Traditional poverty analyses based their judgment on income and economic indicators. A human rights analysis reveals additional concerns of the poor themselves, including the phenomena of powerlessness and social exclusion. A more thorough analysis yields better responses and better results. Development is people-centered, participatory and environmentally sound. It involves not just economic growth, but equitable distribution, enhancement of people’s capabilities, and widening of their choice. In this regard, Bangladesh is facing a lack of shared communication with the grassroots people to achieve a pluralistic, self-governed rational society. Consequently, it should be a gender-sensitive, nature-friendly, right-based community approach to raise the voiceless people’s voices. Our progress must emerge from within our cultural identity. It must relate to people’s beliefs and aspiration towards national and global justice.

Participatory Research & Action Network- PRAAN is a non-profit organization searching for development alternatives to strengthen people’s initiative by promoting human rights, economic rights, governance, trade justice, and sustainable livelihood.

PRAAN was set up by a group of civil society activists, young researchers,s, and journalists from the coastal part of Bangladesh in the year 2004 when the initiators realized that the development situation of the greater Noakhali area is lacking research, civil society activism, information technology. Rights-based organizations play an essential role in promoting the rights to development approach for sustainable livelihoods. The organizers decided to setup a research advocacy and ICT focused organization by grassroots participation. The board members are also wise and highly experienced in the development sector. They are playing their role in the reduction of social tension is based on the convention that civil society could play a crucial role towards the end.

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

For direct program implementation, PRAAN has been working in the existing three areas e.g. Noakhali, Laxmipur, and Dhaka district. But for issue-based advocacy and networking, its geographical presence may cover all over Bangladesh and beyond.