What is BCAS?

Established in 1986, the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) is a leading research and policy institute in the non-government sector of Bangladesh. It is independent, non-profit and specializes in policy analysis, action research and project  implementation for sustainable development at local, national, regional and global levels. BCAS addresses sustainable development through the following interdisciplinary themes.  They are:
•    Environment and climate change
•    Good governance through people’s participation
•    Poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods
•    Economic growth
•    Public-private partnership
•    Sustainable markets
The overall aim of BCAS is to provide guidance and practical solutions to promote sustainable development, eradicate poverty, improve access of the poor to resources and ensure social justice.
BCAS tests dynamic ideas, develops models and gives practical solutions to problems in all areas that fall under the broad themes. These ideas have been replicated by NGOs, government departments, private sectors and UN agencies.

Vision and Mission

•    To undertake action research on policy issues and implementation at local, national, regional and international levels for advancing and supporting sustainable development   
•    To develop ideas and models for efficient resource management, conservation of the environment with an aim to  promote sustainable development
•    To ensure people’s and community participation in planning, implementation and management of resources
•    To undertake collaborative research with scientists in both national and international organizations to share  knowledge and experience
•    To motivate and facilitate the private sector to adopt cleaner production methods, pollution abatement techniques and ensure clean environment and sustainable trade.
•    To enhance the capacity of civil society, private and public sectors in the
areas of environment and natural resource management and promote pathways to green economy for ensuring sustainable development.
•    To closely work with various agencies and departments of the Government in different countries as well as development partners, international institutions and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).

Key approaches

•    Integration of knowledge and information at community, national, regional and global levels into policy and programme to make knowledge useful and effective through documentation, communication and outreach.
•    Carry out research to establish linkages between science, policy and people to promote sustainable development
•    Integration of indigenous knowledge and experience of communities with scientific knowledge to increase awareness and efficiency.
•    Development through participatory approach, by involving communities, in identifying problems and root causes and suggesting solutions.
•    To bring out publications including books, newsletters and monographs and to disseminate the results and findings of various research and initiatives
•    To enhance public awareness and influence policy decisions through policy dialogue, advocacy, networking, training, workshop, seminar and symposium
•    To undertake interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research activities using multidisciplinary methodologies