A research partner built in the field
Action for Innovative Resource Ltd. (AIR) is a Dhaka-based research and consultancy firm. We design surveys, run fieldwork at scale, analyse the data and turn it into advice that government agencies, development partners and private clients can act on.
From traffic counts to city-scale surveys
AIR started in 2018 as a proprietorship with one clear job: count vehicles on Dhaka’s roads accurately and on time. That early work taught us what clients value most — data they can defend in front of a ministry, a lender or a board.
Demand for reliable field data in transport and urban planning grew quickly, and so did our scope: household interview surveys, revealed and stated preference studies, programme evaluations, GIS mapping and data management. In 2023 AIR was incorporated as a private limited company with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms.
Our largest single assignment covered 52,600 households and about 207,000 interviews for the Updating of the Revised Strategic Transport Plan (URSTP) for Dhaka, financed by the Asian Development Bank and led by DTCA.
households in a single survey
trained enumerators
experienced supervisors
multidisciplinary consultants
Vision, mission & values
Our vision
Quality support for innovative research and consultancy that improves urban mobility, advances socio-economic development and reduces the complexity of life in urban and rural areas.
Our mission
To provide comprehensive research, practical assistance and management services that help policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders reach their sustainable development goals — working with donors, NGOs, government agencies and private organisations.
Accuracy
Every dataset is checked in the field, at the back end and again before delivery.
Timeliness
Field plans are built around the client’s deadline, not the other way round.
Integrity
Honest reporting, informed consent and respect for every respondent.
Inclusion
Gender-sensitive tools and teams, and safeguarding in every assignment.
Innovation
Digital CAPI, video and AI-assisted counting where they improve quality.
Partnership
We work as an extension of the client’s own team.
Our journey so far
AIR founded
Traffic surveys in Dhaka as a proprietorship.
Literacy assessment
Third-party assessment for BNFE in Dhaka & Mymensingh.
MRT Line-2
Stated preference survey for the PPP preliminary study.
Limited company
RJSC incorporation; 52,600-household URSTP survey.
Bridges & corridors
Video surveys at Bosila, Tora, Bhairab and Narayanganj.
Road safety
DRSP surveys with JICA and Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
Maternal health
IVR & SBCC across four districts for the World Bank.
“Plan carefully, train the field team well, check every record and report honestly. That is how we have earned the trust of our clients since 2018.”Nur Hossain · Managing Director, AIR