The Beginning
Rakibul Haque Emil and his wife, Tarana Hossain, began rescuing stray dogs and cats in 2008, providing them shelter in their own home and arranging treatment with the guidance of veterinary professionals. Through this work, they gradually connected with other like-minded individuals who shared their compassion for animals.
In 2015, they took a significant step forward by renting a space in Gabtoli, Dhaka, where they established a rescue center dedicated to treating sick and injured stray dogs. Starting with just one staff member, this initiative marked the beginning of a more structured approach to animal welfare. Recognizing the urgent need for accessible and reliable veterinary care, they later founded PAW Life Care, a clinic that has since expanded into three branches, providing medical services to both companion and street animals.
Over time, Rakibul Emil and Tarana realized that rescue and treatment alone were not sufficient to ensure the long-term welfare and rights of animals in Bangladesh. They understood that sustainable change requires strong advocacy, policy reform, social awareness, and effective enforcement of laws. To achieve these goals through a strategic and organized framework, they established the People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation.
The foundation was intentionally named to represent all animals, reflecting their commitment beyond just dogs and cats to every vulnerable and voiceless creature in the country. In 2016, PAW Foundation was officially registered as a non-political, voluntary organization under the Government of Bangladesh. Over the past decade, the organization has grown into a powerful platform, driven by a passionate community of animal lovers.
Throughout this journey, the duo has worked tirelessly for a wide range of animals, including stray dogs and cats, birds, wildlife, horses, farm animals, companion animals, zoo animals, and captive elephants. Their efforts have not only provided shelter and medical care to countless animals but have also contributed to shaping the broader animal rights movement in Bangladesh.
One of Rakibul Emil’s notable achievements includes advocating for the end of abusive training practices imposed on a captive elephant calf named Joyita, under the Bangladesh Forest Department. Through persistent efforts, this was replaced with positive reinforcement training methods. Furthermore, his advocacy has contributed to the government initiating rehabilitation plans for captive elephants within safari parks.
Emil has also played a key role in bringing several animal cruelty cases to court and filing writ petitions to strengthen legal protections for animals. For over a decade, he and his team have been working to transform animal welfare into a recognized social movement in Bangladesh.
With the support of dedicated volunteers and well-wishers, Rakibul Emil and Tarana Hossain have successfully built PAW Foundation into an institutional force—continuously striving to provide shelter, treatment, and, most importantly, a voice for the rights of animals across the country.
Join the Mission
You don’t need to be a vet or activist to make a difference. You just need to care — and act. The journey that started with one dog is now a movement powered by thousands.