ACT Alliance

The Church of Bangladesh Social Development Programme (CBSDP) is the development wing of the Church of Bangladesh – a united church of Anglican and Presbyterian traditions. As a non-political, non-profitable church based development organisation, CBSDP seeks to show Christ’s love to the poor and marginalised by working for the betterment of the rural and urban poor people, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. It has been operational in its current form since 1984, arising from the social work done by the Church of Bangladesh since it’s inception in 1971.

CBSDP works primarily with local community groups and church congregations to work towards holistic development for the poorest of the poor and disadvantaged people in Bangladesh. Work includes people organisation building, women’s empowerment, economic development, community health, environment & climate change and disaster preparedness and emergency response. CBSDP also operates a small number of health clinics and hospitals in rural areas of Bangladesh and runs a number of primary schools.

Vision

Jesus Christ said “I have come that they might have life and have it to the full”
(John 10:10)

In the light of this, CBSDP desires and seeks:
Self-reliant communities free from all kinds of exploitation, with the restoration of justice and fundamental rights of all people, as well as the fulfilment of societal needs, within every sphere of human existence.

Mission

Jesus Christ said “Love your neighbour as yourself”
(Matthew 22:39)

Therefore CBSDP works to:

• Encourage the involvement in the community of the poor and ‘poorest of the poor’ members of society, irrespective of caste creed, religion or ethnic background, empowering them to work together to improve the quality of their lives.
• Improve human dignity and justice in society, and to inculcate the practice of sharing sorrows and joys as taught in the Bible, by standing alongside individuals and communities in their difficulties.
• Provide technical and financial support and guidance to local initiated development activities, developing local skills and encouraging an attitude of self-reliance among the poor and disadvantaged of society.