APDS' Story
Who We Are
The Association for Peoples Development Stream (APDS) was established in 1999 as a non-governmental organisation, duly registered under the Ministry of Social Welfare. Throughout its journey, APDS embarked on a transformative path by taking over the microfinance portfolio of Friendship, a renowned Bangladeshi SPO that had previously undertaken pioneering pilot projects in the financial sector within the challenging geo-logistical barriers of the shifting river islands (chars) of Bangladesh. Both APDS and Friendship share a common vision and mission, deeply committed to serving the impoverished communities residing in the hard-to-reach areas, particularly in the isolated chars and coastal regions of Bangladesh.
In recognition of its dedication to promoting financial inclusion and uplifting the socio-economic status of marginalised communities, APDS secured a license from the Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) to operate microfinance operations. The organisation’s journey commenced in a single district, Kurigram, but has since expanded its footprint to encompass five districts, boasting a network of 14 branches and a dedicated team of 70 skilled staff members.
As of June 2023, APDS proudly serves an impressive clientele of 9,000 active borrowers, with a remarkable 85% of them being resilient and empowered women. APDS’s unwavering commitment to empowerment, community development, and poverty alleviation continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those it serves, embodying its vision of a better, more equitable Bangladesh.
APDS' Audit Report
The Association for Peoples Development Stream (APDS) has come a long way since its inception, originally commencing its operations in the district of Kurigram. Today, it proudly serves communities across five districts, boasting a robust network of 14 branches and a dedicated team of 70 staff members. As of June 2023, APDS has made a significant impact by extending its services to 9,000 active clients, with a remarkable 85% of them being resilient women, working towards empowerment and financial inclusion.
Char and coastal belt areas in Bangladesh present unique challenges, as they remain some of the most isolated and underprivileged regions in the country. Spanning across 100 subdistricts in 32 districts, with a combined population of approximately 6 million, these areas face extreme geographical seclusion. While some char lands are connected to the mainland, most of the char areas, particularly those in the coastal regions, continue to grapple with the challenges of isolation. APDS, with its expansion and commitment, plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of these marginalised communities and fostering positive change in these remote areas.