About Us

We Launched

The Society Development Committee (SDC) is a non-governmental organization established in 1988, committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of disadvantaged communities in Bangladesh. For over three decades, SDC has been working to uplift the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable groups, including women, children, people with disabilities, and sanitation workers. Our mission revolves around creating lasting, sustainable changes that enable these communities to lead dignified and self-reliant lives.

With a focus on poverty alleviation, livelihood development, and social inclusion, SDC provides a range of essential services. These include education for children from underprivileged families, access to primary healthcare, sanitation and hygiene promotion, and agricultural support for smallholder farmers. Our approach integrates resource management, capacity-building, and community engagement to ensure sustainable socio-economic development.

Today, SDC operates across 22 districts in Bangladesh, covering 52 Upazilas, 415 unions, and 2,884 villages through a robust network of 104 branches. We are supported by a dedicated team of nearly 1,000 staff members, working tirelessly to implement our programs and achieve tangible results in the communities we serve. SDC partners with local, national, and international organizations, donor agencies, and government institutions to create a broad coalition for positive change.

Our vision is to establish a society free from exploitation and poverty, where justice, good governance, gender equality, and environmental sustainability are upheld. We believe in unlocking the potential of disadvantaged rural communities by ensuring their active participation in resource management, empowering them to take control of their future.

At SDC, we emphasize not just temporary relief but long-term, systemic solutions. By building strong networks, providing training, and creating opportunities for economic growth, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and promote social justice. We believe that by working together, we can create a fairer, more equitable society for all. Join us in our journey toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

Registration Details

Registration Authority	Registration #	Registration Date	Last Renewed
Registrar of Joint Stock Companies	S-657	M/D/Y	N/A
Bureau of NGO Affairs	553	September 16, 1991	May 15, 2020
Microcredit Regulatory Authority	03665-02837-00343	Oct 29, 2008	2022-23

Vision

SDC envisions a society free from exploitation and poverty, where justice, good governance, and gender equality thrive. We aim to create an inclusive environment where all individuals can live with dignity, and environmental sustainability is prioritized for future generations. Through community empowerment and active participation, we strive to build a fair, equitable, and sustainable future for all

Goal

SDC’s goal is to improve the socioeconomic status of the poor and extremely poor by focusing on poverty reduction and livelihood development. We aim to achieve this through the efficient and sustainable management of resources, empowering marginalized communities to enhance their quality of life. Our efforts emphasize long-term solutions that promote self-reliance, equitable growth, and inclusive development. By fostering economic resilience, we seek to create opportunities that enable individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and secure a brighter future.

Mission

SDC’s mission is to unlock the potential of disadvantaged rural communities by actively involving them in resource management. We focus on empowering these communities to drive their sustainable socio-economic development. Through active participation and capacity building, we aim to create opportunities for growth and self-reliance. Our mission is to foster an environment where individuals can contribute to and benefit from equitable development. By prioritizing local engagement, we work towards long-term solutions that uplift and sustain vulnerable populations.

Objective

SDC’s objective is to empower disadvantaged communities through sustainable socio-economic development, focusing on poverty reduction, livelihood enhancement, and social inclusion. By promoting resource management, capacity building, and community participation, SDC aims to create long-term, self-reliant growth while ensuring justice, gender equality, and environmental

SDC Governance Structure

Any adult citizen engaged in any profession and possessing initiative and enthusiasm for social welfare is eligible to become a member of SDC’s General Body (GB). The 17-member GB approves the annual report, audit report, and budget and appoints the Auditor. It meets at least once a year and elects a seven-member Executive Committee (EC) for a term of three years from amongst its members.

The EC formulates policies, guidelines, and directives for the management of SDC. It is responsible for appointing and evaluating the Executive Director (ED)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other project directors. The President and Treasurer co-sign cheques along with the ED and Finance Head. The EC meets at least four times a year but may convene at any time in case of emergencies. It also establishes special committees to address specific issues, such as finances.

The management team, headed by the ED, consists of a full-time staff tasked with executing the policies set forth by the EC. The top management is supported by a group of committed staff members dedicated to the mission of SDC.

Transparency

The Society Development Committee (SDC) is committed to transparency by conducting regular audits and publishing detailed financial reports. All project outcomes and activities are shared with stakeholders through accessible platforms, ensuring accountability. SDC engages the community in discussions, fostering trust and promoting ethical practices in every aspect of its operations.

Tactical Initiative

The Society Development Committee (SDC) is dedicated to empowering underserved communities by ensuring access to essential resources and services. With a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, SDC prioritizes the needs of its target populations. The Finance Committee rigorously oversees financial matters and reviews all proposals before they are presented for Executive Committee approval, ensuring that programs align with community needs and objectives.

Internal Control System of SDC

SDC implements a comprehensive internal control system, ensuring robust auditing and monitoring processes. The organization utilizes a Management Information System (MIS) to facilitate data management and reporting. The Finance Committee (FC) convenes bi-monthly to oversee financial operations, while a core committee, consisting of department heads, and a senior management committee, addresses strategic issues with specific terms of reference.

To support microfinance activities, the Loans Administration Committee (LAC) meets weekly, including Branch Managers, to assess client progress and program effectiveness. The LAC is responsible for loan approvals and adheres to established service rules and procurement policies. The Executive Committee (EC) meets quarterly, during which the Executive Director (ED)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) presents reports on program progress, financial status, and significant projects. The ED/CEO collaborates with the President to address relevant issues, consulting the Finance Committee for financial matters. All committee decisions are documented for accountability.

The Human Resources (HR) department plays a critical role in ensuring that the internal control systems operate effectively. HR is responsible for recruiting qualified staff, providing training on financial policies and procedures, and promoting a culture of compliance and accountability. Regular performance evaluations are conducted to ensure staff are meeting expectations and adhering to established guidelines. HR also facilitates communication between departments to enhance collaboration and streamline processes.

Staff members are actively involved in recording financial transactions, preparing financial statements, budgeting, and analyzing financial reports. Regular supervision and monitoring ensure the accuracy of information from field offices. The CEO and Head of Finance and Accounts co-sign all operational expenditure cheques. Financial statements, including Receipts and Payments Accounts, Income and Expenditure Accounts, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements, are prepared monthly and annually. Additionally, periodic ratio analysis is conducted to evaluate financial performance and inform strategic decision-making.