels, erratic monsoons, and extreme weather events.
Educational Advancement
In Bangladesh, underprivileged groups face significant barriers to accessing education, with challenges in general, technical, and religious education. General education for marginalized communities often suffers from inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and socioeconomic barriers.
Human Rights Advocacy
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious issue, with widespread cases of eve-teasing, domestic violence, public sexual harassment, and trafficking. Social norms, gender inequality, and weak law enforcement perpetuate violence, particularly in rural areas.
Renewable Energy Solutions
Domestic cooking energy is primarily reliant on traditional biomass sources like wood, charcoal, and crop residues, leading to indoor air pollution, health issues, and deforestation. Access to cleaner cooking technologies, such as LPG or improved cookstoves, remains limited in rural areas of Bangladesh due to high costs and inadequate infrastructure.
Networking and Collaboration
Networking is crucial for research-based NGOs to enhance their impact and sustainability. Collaboration with government agencies, international organizations, academia, and local communities enables access to diverse resources, expertise, and funding.