ERA-Efforts for Rural Advancement

19/10/2026

🌍🧼 Global Handwashing Day 2026 Observed by ERA and Oxfam 🧼🌍

On 15 October 2026, ERA (Efforts for Rural Advancement), in collaboration with Oxfam in Bangladesh, proudly observed Global Handwashing Day 2026 to raise awareness about the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing diseases and promoting healthy communities. The event brought together community members, adolescents, teachers, and local stakeholders to learn and practice effective handwashing techniques with soap. Through awareness sessions, demonstrations, and interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to adopt regular handwashing habits at critical times, helping to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from preventable illnesses. The celebration reinforced the shared commitment of ERA and Oxfam in Bangladesh to improving public health, hygiene practices, and overall well-being for all.

15/10/2026

📢 ERA Annual General Committee Meeting 2026

Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA) successfully conducted its Annual General Committee Meeting on 15 October 2026 at The Peace Palace Hotel, Sunamganj. The meeting was attended by all general members of ERA, creating a valuable platform for reflection, learning, and collective decision-making.

During the meeting, members reviewed the organization's achievements, ongoing programs, and overall progress made throughout the year in promoting education, community development, women's empowerment, and social inclusion. Participants actively shared their experiences, insights, and recommendations to strengthen the impact and sustainability of ERA's initiatives.

The committee also engaged in constructive discussions on future priorities, organizational growth, resource mobilization, partnership development, and innovative strategies to better serve vulnerable communities. A comprehensive action plan was developed to guide ERA's future interventions and enhance its contribution to sustainable social development.

ERA remains committed to working collaboratively with communities, partners, and stakeholders to build a more equitable and empowered society.

13/10/2026

Telling about Education Champion Network Project and girls education, which is supported by Malala Fund

12/10/2026

ইউএনও, বিশ্বম্ভরপুর ও সহকারী প্রাথমিক শিক্ষা কর্মকর্তাদ্বয়ের মাধ্যমে ইরা কর্তৃক পরিচালিত ঘাগুটিয়া স্কুল শিক্ষকদের চলতি মাসে(অক্টোবর ২৬)র সম্মানি দেওয়া হয়।

29/09/2026

📌 Partnership Scoping Meeting Held in Bishwambharpur

A Partnership Scoping Meeting was held today, 29 September 2026 at 11:00 AM, at the Conference Room of Bishwambharpur Upazila Parishad, Sunamganj.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Sokina Akter, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Bishwambharpur.

The meeting was organized under the initiative of the Education Champion Network-7 Project, funded by the Malala Fund.

Representatives from the private and corporate sectors, like-minded donor organizations, various institutions, and professionals from different sectors of society attended the meeting.

The meeting focused on exploring potential partnerships and strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders to support and advance educational initiatives.

📍 Bishwambharpur, Sunamganj
📅 29 September 2026

23/09/2026

“ERA’s implementation of the HOIFA-2026 humanitarian response in Tahirpur has contributed to addressing the immediate needs of flood-affected and vulnerable households.

23/09/2026

🌱 Quarterly Community Group Meetings – Sunamganj 🌱

Four vibrant meetings of community groups were successfully held across Tahirpur, Biswambharpur, Sunamganj Sadar, and Dowarabazar upazilas under Sunamganj district.

Led by the NAGARIKATA Project with support from the Center for Policy Dialogues (CPD) and implementing by ERA, quarterly meetings provided a dynamic platform for civic voices and collective action.

✨ Key Agendas Discussed:

-Citizen Engagement Progress – reviewing achievements, challenges, and strategies for improvement

-Social Audit Findings – sharing key messages with local authorities

-MSC Stories Sharing – guidance on documenting impactful stories under the Nagorikata programme

-Tree Plantation Responsibilities – ensuring protection, fencing, and maintenance of distributed saplings

-Other Business – addressing additional community priorities

These meetings reaffirmed the importance of civic participation, accountability, and sustainability in strengthening grassroots development. Together, communities are shaping a more inclusive and resilient Sunamganj. 🌍

✨ ✨

20/09/2026

🌟 Citizen Dialogue in Sunamganj 🌟

A dynamic Citizen Dialogue was organized by Sunamganj Health Watch, implemented by Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA). The event brought together journalists, teachers, NGO representatives, and members of the Sunamganj Health Watch Forum to discuss pressing community health issues and collaborative solutions. The event was moderated by Md. Kamrujjaman, Program Director of ERA.

👥 Key Participants:

-Dr. Chowdhury Jalal Uddin Rumi, Civil Surgeon, Sunamganj

-Dr. Sumon Bonik, Assistant Director, Sadar Hospital, Sunamganj

-Debashish Sharma, Assistant Director, Family Planning, Sunamganj

-Ahmed Moshtaq Raja Chowdhury, Convener, Bangladesh Health Watch

-Shaikh Masudul Alam, Program Director, Bangladesh Health Watch

-Shahjahan Chowdhury, President, Sunamganj Health Watch Forum

-Fahmida Akter, Executive Director, ERA

✨ Key Discussion Points:
1️⃣ Which problems can be resolved through civic initiatives and advocacy?
2️⃣ How can organizations and individuals collaborate, and what roles should they play?
3️⃣ What tangible steps can be taken over the next 2–3 years?

This dialogue highlighted the power of collective action, civic engagement, and partnerships in shaping a healthier and more resilient Sunamganj. 💪

16/09/2026

16/09/2026

🌱✨ Greening Sunamganj, Empowering Communities ✨🌱

ERA, in collaboration with CPD, has launched a tree distribution initiative across Dowarabazar, Sunamganj Sadar, Biswambharpur, and Tahirpur Upazilas. 🌍

Community members expressed joy and gratitude as they received the trees — a step toward a greener environment, stronger climate resilience, and healthier futures for generations to come. 🌳💚

Together, we are sowing seeds of sustainability and hope in Sunamganj. 🌿