Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country with great social capital and plentiful fertile land combined with social inequality, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to essential services. Almost a fifth of the 163 million population live on less than $1.90 (£1.40) and struggle to survive. To support local communities, we’re helping families combat the effects of climate change and break out of the cycle of poverty.

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated nations with soaring levels of food poverty. With 32% of the land consisting of coastal plains, the smallest fluctuation in rainfall, or worse, a cyclone, can destroy the delicate ecosystems and increase salt levels in both land and water.

As a result, livelihoods are slowly eroded. Over half of families living in these areas experience food shortages for up to six months a year as increased salinity of cultivable land dramatically reduces crop yields. Children therefore become vulnerable to child labour and trafficking, whilst communities risk contracting water-borne diseases.

A father and daughter carrying water buckets.

Image: Collecting water from the river with buckets provided by Islamic Relief.

Climate change, overpopulation and severe poverty has left many communities in Bangladesh struggling with everyday life.

1/4

of the adult population are illiterate (UNESCO, 2016)

49%

of children under 5 are chronically undernourished (UNICEF, 2017)

1 in 10

people have limited access to water (WHO/UNICEF, 2015)

31%

of children don’t reach their 5th birthday (Asian Development Bank, 2015)

Islamic Relief in Bangladesh

Islamic Relief started working in Bangladesh in 1991 immediately after a devastating cyclone, which remains one of the deadliest tropical storms on record. We began with humanitarian work for vulnerable families affected by the disaster and have since extended our operations to 4 major areas with the aim to build a vibrant, thriving, and resilient Bangladesh.

Islamic Relief Bangladesh started its Orphan Sponsorship Programme in 1992 in Cox’s Bazar; and has supported the enhanced rights of young people, particularly girls who are at risk of early marriage and gender-based violence. In 2002, Islamic Relief Bangladesh started working in the vocational education sector, training underprivileged children and young adults to launch careers in a variety of trades.

In 2004 we began a 2-year shelter programme, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and constructed shelters for vulnerable families. we have also helped families who have fled neighbouring Myanmar with regular food packs and survival items.

Islamic Relief in action

Bangladesh experienced 2 deadly cyclones – 1 in November 2007 and the other in May 2009. They killed and injured many people. More than 1 million people lost their homes, and deadly waterborne diseases spread rapidly. Islamic Relief responded immediately, providing food and survival items to survivors in the affected areas. As part of efforts to prepare for future disasters, we constructed 5 primary schools which also served as emergency shelters in disaster-prone areas.

In addition, Islamic Relief began implementing a forecast-based early action project designed to reduce casualties caused by monsoon flooding. We continue to provide emergency support as well as development projects that focus on disaster reduction across Bangladesh.

Our integrated approach to sustainable development, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas, reflects our commitment. Our activities include working in communities to provide training and support to enable people to generate an income; and we also focus on sustainable development to tackle extreme poverty and hunger.

Islamic Relief Bangladesh has also introduced 2 large capacity eco-friendly abattoirs in Dhaka city.