The Research and Policy Advocacy Division of DAM provides support services for research, programme evaluation and policy advocacy activities of DAM. It also conducts research and project related activities for other national and international organizations as consultancy services. In policy advocacy role it works in collaboration with other organization at national, regional and international levels. The Division has its own full-time professional staff and support services. Occasionally, it draws upon expertise of external resource persons.

During 2005-2006, the Research Unit has completed 14 in-house and external studies.
Several of them are considered significant contributions to improving the national situation in social development sector, as they suggest changes in focusing our plans and programmes to strategically important population groups and also indicate the need for new policy interventions addressing some critical needs of the society.

Assessment of Literacy Status in Bangladesh, 2005: A study conducted for UNESCO-Bangladesh, the nationwide literacy status assessment for population 15 years and above was done on the basis of literacy test (in stead of verbal statement). The study found that around 40 percent of the adult population never went to school and more that half of the population had no ability to read and write. Only about 41 percent of the adult population in Bangladesh in 2005 could qualify as literate.

The study revealed that the adolescents make an important target group of policy and programmes to address their special needs, and positive outcomes can be derived through appropriate interventions for improving their life situation. Adolescents including students are less informed about sexual and reproductive health, illness, and have little opportunity to talk to outside their peer group about their feelings, queries and anxieties. They need access to information as rights about sexuality and reproductive health in order to avoid risk behavior. Further research needs are also indicated by these studies.

Policy advocacy activities concentrated on two major areas; one, literacy and the other adolescents’ development. The research study findings were prepared for sharing with wider audience of representatives from GOs, NGOs, civil society organizations, social activists, researchers, and development partners. Initiatives were taken to establish and sustain contact with authorities and agencies at various levels to promote action programmes and policy changes. The initiatives included, among others, having discussions and lobby with authorities, especially at the government ministry level inviting their attention to the need for policy and coordinated efforts among the Government and other relevant organizations. Follow-up for action for policy and programme development has been continuing.

Contacts were sustained with regional and international agencies, particularly on adult literacy issues and NGO engagement in promoting EFA goals.