As the Founding President of the Organisation for Rural Community Development (ORCD), it is my privilege to welcome you to our organisation and to share our vision for a healthier, more educated, and economically resilient society. I led the establishment of ORCD with a clear and enduring mission: to build communities that are not only healthy and informed, but also secure, sustainable, and empowered to shape their own futures.
Our work is grounded in the belief that meaningful development must be holistic. Through our initiatives in education, community health, environmental awareness, and income generation, we aim to address the interconnected challenges faced by rural and disadvantaged populations. From establishing our Business Management Institute to planning a multidisciplinary training centre, we are committed to equipping individuals—especially women, youth, and low-income groups—with practical, skills-based education that leads to real opportunities.
In health, ORCD has combined service delivery with rigorous research. Our collaborations with national institutions and internationally recognised researchers and institutes, inclding the University of Bonn, Germany have enabled us to generate high-quality evidence that informs policy and practice. Our community-based studies have revealed critical gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and access to care—insights that continue to guide our interventions and advocacy efforts. At the same time, our partnerships with hospitals and medical colleges ensure that communities receive both preventive education and access to specialised care.
Looking ahead, our long-term vision includes establishing a community hospital, a rural health research institute, and a well-equipped technical institute, strengthening our role as a bridge between research, policy, and community impact. We are also committed to working closely with civil society organisations, government bodies, and international partners to ensure that our work aligns with national priorities and global development goals.
ORCD stands as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based action. Together with our partners, supporters, and the communities we serve, we will continue striving toward a future where no one is left behind.
Dr Fakir M Amirul Islam
Founding President, Organisation for Rural Community Development
(Ex-) Associate Professor and Research Director
School of Health Sciences
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia