ABOUT UBINIG

UBINIG is the abbreviation of its Bengali name Unnayan Bikalper Nitinirdharoni Gobeshona. In English it means Policy Research for Development Alternatives. We are essentially a policy advocacy and research organisation. At the same time, we do implement the ideas which come out of our research works in the form of various programmes and projects. The implementations are elements of our living interaction with the community. As a result they strengthen the empirical foundation of our investigation and analysis.

The approach of UBINIG toward social processes of change is based on interrelated practices at two different level of operation: activities at the grass root level as a part and parcel of the community and the activities at the policy level to change the paradigm, agenda, content and direction of the mainstream policy that affects the lives of the people. We create our visions and determine direction of our work from the wealth of grassroots experience. On the other hand, the activities at the policy level open up opportunities for dialogue and positive change. The latter activities also help us to map the gaps in information and analysis and we can identify the areas where we can meaningfully engage the States as well as national and international agencies including multilateral bodies for meaningful dialogues for immediate gains.

HISTORY

UBINIG was originated in the form of a series of study circles started in 1981. The study circles were held on issues concerning development and social change. We started to critically look at the development issues from class and gender perspective. In 1984 we constituted ourselves into an organisation. Legally registered as a research organisation, we perform social development works. Therefore, we work collectively, share our thoughts collectively and therefore the accomplishments are also shared in a collective manner.

We primarily work on the policy issues related to development, development policies and their applications in our country that have far reaching consequences on the lives of our people.

Our work aims to resolve the debates of development from class and gender perspective. We work persistently to improve the democratic content of our society. Our objective is to formulate strategies for development and social change that can ensure the democratic participation of the people; equitable distribution of social wealth and productive resources is our guiding paradigm.

Centers and Offices

UBINIG started with its Dhaka office in 1984. At that time we were working in different districts for research works. We opened our Tangail office in 1986m, the year we started working with local weavers. Now the center is coordinates both Handloom weavers and Nayakrishi Andolon (The new agricultural movement of Bangladeshi farmers in an effort to produce healthy, environmentally conscious foods)

In 1987 we started working on a research project on shrimp fry collectors. We worked in the coastal area of Cox's Bazar. In 1991, we got more involved after the cyclone devistated the region. Since then, we have opened a center in the Badarkhaliunion of Chakaria thana. The center mainly deals with farmer mobilization, coastal ecology and management.

In 1995, we got involved in the Noakhali area. This is a saline zone. Our main focus is to mobilize farmers under the experiences of saline ecology.

Contacts in other area:

Though we do not have formal set-ups in all the areas, we have connections throughout Bangladesh. Nayakrishi Andolon and Handloom weavers already extend to a number of districts in Bangladesh including: Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, Tangail, Sherpur, Narachingdi, Netrokona, Mymenshing, Sirajganj, Pabna, Kushita, Nator, Thakurgaon, Rajshahi, Chapai, Nawabganj, Pirojpur and Habiganj.

STRUCTURE

STAFF: Total: 212

Staff in Different Centers:
Dhaka (Shaymoli and Prabartana): 102 Tangail: 64 Badarkhali, Cox's Bazar: 21 Ishwardi, Pabna: 16 Kushtia: 3 Noakhali: 6

Gram Karmi (Community Workers)
Gramkarmies are the backbone of the farmers' network. They are the experienced farmers in Nayakrishi Andolon, both women and men. They are responsible for dissemination and expansion of Nayakrishi in all the districts of Bangladesh.

Presently there are 324 Gramkarmies (219 female and 105 male) involved in Nayakrishi Andolon.

Description of the decision making bodies

Organogram

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