RDRS Rangpur Dinajpur Rur (RDRS Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service)

Established in 1972 to assist with relief and rehabilitation of greater Rangpur-Dinajpur immediately following the War of Independence, the RDRS programme evolved into a sectoral then comprehensive effort. Formerly the Bangladesh field programme of the Geneva-based Lutheran World Service, RDRS became an autonomous national NGO in 1997. RDRS however maintains strong international connections. With LWF (as an Associate Programme); with ACT International; with its core partner agencies mainly in Europe, North America and Japan; and with regional networks such as AZEECON, SAGA and others.

RDRS came into being at the time of Bangladesh’s War of Independence, in 1971. Set up by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to help refugees fleeing conflict across the border, it returned with them after liberation to carry out much-needed rehabilitation in the devastated and long-neglected northwest – greater Rangpur - Dinajpur Districts. In 1976, a sectoral development programme was launched to assist the poorest in agriculture, community development, health and women’s economic activities. Construction of roads, bridges, markets and schools continued.
During these years, RDRS was the leading non-governmental agency in the northwest. It is also credited with introducing many major innovations: the treadle pump (its most famous invention, allowing crops to be grown in winter); wheat production and other crop diversification; vegetable gardens; and, women’s advancement, not least the picture of women on bicycles.
By the late 1980s, an integrated Comprehensive programme superseded its sectoral work, focused on conscientisation and group organization of the poor, emphasizing social, educational and economic elements. Physical infrastructure development continued under the Rural Works Project.
Since then, RDRS successes have included the ‘greening the north’ through its roadside and homestead tree plantation programme; improving life on the chars (river islands on the Brahmaputra); raising awareness of women’s rights; promoting savings, credit and skills training to improve the livelihoods of the poor and, the emergence of Union Federations - self-managed people’s organisations of the rural poor.
The RDRS programme continues to evolve and innovate. Current realities mean the programme now comprises a range of various projects and financing, large and small, which all contribute to following vision and mission.

Vision

The achievement by the rural poor of meaningful political, social, and economic empowerment, peace and justice and a sustainable environment through their individual and collective effort.

Mission

RDRS works with the rural poor & their organization
• Build their capacity and confidence
• Claim and establish their rights
• Promote good governance
• Improve access to resources and services