Welcome to Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU)

Mr. Khalequzzaman is an engineer by education. He got his MS and Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from the Technical University Berlin, Germany. He received his first professional experience in Germany and worked there for eight years. After his return to Bangladesh in 1999, he started his career as a freelance consultant for the power sector. Since 2002 he has been involving himself more and more with renewable energy technologies. In 2005, Dr. Khalequzzaman joined German Development Organization GIZ and was responsible for renewable energy projects. His main contributions were in the fields of solar energy, biogas, improved cookstove, etc. Improved Cook Stove (Bondhu Chula) project is the landmark project of GIZ in Bangladesh. Encouraged by GIZ in 2015, he established “Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU)” and the objectives are to run renewable energy projects on a big scale. During 2015-2020, he was in dual responsibilities - implementing Energizing Development (EnDev) projects of GIZ and coordinating of Bondhu activities. From 2020 he has been concentrating fully on BONDHU.

Suchitra Hajong was the most loving Bondhu (friend) at the Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) and Bashori – A Nazrul Centre. She left a mark of her contribution almost everywhere. She had to struggle a lot from her early childhood and won almost every battle except the last one.

Suchitra Hajong was born into a Hajong family in Lengura village of Kalmakanda Upazila in the Netrokona district. The day she was born was the Victory Day of Bangladesh; this is why she was named Vijaya. Later, her name was changed to Suchitra when she was admitted to school. At that time, when most people in the Hajong community were deprived of education, her situation was somewhat different. Her mother, Giribala Hajong, was a school teacher. Giribala Hajong became the first woman from the Hajong community to pass the Higher Secondary and PTI examinations. To achieve this feat, she had to face many adverse conditions created by people from the Hindu, Muslim, Bengali, and Hajong communities alike.

Suchitra Hajong’s grandmother, Kalavati Hajong, was a leader of the Tanka Rebellion and a member of the Communist Party. Kalavati Hajong participated in battles against the British and native rulers and oppressors—sometimes even with her daughter, Giribala Hajong, on her back. We noticed a similar trait of bravery in Suchitra. She would always come forward first in every situation with her characteristic courage, and whenever anyone needed help, she would lend a hand without delay.

Suchitra Hajong’s life struggle began at a very early age, when her mother passed away and she was only nine years old. She was the youngest of ten siblings and grew up surrounded by their love and care. From childhood, she displayed strong self-reliance and a deep sense of dedication in everything she did.

She was very talented. She studied at Lengura Government Primary School, Lengura High School, and Durgapur Women’s College. She completed her BSc (Honors) in Computer Science from BUBT, Dhaka. Besides her studies, she had a great interest in social activities. She became associated with the Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (BIPF) and came into contact with prominent dignitaries such as Bhasha Matin, Prof. Mejbah Kamal, Santu Larma, Pankaj Bhattacharya, and Khushi Kabir.

In 2007, she attended a GIZ meeting on Bondhu Chula and met Khalequzzaman. Since then, she dedicated herself to making the Bondhu Chula project a success. With her inspiration and assistance, Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) was established in 2015.

She played a leading role in every initiative. Bashori – A Nazrul Centre gained momentum due to Suchitra Hajong’s fervent efforts. “Lakho Konthe Bidrohi Kobita” (Recitation of The Rebel poem in millions of voices) stands as the best example of her dedication. Thus, she made herself indispensable in every field. Under her leadership and guidance, the Bangladesh Bondhu Foundation (BONDHU) participated in various environment-related fairs across Bangladesh. She coordinated the Bondhu Chula activities of 250 NGOs, 6,000 entrepreneurs, and about 1,500 staff. All staff, partners, and entrepreneurs were very dear to her. She maintained regular contact with them, and they too stayed closely connected with her. She was the commander-in-chief who led all activities with confidence. She had an innate ability to solve problems and will always be remembered for her devotion and love for humanity.

Apart from the Hajong community, she also worked for the development of other indigenous communities as well as the Bengali community. She was a person with a positive attitude and always considered herself a very lucky person.

Many people live long lives but contribute little to the world; on the other hand, there are some who live for only a short time but leave their mark everywhere—and Suchitra Hajong was one of them. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2017. Despite her illness, she continued her activities with zeal, courage, and endurance, never retreating. Even after receiving chemotherapy, she would go to the office.

In December 2017, she launched a new project titled “Cancer and Women’s Health” to raise awareness about cancer. Her last words were, “In seven days I will recover and attend the office.” Sadly, she had to be placed on life support shortly after saying this and passed away two days later, on 17 September 2018.

We feel her absence every moment, and it will never be possible to fill the void she left behind. Suchitra Hajong will live forever in our hearts. Several plans she devised remain incomplete due to her untimely demise, and we are entrusted with the responsibility of fulfilling them. The life and work of our beloved Suchitra Hajong will continue to inspire us in the days to come.