The need to establish a local NGO dedicated to the development of plain land Indigenous peoples emerged in the late 1990s, when the current Executive Director, Lakshmikanta Singh, was completing his master’s degree at the University of Chittagong. During this time, he became deeply aware of the structural inequalities faced by Indigenous communities across Bangladesh.

Chittagong is widely known for the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a region with a long and complex history of tension between mainstream society and the Indigenous peoples inhabiting its hills. However, beyond this well-known context, the plain lands of Bangladesh are also home to numerous Indigenous communities who endure profound social exclusion and discrimination in nearly every sphere of life. Unlike their counterparts in the Hill Tracts, plain land Indigenous peoples often suffer from limited visibility and minimal representation in national discourse, making them particularly vulnerable to marginalization and neglect.

While pursuing his studies, Lakshmikanta Singh recognized the urgent need for greater representation and institutional support for plain land Indigenous communities within mainstream society. Inspired by this realization, he envisioned establishing a small organization to advocate for their rights and development. Before turning this vision into reality, he gained valuable experience by working in the development sector on several government initiatives.

In 2002, Lakshmikanta Singh, together with a group of committed founders, established the Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO). From the outset, reducing the marginalization of minority groups became a central focus of the organization. Since its establishment, ECDO has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the rights of Indigenous citizens, strengthen community platforms for advocacy, and improve access to essential social services such as health and education.

Although significant progress has been made, ECDO recognizes that much work remains. The organization remains committed to supporting Indigenous communities in their pursuit of positive and sustainable change, particularly for those deprived of rights and opportunities. Looking ahead, ECDO envisions a society in which empowered, educated, aware, and culturally diverse Indigenous groups can ensure their own human development—free from discrimination, poverty, and exploitation.