The CEGIS is an independent public trust running under the Ministry of Water Resources chaired by the Secretary of the MoWR. This is a follow up institutionalization of the Environment and GIS Support Project for Water Sector Planning (EGIS) project. EGIS was launched in 1995 through the integration of the environmental study and Geographic Information System (GIS) study initiated under the Flood Action Plan (FAP) in 1991. Funded by the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) and the Government of the Netherlands (GON), Phase I of EGIS came to an end in February 1997. On recommendation of a Joint Formulation Mission of GOB and GON, Phase II of the project started from March 1997. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the two Governments (GoB and GoN) in October 1998, according to which EGIS-II was functioning under the MOWR. After the formation of CEGIS all the activities being carried out under the EGIS II are being continued and all the assets, liabilities, data, software and human resources have been directly shifted to the CEGIS trust.

CEGIS performs integrated environmental analysis using technology such as geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing (RS), databases and information technology (IT). It conducts activities to provide solutions to challenges related to natural resources management in sectors like water, agriculture, fisheries, environment, transportation and engineering.

The major strength of CEGIS is its multidisciplinary group of highly qualified scientists and technical professionals who bring a wide range of skills to the organization. There are over 50 staff in the organization with expertise in hydrology, water resource management, fisheries, economics, agriculture, sociology, ecology, biology, river morphology, engineering, ground water, soil science, GIS, remote sensing, database and programming. The senior level professionals who have more than fifteen years of experience in their respective fields of expertise are supported by a group of young professionals with postgraduate degrees. A highly efficient administration and accounts unit supports the activities with a fully computerized financial and project management system.