Bangladesh became a state member of IUCN in 1972. However, IUCN has formally started its operational activities in Bangladesh from 1989 through a liaison office and a formal country office was established in 1991. At the national level, IUCN Bangladesh diversifying its activities, within the framework of its global mandates. Globally, the Millennium Development Goals of poverty reduction, gender balance and sustainable development guide the new paradigm. The aspects of environmental security and livelihood sustenance are crucial for Bangladesh and should also be synchronized with the IUCN goals, which will enhance empowerment and governance directions in Bangladesh.

The programme of IUCN Bangladesh Country Office has been clustered into four Thematic Areas namely: Species Conservation and Protected Areas, Ecosystem and Landscape Management, Economics, Law, Policy and Assessment and Water Management.