BRAC

BRAC. It is one of the largest non-governmental development organizations in the world, originating in Bangladesh following the Bangladesh Liberation War. Founded by Fazle Hasan Abed, the organization employs a multifaceted approach to tackle poverty and social inequality through programs in microfinance, public health, education, and livelihood development. BRAC operates across multiple continents, influencing global development policy and empowering millions through its community-led, evidence-based initiatives.

History

The organization was established in 1972 in the village of Sulla within the Sylhet Division, initially focusing on relief and rehabilitation for refugees returning after the Bangladesh Liberation War. Under the leadership of Fazle Hasan Abed, a former executive at Shell plc, it quickly transitioned from humanitarian aid to long-term development programs. A pivotal early project was its support for the oral rehydration therapy campaign in collaboration with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, which significantly reduced child mortality. Throughout the 1980s, BRAC expanded its microcredit operations, drawing inspiration from models like the Grameen Bank, and later established the BRAC University in 2001 to further its educational mission.

Operations

BRAC's programs are implemented through a vast network of field offices across Bangladesh, Africa, and Asia. Its microfinance arm, one of the largest in the world, provides small loans to millions, primarily women, to foster entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. In public health, it operates nationwide networks of community health workers and ultra-poor graduation programs, often partnering with institutions like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its education initiatives include a massive system of non-formal primary schools and adult literacy programs, while its agricultural development and poultry distribution projects support rural livelihoods. Internationally, BRAC has replicated its integrated model in countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Liberia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

Impact and recognition

The organization has been credited with lifting millions out of poverty, with its ultra-poor graduation program demonstrating sustained impact in studies by researchers like Esther Duflo of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. It has received numerous international accolades, including the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize and the Independence Day Award from the Government of Bangladesh. Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has lauded its work, and its approaches have influenced policies of the World Bank and the United Kingdom's Department for International Development. Publications like *The Economist* and *The New York Times* have frequently highlighted its scale and innovative methodologies.

Organizational structure

BRAC is governed by a Board of Directors and managed through a decentralized system with autonomous entities like BRAC Bank and BRAC University. The executive leadership has included individuals such as Tamara Hasan Abed and Asif Saleh. Its operations are divided into thematic programs—such as BRAC Education Programme and BRAC Health Programme—each with dedicated management teams. The organization maintains partnerships with global bodies including the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, and various bilateral donors, while its social enterprises, like Aarong and BRAC Dairy, cross-subsidize development activities.

Financial model

The organization sustains itself through a hybrid financial model combining donor grants, microfinance loan repayments, and revenue from its social enterprises. A significant portion of its development expenditure is covered by the surplus generated from its microfinance institution and ventures such as BRAC Seed and BRAC Printing Press. This self-reliant structure reduces dependency on traditional donors like USAID and the European Commission, while partnerships with entities like the Mastercard Foundation and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency fund specific initiatives. Its financial practices are regularly audited by firms like KPMG to ensure transparency and accountability.

Category:Non-governmental organizations Category:Organizations based in Dhaka Category:Development charities