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News & Events
News & Events
August 31, 2025

World Bank lauds SMART project’s innovative approach to green growth

Ann Jeannette Glauber, Practice Manager for Environment and Natural Resources at the World Bank’s East Asia and the Pacific Region, lauded the SMART project for its ‘innovative’ initiatives in promoting Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices in microenterprises (MEs). Her comments came during a community consultation meeting on 26 August 2025, in Munshiganj, following a visit to several microenterprises in the district’s Louhajong upazila.

Resource Integration Centre (RIC) organized the meeting under ‘Promoting Resilient Green Growth in Dairy Sub-sector’ sub-project of the SMART project. It brought together delegates from the World Bank, PKSF, RIC, and the Upazila Livestock Officer to engage directly with 11 local micro-entrepreneurs. During the discussion, the entrepreneurs expressed satisfaction with the financial and technical support they are receiving. To them, RECP is a new concept which helps conserve the environment as well as ensure optimum use of thier resources. They also expressed their desire for continued assistance to expand their businesses and diversify their products.

The World Bank delegates, including SMART project Task Team Leader Keisuke Iyadomi and Senior Environmental Specialist Kirtan Chandra Sahoo, Senior Private Sector Specialist Hosna Ferdous Sumi, Environmental Specialist Bushra Nishat, visited cattle-rearing microenterprises to observe the RECP practices and its benefits firsthand. Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project, AKM Zahirul Haqeu, Deputy Project Coordinator of the SMART project, Dr Shemol Chandra Podder, Upazila Livestock Officer of Lowhajang, and Alauddin Khan, General Manger of RIC, and other officials of PKSF and RIC were present during the meeting.

The day before the field visit, a courtesy meeting was held at PKSF with Ms Glauber, presided over by PKSF Deputy Managing Director Md Mashiar Rahman. He highlighted PKSF’s commitment to integrating RECP practices into its core programs and acknowledged the long-standing partnership with the World Bank. Ms Glauber, in turn, stressed the potential impact the SMART project can create through appropriate financing.

RIC, as a Partner Organizaiton of PKSF, is providing financial and technical support to the MEs in ‘Cattle and Buffalo’ sub-sector with a target of reaching 1,200 in Munshiganj district under one of the sub-projects of the SMART project. PKSF is implementing the SMART project across the country to support around 80,000 microenterprises in Agriculture, Manufacturing and Processing, and Service sectors within 2028. The main objective of the project is to increase resource-efficient and resilient green growth of microenterprises.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
August 6, 2025

New TTL visits SMART project in Rangpur

Keisuke Iyadomi, the new Task Team Leader (TTL) from the World Bank of the SMART Project, visited Rangpur on 17 July 2025, to observe field activities, with a particular focus on the project’s environmental impact. He took on the role of TTL earlier this month.

During his visit, Keisuke Iyadomi and his team explored three eco-block production centers in Rangpur Sadar upazila. These factories, supported by the SMART project, are promoting eco-friendly construction materials through Resource-Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) practices.

Bushra Nishat, Environmental Specialist, The World Bank; Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project; A.K.M. Zahirul Haque, Deputy Project Coordinator of the SMART project, among others, were also present during the visit. The visitors exchanged views with the micro-entrepreneurs of the ‘Eco-friendly Construction Materials’ sub-sector and the sub-project team in Rangpur.

“As the new TTL for the project, this is my first visit to see the activities in the field under the SMART project,” stated Keisuke Iyadomi. He emphasized on the environmental benefits, adding, “The production and use of environment-friendly blocks will protect the top soil of the land, reduce carbon emissions, increase the yield of the crop, and have positive effects on climate change.”

The ‘Promoting Eco-Friendly Construction Materials through Resource Efficient Cleaner Production’ sub-project, implemented by the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) under the SMART project, aims to reduce environmental degradation caused by traditional construction methods by introducing sustainable alternatives.

Micro-entrepreneurs in Rangpur are now focused on product diversification within the construction materials sector. They expressed aspirations to expand into high-quality eco-block production while following the environmental and waste management protocols. This vision, they noted, hinges on receiving financial and technical support.

This discussion took place during a workshop organized by ESDO at their office in Rangpur. The event provided a vital platform for local micro-entrepreneurs to discuss the adoption of new technologies, resource-efficient and cleaner production methods, as well as associated challenges and possibilities.

The workshop was presided over by Gokul Chandra Biswas, where Keisuke Iyadomi spoke as the Chief Guest. Attendees included eight micro-entrepreneurs, several contractors, government officials from the Department of Environment (DoE) and Public Works Department (PWD), teachers from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, and other relevant stakeholders.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
August 4, 2025

SMART project organizes 1st Quarterly Progress Review meeting

The Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project concluded a five-day Quarterly Progress Review meeting on 31 July 2025. The meeting, which commenced on 27 July, brought together SMART project officials and 150 representatives from 41 Partner Organizations currently implementing 50 sub-projects across the country.

PKSF’s Deputy Managing Director Md Mashiar Rahman presided over the inaugural session, emphasizing the unique approach of the SMART project. “In addition to the overall development review, the progress of each individual microenterprise will also be evaluated in this project,” stated Md Mashiar Rahman. He highlighted the critical importance of all micro-entrepreneurs embracing Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices and urged partner organizations to swiftly achieve their member targets.

Project Coordinator Gokul Chandra Biswas delivered the opening speech, highlighting the long-term vision. “A microenterprise today holds the potential to become a large enterprise in the future,” he remarked. “Therefore, generating ‘green growth’ within these initiatives will yield significant benefits for us down the line.”

Throughout the review meeting, sub-project implementing POs presented on the updates on their respective sub-projects, along with insights into the challenges came across during implementations.

The SMART is a five-year project aimed at fostering green growth in microenterprises by ensuring climate-resilient RECP practices. The project is set to support approximately 80,000 micro-entrepreneurs by 2028.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
May 15, 2025

World Bank’s Practice Manager meets SMART project team at PKSF

Christian Peter, Practice Manager of Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy at the World Bank, paid a courtesy visit to the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. A courtesy meeting was held between him and the Managing Director of PKSF Md Fazlul Kader. The Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project informed the progress of the project during the meeting.
During the discussion, PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the SMART project. He stated that the SMART is a project where we are prioritizing resource efficiency, green growth, and climate resilience of the microenterprises (MEs). By adopting resource-efficient technologies, MEs can achieve significant cost savings. Furthermore, our introduction of the zero-waste approach empowers them to minimize waste generation and maximize its utility by transforming it into resources and adding value. Our field observations indicate that MEs can command better prices by enhancing the value of their offerings. Importantly, MEs create employment opportunities not only for those directly involved but also for many others in backward and forward linkages. This is why investment in microenterprises is bringing a great result for the country.

Acknowledging the comprehensive impact of the SMART project, Mr Peter concurred with Mr Kader’s assessment. He affirmed the World Bank’s commitment, stating, “We should put necessary emphasis on the value chain where the best results can be achieved.” Both of them recognized the enduring partnership between the World Bank and PKSF and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the future.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for the current World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL) for the SMART project Eun Joo Allison to introduce Keisuke Iyadomi, who will assume the role of the new TTL on behalf of the World Bank starting in July 2025. PKSF MD thanked Ms Allison for her continued support during the tenure and expressed his expectation for the same in the future.
Deputy Managing Director of PKSF Md Mashiar Rahman, and Project Coordinator of the SMART project Gokul Chandra Biswas, among others, were also present in the meeting where Md Rawshan Habib, Deputy Project Coordinator of the SMART project, made a presentation on the SMART project and its activities.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
Extreme Poverty Reduction
News & Events
April 27, 2025

SMART project earns praise from FID and World Bank for impressive progress

The Financial Institutions Division (FID) and the World Bank commended the impressive progress of the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project during the concluding session of the World Bank’s Implementation Support Mission (ISM). The wrap-up session took place on 20 April 2025 at PKSF Bhaban-1, marking the end of the mission that began on 8 April.

Task Team Leader of the SMART project, Eun Joo Allison, express the World Bank’s satisfaction with the project’s progress at the wrap-up session of the meeting chaired by Md Ahsan Kabir, Additional Secretary of the FID. Md Ahsan Kabir also echoed his appreciation for the achievements made under the project. A similar note of encouragement was shared during an earlier session chaired by PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader.

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Other key attendees included PKSF Deputy Managing Director Md Mashiar Rahman, SMART Project Coordinator Gokul Chandra Biswas, and officials from both FID and PKSF. The mission commenced with a kick-off meeting chaired by Md Mashiar Rahman, who emphasized the SMART PMU’s dedication to implementing low-cost, energy-efficient technologies, particularly in wastewater management in the loom sector.

Throughout the mission, the World Bank team conducted an in-depth review of component-wise progress and visited multiple field-level interventions. From 13 to 17 April, they observed plastic recycling activities in Chattogram (implemented through YPSA), eco-friendly construction and eco-tourism initiatives in Thakurgaon and Panchagarh (via ESDO), automobile workshop interventions in Bogura (through TMSS), and machinery and equipment-related enterprises in Bogura (implemented by GUK).

A stakeholder workshop was also held at GUK’s headquarters in Bogura, bringing together regional stakeholders, micro-entrepreneurs, and relevant government officials.

The SMART project, jointly implemented by PKSF and the World Bank, aims to improve the environmental sustainability of 80,000 microenterprises across the manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors in Bangladesh. By promoting energy-efficient technologies and cleaner production methods, the project is enhancing productivity, generating employment, empowering women, and contributing to inclusive economic growth.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
February 24, 2025

Micro-entrepreneurs in Sirajganj prioritize waste management and product diversification

Micro-entrepreneurs in Sirajganj, known for their expertise in producing Lungi and Gamcha, are now setting their sights on product diversification. They aspire to expand into quality garment production while adhering to environmental and waste management protocols, provided they receive the necessary financial and technical support.

This vision was expressed during a workshop organized under the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) Project of PKSF at the National Development Programme (NDP) Head Office in Sirajganj. The event served as a platform for local micro-entrepreneurs to discuss the adoption of new technologies and resource-efficient, cleaner production methods.

The workshop was graced by Md Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF, as the Chief Guest, with Md Alauddin Khan, Executive Director of NDP, presiding over the session. Also in attendance were six micro-entrepreneurs, PKSF Panel Supervisors, and other stakeholders. The session commenced with a welcome speech by Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART Project.

In his concluding remarks, Md Mashiar Rahman emphasized the importance of efficient waste management in loom and dyeing factories. He highlighted the potential of solar power systems as an alternative energy source, stating, “Solar power can significantly reduce electricity consumption and serve as a viable alternative where transparent sheets cannot be used.” He also recommended conducting a study to assess the impact of poor waste management practices on the local community in loom and dyeing clusters.

As part of the workshop, participants visited a mini Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) at a dyeing factory in Tamai village, Belkuchi upazila, along with several loom factories in the business cluster. The visit provided insights into sustainable waste management solutions, reinforcing the commitment of micro-entrepreneurs to adopting environmentally responsible practices.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
January 29, 2025

World Bank mission assesses biogas plant feasibility under SMART project

A World Bank team conducted a mission from 19 to 23 January 2025 to observe field-level activities and assess the pre-feasibility of installing biogas plants in dairy clusters under the SMART project, implemented by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). The mission included meetings, field visits, and stakeholder engagements across Sirajganj, Pabna, and Munshiganj districts.

The mission began on 19 January with a kick-off meeting at the PKSF headquarters, chaired by Md. Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF. Discussions were also held with senior officials from PKSF and representatives from other stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Biogas Development Foundation (BBDF).

From 20 to 22 January, the team conducted technical field visits to dairy clusters in Sirajganj, Pabna, and Munshiganj. These visits aimed to evaluate the implementation of biogas and Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices, as well as assess progress in subsectors such as dairy, loom, and textile microenterprises under the SMART project.

In Sirajganj, the team visited dairy product and loom subsectors implemented through the National Development Programme (NDP), interacting with local micro-entrepreneurs. The team also explored the potential for expanding project activities in the dairy cluster of Pabna. On 22 January, the mission visited Munshiganj to review dairy activities implemented by the Resource Integration Centre (RIC).

These field visits provided critical insights into the project’s impact on micro-entrepreneurs and its role in promoting sustainable and resilient business practices in the target sectors. The World Bank team emphasized the importance of engaging local communities to ensure the success of project interventions.

The mission concluded on 23 January with meetings involving government and private agencies to explore the feasibility of establishing community-based biogas plants in the dairy clusters.

The mission was led by Eun Joo Allison, Task Team Leader of the SMART project and Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank. She was accompanied by Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project and General Manager of PKSF, along with officials from PKSF and its partner organizations.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
January 25, 2025

FID secretary lauds ‘eco-friendly construction’ initiatives under the SMART project

Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division Nazma Mobarek visited the ‘Promoting Eco-Friendly Construction Materials through Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Practices’ sub-project under the SMART project of PKSF on 25 January 2025.

With financial and technical support from PKSF, the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) is implementing the sub-project in eight districts of the Rangpur division. The sub-project aims to extend financial and technical support to 1200 microenterprises so that they can adopt RECP practices in their business.

During her visit to the ‘Eco Holo and Solid Block Factory’ in Akcha Union, Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, Ms Mobarek praised the initiative, saying, “The production of eco-friendly construction materials not only conserves resources but also sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in microenterprise development. Projects like this reflect our commitment to sustainable growth and environmental preservation.”

She was accompanied by NBR Commissioner Touhidul Monir, Deputy Secretaries Mohammad Amin Shorif and Muhammad Mizanur Rahman, and senior PKSF officials, including SMART Project Coordinator Gokul Chandra Biswas, and other officials from PKSF and ESDO, including Dr Md Shahid Uz Zaman, Founder and Executive Director of ESDO.

During the visit, Dr Zaman provided an in-depth overview of the sub-project’s impact on sustainable development and its potential for environmental conservation.

Designed to strengthen the environmental sustainability of Bangladesh’s microenterprises, the SMART project aspires to benefit 80,000 microenterprises across manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. The project aims to enhance productivity, support job creation, empower women, and drive local economic growth by leveraging innovative technologies.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
November 21, 2024

SMART project engages regional stakeholders in Jashore

To foster regional stakeholders’ engagement and promote sustainable practices among microenterprises in Jashore, the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) conducted a series of workshops and consultations in Jashore from 19-20 November 2024.

On 20 November, a workshop at the RRF Conference Room brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, academicians, and representatives from Partner Organizations (POs). Eun Joo Allison Yi, Task Team Leader of the SMART project from the World Bank, underscored the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in achieving the project’s goals. She highlighted global examples of Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices, emphasizing their relevance to Bangladesh.

Highlighting the need for sustainable solutions, Professor Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman from Jashore University of Science and Technology advocated for life cycle-based approaches to address the unique challenges faced by microenterprises, emphasizing the need for long-term sustainable solutions. The session was inaugurated by Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART project of PKSF, with Philip Biswas, Executive Director of the Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF), delivering closing remarks.

The workshop featured representatives from government agencies such as the District Livestock Office, Department of Fisheries, Department of Environment, and Department of Agricultural Extension. Officials from PKSF, the World Bank, and six POs—including Rural Reconstruction Foundation, Shishu Niloy Foundation, Jagorani Chakra Foundation, Unnayan Prochesta, DESHA Shechsashebi Artho – Samajik Unnyan O Manobik Kallyan Sangstha, and NABOLOK Parishad. Micro-entrepreneurs and distinguished academicians from Jashore University of Science and Technology also contributed to the discussions.

In addition to the stakeholder workshop, a separate event was held at Jashore University of Science and Technology on 20 November to share insights about the SMART project and raise awareness of sustainable practices, specially RECP practices, among the students.

The World Bank team visiting an imitation jewelry worker at work in Jhenaidah

As a part of the two-day itinerary, another consultation meeting was organized earlier on 19 November. Micro-entrepreneurs, and officials of PKSF and its respective POs discussed field-level challenges and opportunities in the meeting. The World Bank team also visited microenterprises in the Automobile and Imitation Jewelry sub-sectors in Jashore and Jhenaidah districts to observe ongoing activities and gather feedback directly from the micro-entrepreneurs on the same day.

The SMART project aims to enhance the environmental sustainability of microenterprises across Bangladesh, targeting 80,000 businesses in the manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. By introducing innovative technologies, the project seeks to improve productivity, create jobs, empower women, and foster local economic growth.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
News & Events
November 5, 2024

World Bank applauds PKSF’s progress on SMART project, highlights potential for wider collaboration

In a courtesy meeting held at PKSF Bhaban on 5 November 2024, Christian Peter, Practice Manager of Environment, Natural Resources, and Blue Economy at the World Bank, commended the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) for its impressive progress on the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) Project. “People need to have resilient livelihoods,” Peter noted, suggesting that PKSF could explore collaborations with other government projects to further strengthen its impact.

Presided over by PKSF’s Acting Managing Director, Md Fazlul Kader, the meeting underscored the enduring partnership between the World Bank and PKSF, which spans over 25 years. “The World Bank has always been beside PKSF in its three-decade journey of reducing poverty and creating sustainable employment opportunities for marginal communities,” Mr Kader remarked. He acknowledged the World Bank’s continued support in providing financial and technical resources to advance PKSF’s activities.

Key figures at the meeting included Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF; Gokul Chandra Biswas, Project Coordinator of the SMART Project; and Eun Joo Allison Yi, Task Team Leader of the project. Following introductory remarks by the Acting Managing Director, Md Rawshan Habib, Deputy Project Coordinator of SMART project, delivered a presentation detailing PKSF’s recent achievements and the progress of the SMART project.

Designed to strengthen the environmental sustainability of Bangladesh’s microenterprises, the SMART project aspires to benefit 80,000 microenterprises across manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors. By leveraging innovative technologies, the project aims to enhance productivity, support job creation, empower women, and drive local economic growth.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)