2009-2010 - BIDS

Strategic Objectives
The strategic objectives of BIDS are crystallized
around the theme of generating reliable policy
oriented research on development issues along
with strengthening research-policy links to
promote informed policy making in Bangladesh. In
the quest of its strategic objectives, BIDS activities
are multi-dimensional and inherently straddle
several objectives:
• Promote excellence in policy research and
extend the knowledge frontiers to facilitate
learning in development solutions especially in
priority areas of development related to social
well being of the poor and disadvantaged
groups in society;
• Generate socioeconomic data to facilitate
analytical research on current economic and
social issues and enable informed development
planning and policy formulation by the
government;
• A ssist the policymakers in designing credible
development strategies for achieving economic
and social goals;
• Expand research outreach to civil society and
other stakeholders to help shape policy debates
on key development issues, develop broader
understanding and consensus, and promote
knowledge based policy agenda;
• Conduct training and capacity building
programs and promote the application
of cutting edge research techniques and
appropriate methodologies in economics and
allied social sciences to develop human and
institutional capacities within the government
and in other institutions;
• Promote research communication and
networking with national and international
partners to share research findings; and
• Stimulate interaction within the research
community including policymakers, civil society,
and other stakeholders through organizing
workshops, seminars, conferences, and using
alternative modes of print and electronic media.
Focus and Target Groups
BIDS undertakes a wide spectrum of activities
covering its mandate of enriching the country’s
policy environment, creating awareness on
improving policy responses, creating policy
analysis and dissemination capacities, and
influencing policies. In order to meet the mandate,
BIDS works with a large group of stakeholders
including the Parliamentarians, policymakers,
government functionaries, professionals, business
leaders and trade union representatives, civil
society organizations, grassroots organizations
and nongovernment organizations (NGOs), policy
activist groups as well as development partners
and other interest groups. Close collaboration
of all relevant stakeholders in various processes
along with a high quality of research ensures the
heightened status of BIDS as the country’s premier
policy research institute and its wide success in
transforming research into policy actions to touch
the lives of the common people, especially the
poor and disadvantaged groups in society.
Governance and Management
Structure
BIDS has a well structured governance and
management structure to guide and support its
professional activities. The Director General acts as
the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute who is
appointed by the Board of Trustees for a period of
three years.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the highest decision
making body of BIDS which is chaired by the
Minister of Planning of the Government of the
People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The Board of
Trustees usually meets thrice a year and approves
the work plan and the budget as well as provides
guidelines for developing human and professional
capacities. The structure of the Board of Trustees
can be seen in Box 1.
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BIDS Biennial Report 2009-2010