In 1972, immediately after the Liberation of Bangladesh, she joined BRAC, as part of a group of young people to work for the rehabilitation of the war torn country, being based in remote rural areas. Till 1980 worked with BRAC in developing held programmes, education materials based on Paolo Friere’s concept of Concientisation, training modules and implemented training for all development workers, particularly in the field of mobilisation and organisation of the poor with equal emphasis towards women’s empowerment.

In 1980 joined Nijera Kori as Coordinator and working till present as its key person. Nijera Kori is a development organisation presently working in 38 thanas, 1126 villages of Bangladesh, organising 1,75,000 landless women and men in socioeconomic struggles as well as facilitating better access to rural services and available resources, with a view to building self-reliance and improved production, through mobilisation and collective action. The main focus being on awareness building and empowerment of the poor, as well as sensitising men on women’s status and position within the family and in society, along with encouraging the poor and marginalised, particularly women to take up stronger and a more assertive role as an integral process within society.

Since 1975, has organised trainings, workshops, consultations on women, development, environment and human rights Issues, and participated in major regionally and internationally conferences .

Has been elected to the Executive Committee to Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh-ADAB (the Apex Body for NGOs in Bangladesh) for several terms since 1983 and in 1993-95 served as Chairperson of ADAB. As an NGO activist played an important role in developing ADAB into a strong network, and also in building bridges and links to other networks, citizen’s forums and Groups, as well as with the Government.

Currently, the Chairperson of both the Coalition of Environment NGOs-CEN and the Association of Land Reform and Development – ALRD, both Networks of NGOs and Citizens active in Environment and Land Rights. Member, Steering Committee, Structural Adjustment Participatory Review Initiative (SAPRI) Bangladesh .

Director, Sonali Bank, Member, National Nutrition Council, Member, Independent Panel of Experts, National Water Management Plan.