Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO

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Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO ECDO is a non-government and not-for-profit voluntary organization working for the indigenous peoples

ECDO is a non-government and not-for-profit voluntary organization working for the development of different indigenous communities in Sylhet Division, the northeastern corner of Bangladesh. Our aim is to ensure the realization of equality and empowerment amongst indigenous peoples and to eliminate the discrimination against these communities from mainstream society. ECDO has extremely good links with the leaders of local indigenous communities, and as we are indigenous people ourselves, ECDO benefits from having a unique link and bond of trust with its target beneficiaries, and thus greater access in to indigenous communities than might be enjoyed by other, non-indigenous organizations. We utilize this advantage by involving the communities as much as possible in all decision-making processes, and we operate a right-based approach to development. Our philosophy is to utilize everything from high-quality academic research to regular open-forum discussions in villages to try to understand the situation and needs of the indigenous people, and we always attempt to make their analyses as participatory as possible, to ensure a sense of community empowerment, ownership, and long-term sustainability to the projects. From its inception, ECDO has formed its mission and vision from the opinions and needs of the indigenous people themselves. Our vision
ECDO envisages a society where empowered, educated, aware and culturally diverse indigenous groups are able to ensure their own human development free from discrimination, poverty and exploitation.

Today, Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO organized a Peer Learning & Knowledge Sharing Session on Youth ...
03/09/2026

Today, Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO organized a Peer Learning & Knowledge Sharing Session on Youth Leadership, Communication & Digital Advocacy.

The session was conducted by ECDO’s youth volunteers to share and transfer the learning and experiences gained from the three-day “LOUD AND Clear: Empowering Youth Voices 2.0” Bootcamp, organized by WAVE Foundation in collaboration with DW Akademie. The learning was shared with ECDO's twenty youth volunteers from tea garden, Patro, and Manipuri communities.

Through interactive discussions and group presentations, participants explored key themes including youth leadership, effective communication, digital advocacy, civic engagement, and the role of young people in creating positive change within their communities.

The whole session was conducted by Arghyo Singha, Lushi Sinha, Arnob Singha and Himesh Singha, who shared their key learnings and facilitated engaging discussions with fellow volunteers.

During the session, Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh Executive Director of ECDO expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers for their enthusiasm, active participation, and commitment to sharing their learning with others.

On 1 September 2026, Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) provided musical instruments and cultural equipmen...
02/09/2026

On 1 September 2026, Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) provided musical instruments and cultural equipment to Cha-Shramik Jubo Forum, Sylhet, A tea-garden youth forum at Doldoli Tea Garden, Sylhet, as part of its continued efforts to promote education, cultural identity, creativity, and leadership among young people in tea garden communities. The initiative aims to strengthen the Forum’s cultural activities and create greater opportunities for tea garden youth to engage in music, traditional practices, and creative activities.

The event was chaired by Antora Das, President of Cha-Shramik Jubo Forum, Sylhet, and attended by representatives from ECDO, the Tea Garden Staff Association, the local Primary School Management Committee, and Cha-Shramik Nari Mancha.
During the discussion, speakers expressed their appreciation to ECDO for supporting the cultural and social development of tea garden youth. ECDO Executive Director Lakshmikanta Singh highlighted ECDO’s continued commitment to promoting education, leadership, empowerment, and community development among tea garden communities.
The musical instruments and cultural materials including harmonium, tabla, flute, khol, dhol, khanjani, placards, and other activity-related materials will support the Forum in organizing regular cultural programs, musical activities, awareness events, and other community-based initiatives.

The program concluded with cultural performances by young members of the Cha-Shramik Jubo Forum, showcasing their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the tea garden community.

22/08/2026

On August 22, Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha, sylhet celebrated its First Anniversary with a vibrant day-long program at Kewachera Tea Garden, bringing together tea workers and community members to celebrate a year of collective action, solidarity, leadership, and community empowerment.

The program was organized by Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha and supported by Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO).

The celebration began with a lively rally joined by nearly 200 tea workers from Doldoli, Kewachera, and Hiluachera Tea Gardens, along with members of Patro community. The rally moved through Kewachera Tea Garden, demonstrating the unity and collective strength of the tea garden communities.

The program was attended by Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO and Ms.Sumi Nayek, President of Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha along with panchayat leaders and members from all three tea gardens also joined the celebration.

Following the rally, an open discussion was held where members reflected on their journey and shared some of the notable initiatives they have undertaken together over the past year. These included a blood-grouping campaign for around 500 tea workers, eye-surgery support for community members, community awareness campaigns, and networking with government services to help community members access essential support and services.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant cultural program, featuring spot drama, dance, and songs performed by community members.
The first year of Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha demonstrates the power of collective leadership, participation, and solidarity in creating positive change within tea garden communities.

ECDO is proud to support this journey and looks forward to continuing this collective effort toward stronger, more empowered, and rights-aware communities.

On August 22, Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha, sylhet celebrated its First Anniversary with a vibrant day-long program at Kewache...
22/08/2026

On August 22, Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha, sylhet celebrated its First Anniversary with a vibrant day-long program at Kewachera Tea Garden, bringing together tea workers and community members to celebrate a year of collective action, solidarity, leadership, and community empowerment.

The program was organized by Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha and supported by Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO).

The celebration began with a lively rally joined by nearly 200 tea workers from Doldoli, Kewachera, and Hiluachera Tea Gardens, along with members of Patro community. The rally moved through Kewachera Tea Garden, demonstrating the unity and collective strength of the tea garden communities.

The program was attended by Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO and Ms.Sumi Nayek, President of Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha along with panchayat leaders and members from all three tea gardens also joined the celebration.

Following the rally, an open discussion was held where members reflected on their journey and shared some of the notable initiatives they have undertaken together over the past year. These included a blood-grouping campaign for around 500 tea workers, eye-surgery support for community members, community awareness campaigns, and networking with government services to help community members access essential support and services.

The celebration concluded with a vibrant cultural program, featuring spot drama, dance, and songs performed by community members.
The first year of Cha-Sramik Nari Mancha demonstrates the power of collective leadership, participation, and solidarity in creating positive change within tea garden communities.

ECDO is proud to support this journey and looks forward to continuing this collective effort toward stronger, more empowered, and rights-aware communities.

10/08/2026

As part of ECDO’s World Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 programme, a beautiful cultural performance representing the rich heritage of the Manipuri community was presented through traditional music and dance.

Today Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) observed International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026...
09/08/2026

Today Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) observed International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026 in Sylhet, with this year’s theme, “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.” The programme was organized through an exchange meeting with representatives of Indigenous and tea-garden communities, along with journalists from print and electronic media.

The programme began with a welcome speech by Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO, who highlighted the importance of protecting the rights, dignity, culture, traditional knowledge, and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

Representing the tea-garden community, Ms. Dipali Guala attended the meeting, while Ms. Sumi Patro represented the Patro Indigenous community. They shared their perspectives and experiences regarding their communities, cultural heritage, challenges, and the importance of recognizing Indigenous knowledge and practices.

Representatives from the media also participated in the discussion, including Mr. Ikramul Kabir of Somoy TV, Mr. Prottosh Talukder of DBC News, Ms. Muhibur Rahman of the Sylhet Press Club, and Mr. Debashish Debu of The Business Standard.

During the meeting, ECDO presented a 12-point recommendation calling for stronger recognition and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including customary land rights, mother-tongue-based education, healthcare, decent employment, social protection, women’s and children’s rights, digital inclusion, and meaningful participation in development processes.

The programme concluded with a vibrant cultural segment, featuring traditional performances by members of the Manipuri and tea-garden Indigenous communities, celebrating their rich cultural heritage, traditions, music, and identity.

Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO is delighted to share that our six dedicated youth volunteers participa...
02/08/2026

Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO is delighted to share that our six dedicated youth volunteers participated in the three-day "LOUD AND Clear: Empowering Youth Voices 2.0" Bootcamp, organized by WAVE Foundation in collaboration with DW Akademie at Grand Sultan Tea-Resort & Golf.

The three-day bootcamp provided an inspiring platform for learning, collaboration, and exchanging ideas on youth leadership, effective communication, digital advocacy, civic engagement, and the vital role of young people in creating positive social change.
At ECDO, we firmly believe that empowering young people with knowledge, leadership skills, and confidence enables them to become active changemakers within their communities. We are proud that our six volunteers represented ECDO in this enriching learning journey and gained valuable experiences that they will carry forward in serving marginalized and indigenous communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to WAVE Foundation and DW Akademie for organizing such a meaningful initiative and providing young leaders with the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO delighted to congratulate Enung Nganba Keisam, a former student of ECDO...
23/07/2026

Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO delighted to congratulate Enung Nganba Keisam, a former student of ECDO's Manipuri Language Centre (MLC), Kamalganj, Moulvibazar on being selected as an ICCR Scholarship Awardee 2026 by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India.

This remarkable achievement reflects Inunganba's hard work, dedication, and determination to pursue higher education. It is also a proud moment for the Manipuri community and the entire ECDO family.

At ECDO, we remain committed to empowering indigenous communities through quality education and creating opportunities that help them achieve their dreams.ECDO operating it’s Manipuri Language Center(MLC) since 2015 with aims to preserve endangered Manipuri Language.

Congratulations, Enung Nganba! We wish you every success in your academic journey and future endeavors.

On July 23, Doldoli Tea Garden Community, with support of Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO successfully ...
23/07/2026

On July 23, Doldoli Tea Garden Community, with support of Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO successfully organized a Fruit Festival 2026 at Doldoli Primary School, Sylhet.

The festival brought together students, parents, women, and community members in a joyful celebration of locally available seasonal fruits. More than 110 students of Doldoli Primary School enjoyed six varieties of seasonal fruits, while learning about their nutritional value and the importance of healthy eating through interactive activities and fruit sharing.

The event created a vibrant and engaging learning environment and encouraged healthy eating habits and celebrated the richness of locally available fruits.

Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO, attended the program and expressed "ECDO is proud to support community-led initiatives that promote child well-being, nutrition awareness, and stronger community engagement."

Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (Mo...
09/07/2026

Ethnic Community Development Organization - ECDO is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VAALO avant-garde Ltd. -Training, Research & Consultancy Services marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to promote inclusive community development, research, knowledge management, capacity building, and social innovation.

This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering marginalized communities through innovative, sustainable, and community-led initiatives. Together, we look forward to creating meaningful impact through knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, and collaborative action.

We are excited about this new journey and the opportunities it will bring for stronger partnerships and lasting social change.

Address

98 Asha, Nayabazar Manipuri Para, East Sadatikor
Sylhet
3100

Telephone

+8801711268650

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