Empowering Lives Transforming Communities

Empowering Lives Transforming Communities

Integrated Development Foundation (IDF) is a non-profit development organization dedicated to combating poverty in the remote, hilly, and underserved regions of Bangladesh. Established in 1992 by
Mr. Zahirul Alam.

Because every heartbeat <br>deserves care

Because every heartbeat
deserves care

IDF ensures quality healthcare access, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and community programs that improve lives and build healthier futures.

From small beginnings to boundless possibilities

From small beginnings to boundless possibilities

IDF drives financial inclusion, empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses to achieve stability, create jobs, and uplift communities.

Every lesson learned is a future unlocked

Every lesson learned is a future unlocked

Through scholarships and quality education, IDF empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to break barriers and create brighter futures.

From seeds of hope to fields of abundance

From seeds of hope to fields of abundance

IDF advances sustainable farming, boosting productivity, market access, and food security while equipping farmers with vital resources and knowledge.

About Us

Integrated Development Foundation (IDF) is one of Bangladesh’s leading national development organizations, established in 1992 with over three decades of experience in promoting inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient development. Since launching its field operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in 1993, IDF has worked alongside disadvantaged communities, indigenous peoples, government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to create lasting improvements in livelihoods, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Today, IDF operates across 22 districts, serving more than 150,000 low-income and climate-vulnerable families through integrated programs in microfinance, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, renewable energy, healthcare, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), environmental conservation, and climate resilience. Guided by the vision of creating self-reliant, resourceful communities, IDF combines innovation, community participation, and strong institutional partnerships to deliver sustainable development outcomes for present and future generations.

Why choose IDF?

  • More than 32 years of proven development experience since 1992.
  • Continuous presence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts since 1993, with extensive experience working alongside indigenous and remote communities.
  • Operations across 22 districts, reaching more than 150,000 low-income and climate-vulnerable families.
  • Strong expertise in integrated development, combining economic empowerment, social development, and environmental sustainability.
  • A microfinance portfolio exceeding BDT 700 crore (USD 55 million), supporting agriculture, livestock, fisheries, rural enterprises, and other income-generating activities.
  • Over 127,000 renewable energy systems installed, promoting clean energy and low-carbon rural development.
  • Recognized expertise in climate resilience and nature-based solutions, including forest restoration, REDD+, Blue Carbon, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation.
  • A 75-acre Agricultural Training and Demonstration Center in Khagrachari showcasing climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, livestock, fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable farming practices.
  • Strong institutional partnerships with government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, research organizations, and local communities.
  • Experienced multidisciplinary professionals with expertise in program design, implementation, capacity development, research, monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management.
  • Committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bangladesh’s national development and climate priorities.
  • Trusted for transparency, accountability, innovation, and measurable development impact.

Discover More

We invite you to please explore the subsequent pages for our thematic areas, flagship projects, climate initiatives, publications, partnerships, and success stories to discover how we are improving lives, restoring ecosystems, and creating sustainable opportunities across Bangladesh.

“IDF mainly focuses on socioeconomic uplifting of disadvantaged families through sustainable practices, quality health, quality education, green energy and meaningful employment ensuring brighter and green future with full of opportunities"

Zahirul Alam

Founder and Executive Director, IDF

Flagship
Programs

Microcredit Program

Small Capital is Power to the Poor.
IDF started its operation in 1993 through piloting the Grameen Microfinance Model in Chattogram Hill Tracts and customized the model as per local situation and needs of the local population.
More Info

Health Program

Accessible, Affordable and Quality Healthcare Services for All.
Health Program is the flagship program of IDF. Since 1995, we have run a healthcare program to support poor communities, offering services through static and satellite clinics, telehealth, and health camps.
More Info

Education Program

Quality and Functional Education for All
IDF started its Education Program with assistance of Sida in 1994 to provide basic education to poor children and raise awareness of their parents about children's rights and education, focusing on providing basic education and preventing dropouts.
MOre Info

Solar Program

Improving Rural Lives with Green Power
IDF launched Solar Power Program in 2003 in partnership with IDCOL (a government company for infrastructure and solar power) to provide electricity to rural and remote areas which does not have access to the national grid.
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Water and Sanitation

Access to safe Water and Sanitation for All
IDF initially launched its water and sanitation program with Sida's assistance in 1995. Later on, the program is funded by PKSF (Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation), water.org, and IDF’s internal funding.
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Agriculture

Safe Foods for all
Since 1996, IDF has been implementing integrated agriculture projects initially supported by Sida and HKI. A dedicated Agriculture Unit was later established to continue these initiatives. PKSF has been providing technical and financial assistance since 2014.
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Livestock & Fisheries

Enriching Food Protein and Nutrition.
IDF’s livestock work includes deworming, first aid, cattle fattening, and goat rearing. Its fisheries activities, started in 1993 in Chittagong, focus on fish production, training, and supplying local hatcheries with mother fish to boost output.
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Client’s Protection

Sustainable Healthy Life and Livelihood.
IDF's clients’ protection program was launched in 1997 which offers protection against health diseases, death, project damages, and livestock deaths. Members, spouses, and children under 18 receive free medical treatment with medicines and reimbursement for severe illness requiring hospitalization.
More Info

ZAHIRUL ALAM

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IDF

Mr. Zahirul Alam, founder and Executive Director of Integrated Development Foundation (IDF) in Bangladesh, has an illustrious career in rural development. He commenced his professional journey as an assistant to Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus at Chittagong University,where the pioneering Grameen Bank model was developed. He holds a Masters degree in Economics from Chittagong University.

He further refined his expertise as an Action Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) and served as an economist at the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Ethiopia. He established IDF with the mission to combat poverty and…

Exposure Visit

IDF organize exposure visits for the interested organizations and persons both at national and international levels to learn the experiences of microfinance in Bangladesh. IDF organizes visits not only in IDF, it also organize visits to Grameen Bank, BRAC, ASA and other organizations as per need of the visiting organizations.

Integrated Development Foundation

Publications

Annual Report
Agriculture_book
PDM CERTIFCATION
Poricroma
IDF Porikroma

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