Who We Are

The Environment and Population Research Centre (EPRC), founded in 1998 by Prof. Dr. Bilqis Amin Hoque, is a multidisciplinary, non-governmental institution dedicated to research, development, education, training, and networking. Guided by its Vision and Mission, EPRC works in a variety of fields, including WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), water resources, food security, agriculture, organic farming, renewable energy, satellite-based smart irrigation, wastewater management, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation, education, indoor air quality, public health, occupational health and safety, infrastructure, and related social and policy issues at local, regional, and global levels. A key focus of EPRC’s development initiatives is managing water resources and promoting human rights and gender equity, particularly for socially disadvantaged communities, with an emphasis on women.

EPRC has successfully carried out its mission by implementing strategic research, academic, and development activities aimed at achieving sustainable outcomes. It collaborates with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and donor agencies in Bangladesh and internationally.

EPRC operates 27 field offices across Bangladesh, with its head office located in Dhaka. The organization also runs an environmental and basic food testing laboratory, an MIS & data center, a training center, an educational institution, and a makeshift health clinic for marginalized populations in Gazipur and Uttar Matlab, Chandpur. EPRC is structured into 13 cells/sections: Human Resources, Finance, Social Behavioral Change (SBC), Capacity Building, Advocacy, Training and Research, GIS & MIS, Fundraising and Public Relations, Gender, Monitoring & Evaluation, Internal Audit, Disaster Management, Administration, Logistics, and Procurement.

EPRC coordinates the Global Applied Research Network for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environment, and Agriculture-South Asia (GARNET-SA), a network of over 600 member organizations. The network is guided by an advisory committee that includes members from Bangladesh and other regional countries. The GARNET-SA chapter in India is coordinated by the Indian Institute of Bio-Social Research and Development (IBRAD) in West Bengal, India, in collaboration with EPRC.

EPRC works closely with grassroots community-based organizations (CBOs), local government bodies, institutions, Water Management Groups (WMGs), and other stakeholders. It has pioneered capacity-building initiatives for vulnerable women, empowering them to start small businesses in sectors such as agriculture, food processing, improved cooking stoves, nursery management, sanitation, safe drinking water supply, and other livelihood improvement/income-generating activities.

EPRC has extensive experience in social mobilization and capacity development through group formation, need-based training on crop production technology, tailoring, paramedical services, veterinary care, small-scale fruit cultivation, and other self-improvement groups (SIGs). The organization also develops a wide range of training materials, including IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials, BCC (Behavioral Change Communication) tools, posters, leaflets, flashcards, billboards, and audiovisual resources. In addition, EPRC organizes and hosts short training courses, workshops, and postgraduate research in collaboration with institutions and universities from Bangladesh, India, USA, Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, and other countries.

EPRC employs a permanent team of professionals with expertise in environmental issues, water resources, civil engineering, social sciences, economics, public health, business management, statistics, sociology, agriculture, renewable energy, disaster risk management, climate change, food security, drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, air quality, local government, and capacity building. When needed, qualified registered associate members and short-term professionals are brought in from various sources, including GARNET-SA member organizations, to support specific projects. Over the years, EPRC has been involved in more than 100 projects across Bangladesh and internationally, achieving a strong record of success. In summary, EPRC has considerable experience and a deep commitment to sustainable development in both normal and disaster/emergency conditions, working in rural and urban areas alike.