Over the years, through the work of RDRS and other NGOs, the poor of northern Bangladesh have become significantly more socially aware. Consequently, there has been constant shift in RDRS' priorities to deal with prevailing social issues.

In 2000, therefore, RDRS extended its programmes to cover such health matters as STD/AIDS and arsenic-contaminated drinking water. In education, it continues to provide a wide variety of training courses for group members and their families. On the human resources side, it continues to support women's development and raise awareness of women's rights. RDRS also promotes grassroots democracy, good governance at the local level, and people's leadership capabilities.