PROGOTI (People’s Research on Grassroots Ownership & Traditional Initiative) is a local organization based in Satkhira, a densely populated coastal area in southwest Bangladesh. Its mission centers on holistic human development, recognizing that true progress must address social, cultural, educational, economic, and environmental challenges—especially under the growing impact of climate change.
PROGOTI has significant experience in emergency relief and rehabilitation, notably for Cyclone AILA victims, and in implementing climate adaptation programs in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, infrastructure, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in coastal areas.
As a rights-based campaign organization, PROGOTI has led several impactful movements, including the Adi Jamuna River Rescue, AILA Embankment Reconstruction, and campaigns on safe water, agricultural labor laws, indigenous rights, and access to public property. It focuses on climate justice and works closely with climate-affected communities in the southwest coastal region.
The organization also advocates against religious extremism and has supported the Ahmadiyya (Kadiani) community, as well as other minority groups facing state-level pressure.
PROGOTI is skilled in event management and has organized various rural fairs and festivals since 2008, including Boishakhi fairs, Pitha festivals, sanitation fairs, tree fairs, science fairs, and climate finance fairs.
Mrittika Elahi
Executive Director & General secretary PROGOTI
PROGOTI Bhaban
Syamnagar, Satkhira,Bangladesh
PROGOTI (Peoples Research on Grassroots Ownership & Traditional Initiative) is a local, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in southwestern Bangladesh. It focuses on ecological conservation, human rights, good governance.
PROGOTI is deeply rooted in the community and committed to addressing social and environmental challenges. The organization has substantial experience in emergency relief and rehabilitation, notably during Cyclone AILA.
As a rights-based campaign organization, PROGOTI has led successful advocacy efforts on issues such as indigenous rights, agricultural labor laws, disaster management, access to safe water, and protection of public property.
Adi Jomuna River
Adi Jamuna is a historically and socially significant river in Kaligonj and Shyamnagar upazilas of Satkhira,Bangladesh. serving as a key drainage channel. It supports agriculture, livelihoods, and local culture.
However, the river is now facing destruction due to faulty government development initiatives, including cross dams, highway construction, and controversial leasing of its segments to land grabbers. This has led to displacement, harassment, waterlogging, and loss of livelihoods for landless and marginalized communities. In response.
PROGOTI has supported a public movement to save the river. A Supreme Court ruling has already canceled the lease of one segment, and another legal case is ongoing. Restoring the river could bring significant positive change to the region.
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