The Asia Foundation

In this issue: "National Geographic and Dr. Sakena Yacoobi Honored at Lotus Awards," "Visionary NGO Leader Sir Fazle Hasan Abed of BRAC is Asia Foundation Fellow," "Asia Foundation at Google's Big Tent on Open Data and Disaster Preparedness,"...

In this issue: "National Geographic and Dr. Sakena Yacoobi Honored at Lotus Awards," "Visionary NGO Leader Sir Fazle Hasan Abed of BRAC is Asia Foundation Fellow," "Asia Foundation at Google's Big Tent on Open Data and Disaster Preparedness," "Renowned Philanthropist Dr. Chong-Moon Lee Launches New Projects to Combat Human Trafficking," "Luce Scholars Report for Assignments in Asia," "Multimedia," "Briefly Noted," "Rockefeller Foundation Supports Post-Flood Recovery and Environment Initiative in Thailand."

A Case Study of Bangladesh

Occasional Paper No. 1, July 2010

In the midst of the recent financial and economic crisis, factory owners in Bangladesh showed remarkable confidence in the future of their industry in Bangladesh....

A Case Study of Bangladesh

Occasional Paper No. 1, July 2010

In the midst of the recent financial and economic crisis, factory owners in Bangladesh showed remarkable confidence in the future of their industry in Bangladesh. But, if the country wants to expand and remain competitive, this paper finds, it will need to make investments in human capital and technology, rather than just reduce input costs. The paper offers policy recommendations to improve efficiency at the factory level and suggests reforms to the business environment that could provide an overall boost to the economy as a whole. Research for this paper included extensive interviews with factory workers and government officials, and seven focus-group discussions with 33 factory workers.

Dr. Sanchita Banerjee Saxena, Associate Director, Center for South Asia Studies, University of California, Berkeley, Véronique Salze-Lozac'h, Regional Director for Economic Programs, The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation has maintained a resident office and country program in Bangladesh continuously since 1954. In 2004, the Foundation celebrates its 50th Anniversary. For five decades, the Foundation has played a unique and unparalleled role...

The Asia Foundation has maintained a resident office and country program in Bangladesh continuously since 1954. In 2004, the Foundation celebrates its 50th Anniversary. For five decades, the Foundation has played a unique and unparalleled role as a responsive and trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific region and in working to advance constructive relations between the nations and peoples of the region.

Occasional Paper No. 5, March 2011

A review of the basic theoretical and programmatic rationale for the series of Economic Governance Indices (EGIs) conducted by The Asia Foundation in countries throughout South and Southeast Asia,...

Occasional Paper No. 5, March 2011

A review of the basic theoretical and programmatic rationale for the series of Economic Governance Indices (EGIs) conducted by The Asia Foundation in countries throughout South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

Since 2002, The Asia Foundation has supported a pioneering effort to promote social justice for women within an Islamic framework in South Asia. Designed and implemented by Muslim scholars and activists, this program has helped communities to...

Since 2002, The Asia Foundation has supported a pioneering effort to promote social justice for women within an Islamic framework in South Asia. Designed and implemented by Muslim scholars and activists, this program has helped communities to understand women's rights within Islam. Program activities have been led by highly respected religious leaders and local institutions and have helped to foster a network of influential religious leaders, scholars, and advocates – both men and women – who are committed to advancing women's rights across the region.

A Measure of Economic Governance at the District Level (June 2010)

The Asia Foundation releases a pioneering survey ranking the business-friendliness in 19 districts in Bangladesh. 3,800 firms – many of them micro, small, and...

A Measure of Economic Governance at the District Level (June 2010)

The Asia Foundation releases a pioneering survey ranking the business-friendliness in 19 districts in Bangladesh. 3,800 firms – many of them micro, small, and medium-sized businesses – were polled on their perceptions of the local business environment, such as entry costs, transparency, informal charges, tax administration, and land security.

As leaders of influence in society, religious and secular leaders are well placed to contribute to national development efforts and advancement of democratic values. Bangladeshi society confers high stature and respect on these individuals,...

As leaders of influence in society, religious and secular leaders are well placed to contribute to national development efforts and advancement of democratic values. Bangladeshi society confers high stature and respect on these individuals, whose contributions to community life and public affairs reflect special knowledge, understanding, leadership, and personal integrity. The Asia Foundation has worked with these leaders to strengthen development efforts in Bangladesh since 2004, with the support of USAlD/Bangladesh.

In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The...

In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The data reflect the situation in the last week of November 2008. The Asia Foundation and Data International Ltd. provided technical support. Conducted in 12 districts of the country (two in each of the six divisions), the perception study gathered impressions from a cross-section of ordinary citizens, civil society representatives, and local businesspersons through informal individual interviews in (i) each divisional headquarters and a proximate rural thana in the same district; and (ii) district headquarters of another randomly chosen district in each division and a proximate rural thana in the same district. A formal questionnaire with a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions was administered.

Summary: In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national...

Summary: In November 2008 the Election Working Group (EWG) completed a twenty-first rapid assessment of citizen perception of recent events. This preliminary report focuses on citizen perceptions on issues related to the national election.

The data reflect the situation in the last week of November 2008. The Asia Foundation and Data International Ltd. provided technical support. Conducted in 12 districts of the country (two in each of the six divisions), the perception study gathered impressions from a cross-section of ordinary citizens, civil society representatives, and local businesspersons through informal individual interviews in (i) each divisional headquarters and a proximate rural thana in the same district; and (ii) district headquarters of another randomly chosen district in each division and a proximate rural thana in the same district. A formal questionnaire with a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions was administered.

The Asia Foundation's Books for Asia program is the only regular book donation program in Bangladesh, and has provided more than 2 million books since the country's independence in 1971. Since 1954, the program has met a vital need in a...

The Asia Foundation's Books for Asia program is the only regular book donation program in Bangladesh, and has provided more than 2 million books since the country's independence in 1971. Since 1954, the program has met a vital need in a country where poverty and illiteracy are continuing problems. The Foundation welcomes prospective, qualified organizations as recipient partners in its Books for Asia program, which distributes English-language books, journals, and software to non-profit organizations and educational institutions and grantees. The program provides high-quality educational materials to help improve human resource development and increase the country’s economic and intellectual capacity.

The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program is the only regular book donation program in Bangladesh, and has provided more than 2 million books since the country’s independence in 1971.

Through his Subornogram Foundation,...

The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program is the only regular book donation program in Bangladesh, and has provided more than 2 million books since the country’s independence in 1971.

Through his Subornogram Foundation, Shahed started several schools to serve these disadvantaged groups – providing river children with basic math and literacy skills, as well as basic English classes. Books for Asia has already donated several hundred books and educational materials to the Subornogram Schools.

Advancing Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunities for Small and Medium Businesses

The Asia Foundation has a decades-long history of supporting broad-based economic growth across Asia through both public and private...

Advancing Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunities for Small and Medium Businesses

The Asia Foundation has a decades-long history of supporting broad-based economic growth across Asia through both public and private channels. Through its Economic Development programs, the Foundation has assisted micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing the legal information, financing, business services, and skills they need to enhance their competitiveness and profitability, thereby helping to create jobs and reduce poverty.

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia,...

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Timor-Leste.

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia,...

The Asia Foundation maintains elections programs, including monitor and voter education, in nine countries in Asia. In recent years, the Foundation has implemented significant elections programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Timor-Leste.

A leader in election programs in Bangladesh for nearly 20 years, The Asia Foundation encourages free and fair elections by supporting civil society efforts in voter and civic education, domestic election monitoring, and advocacy for electoral...

A leader in election programs in Bangladesh for nearly 20 years, The Asia Foundation encourages free and fair elections by supporting civil society efforts in voter and civic education, domestic election monitoring, and advocacy for electoral reform, in close coordination with public institutions such as the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC).