Strategic Partnerships & Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)
This page highlights ESDO’s Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with key national and international stakeholders. These formalized partnerships unite our research and advocacy expertise with the regulatory framework of the government and the localized reach of community networks. Together, we are collaborating on policy support, capacity building, technical innovation, and field-level interventions to secure a sustainable, toxic-free, and resilient future for all.
MOU WITH THE MINISTRY OF FOREST, ENVIRONMENT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE (MOFECC)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 28 January 2026. Under this MoU, both parties agreed to collaborate on policy and technical support, international engagement, research and knowledge sharing, awareness and advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building, among other areas.
Representing the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) were Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary; Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Development of Environment); Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Joint Secretary; Siddhartha Sankar Kundu, Deputy Secretary (Environmental Pollution Control-1); and Sabrina Rahman, Senior Assistant Secretary. From the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), Syed Margub Morshed, Former Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh and Chairperson of ESDO; Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Senior Technical Advisor and Secretary General; Siddika Sultana, Executive Director; Sadmeen Sadaf Jahan, Assistant Program Officer were present.
MOU WITH THE BANGLADESH MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
On 20 February 2024, the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement establishes a collaborative framework to confront the escalating public health and environmental crises driven by heavy metals and plastic pollution. By uniting clinical expertise with environmental advocacy, both institutions are committed to mitigating the toxic impacts of these persistent pollutants on ecosystems, aquatic life, and human communities, ultimately advancing sustainable solutions for environmental safety.
MOU WITH THE BANGLADESH DENTAL SOCIETY
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO and the Bangladesh Dental Society (BDS) on 26 April 2016. The MoU aims to eliminate mercury dental amalgam from the dentistry sector in Bangladesh by 2018 through policy advocacy and the institutional adoption of mercury-free dentistry alternatives. The MoU was signed by Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir Bulbul, Secretary General, BDS and Ms. Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO. The event was attended by Mr. Syed Marghub Murshed, Chairperson, ESDO; Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, ESDO; Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem, President, BDS and other executive members.
MOU WITH THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PREVENTIVE AND SOCIAL MEDICINE (NIPSOM)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM) and the Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO on 27 January 2026. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in public health, environmental health, research, and capacity building. The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Ziaul Haque, Director, NIPSOM and Ms. Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Irin Hossain, Assistant Professor, NIPSOM; Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, ESDO; Dr. Foijun Nahar, Research and Policy Associate, ESDO and Dr. Sharmin Azad Liza, Program Associate, ESDO.
MOU WITH AGROHO SOCIETY
A new collaborative chapter began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ESDO and the AGROHO Society on 28 January 2026. Driven by a shared mission to secure water safety in marginalized areas like Savar and Ashulia, the two groups are combining forces to install RO water filtration systems, build public awareness, and conduct rigorous field monitoring to improve community well-being.
MOU WITH Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE Lab)
A milestone for science-driven environmental protection. Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE Lab) have signed a 3-year Memorandum of Understanding to advance collaborative research on toxic chemicals, heavy metals, microplastics, PFAS, and other contaminants in consumer products, food, soil, and water. This partnership will strengthen laboratory analysis, evidence generation, joint publications, and policy advocacy to better safeguard public health and the environment in Bangladesh.
MOU with Instiglio
ESDO and Instiglio have partnered up for a Lead-free Bangladesh on 30 July 2025. The MoU aims to establish a collaborative partnership dedicated to achieving a lead-free Bangladesh. Under this agreement, both organizations will combine resources to advance policy advocacy for stricter regulations, execute public awareness campaigns to educate communities, and develop actionable solutions to ensure a safer and healthier environment.
MOU WITH Ban Toxics
A pivotal five-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was established between ESDO and BAN Toxics (Philippines) on 3 October 2024 to advocate for safe, toxic-free children’s products. Sparked by a joint study that exposed heavy metal hazards in commercial toys, the agreement, signed by Ms. Siddika Sultana and Mr. Jam Lorenzo—focuses on scientific research, public safety awareness, and stricter enforcement of regional product standards.
MOU WITH Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y)
In 2025, ESDO strengthened its commitment to youth empowerment and environmental sustainability through a strategic partnership with Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y). On 19 February 2025, ESDO and LP4Y formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at ESDO’s Dhaka office, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to empower youth and promote ecological awareness in Bangladesh. Under this partnership, ESDO and LP4Y are working together to equip young people with knowledge and skills for sustainable living, waste reduction, and community engagement through joint training programs and outreach activities. Their collaboration also includes capacity‑building workshops that foster zero waste lifestyles and raise awareness about environmental and health issues, furthering youth participation in sustainability initiatives.
MOU WITH THE SGS Bangladesh
On March 16, 2025, a formal meeting at the SGS Bangladesh office marked the establishment of a partnership between SGS Bangladesh and Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Representatives discussed laboratory services and explored opportunities for technical cooperation, followed by a tour of the Chemical and Heavy Metal Labs. The meeting was attended by Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Siddika Sultana, Khalilur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam, along with Masroor Hossain and Hafizur Rahman, formalizing collaboration in environmental testing and capacity building.
MOU WITH Southeast University (SEU)
A strategic partnership was formed between the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and Southeast University (SEU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Signed by Mohammad Nazmuddoza, Director of Career & Professional Development Services at SEU, and Ms. Siddika Sultana, Executive Director of ESDO, this collaboration focuses on fostering youth engagement, academic research, and professional development. Under this agreement, both institutions aim to empower students through capacity-building initiatives, internships, and collaborative advocacy to drive sustainable environmental and social progress.
MOU WITH the Youth Career & Development Organization (YCDO)
On 19 February 2026, the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) and the Youth Career & Development Organization (YCDO) formalized a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Signed by Ali Hossain, HR Manager of ESDO, and Hanif Ali, Founder and CEO of YCDO, the agreement focuses on driving sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Under this collaboration, ESDO will provide zero-waste awareness materials, technical guidance, and training curricula, while YCDO will lead field-level surveys, community engagement, and mobilize youth leaders and volunteers. The joint effort aims to strengthen environmental leadership among youth in Rangpur and establish a fully functional, women-led Reuse Hub to produce reusable products and promote sustainable urban practices.