Founded in 1986 as the Bangladesh Development Forum, the association adopted its current name in 1990. From its roots in North America, AEDSB has grown into an international community with members in Bangladesh, Europe, Australia, and beyond.
AEDSB is incorporated as a nonprofit in Wisconsin. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service recognizes it as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. AEDSB is also a member of the Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA) and organizes a research session each year at the ASSA Annual Meeting. The association convenes sessions at other major economics conferences, including the Canadian Economic Association and Western Economic Association International annual meetings.