Tag Archive for: Poverty In Bangladesh

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Sex Trafficking in Bangladesh

Sex Trafficking in BangladeshResearch from 2016 estimated that between 10,000 and 20,000 women and children were trafficked for sex in Bangladesh. Victims were either exploited within the country or trafficked to other parts of South Asia and the Middle East. The Bangladeshi government has made limited progress in combating trafficking.

Sex Trafficking in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a South Asian country bordered by India, Myanmar and the Bay of Bengal. It is a densely populated country with a population of roughly 174 million people. Poverty in Bangladesh stands at a rate of 18.7%, with women suffering the most. In 2022, Concern Worldwide reported that the unemployment rate for women in Bangladesh was double that of men, with 6.7% of women unemployed compared to 3.3% of men. Despite this disparity, Bangladesh ranked among the top South Asian countries advancing toward gender equality.

One form of work women in Bangladesh can find rather easily and often involuntarily is sex work. Research from 2016 conducted by Asad Islam and Russell Smyth suggests that there are currently between 150,000 and 200,000 female sex workers in Bangladesh. Many of them started working as teenagers. In a poll conducted by the pair, 283 sex workers were interviewed and less than 10% reported entering sex work by choice. Many of them were driven into the profession due to poverty in Bangladesh. With 14 official brothels and 18 red-light districts, if the survey is representative of the broader population, it suggests a significant number of women and children are subjected to forced sexual labor.

Bangladesh’s Red-Light Districts

Daulatdia is one of Bangladesh’s largest brothels, resembling the size of a village. It houses more than 2,000 sex workers in 2,300 single-story rooms and serves nearly 3,000 customers daily. Children are also exposed to this environment, with almost 300 living in the brothel with their mothers. Across Bangladesh, close to 20,000 children reside in brothels and red-light districts, many of whom are groomed to take on the same roles as their mothers eventually. The conditions in Bangladesh’s brothels and red-light districts are dire. The Guardian reported that poverty is rampant in these areas. In the article “The Living Hell of Young Girls Living in Bangladesh’s Brothels,” one woman shared her experience of living in a room with four other girls, where only small sheets separated them from one another.

Efforts and Aid

The United States Department of State has reported that Bangladesh remains lax in its efforts to eliminate trafficking. However, efforts to combat the issue have increased, particularly in law enforcement. Despite these efforts, the involvement of police in trafficking has not been adequately addressed. Convictions and prosecutions of traffickers increased, but most of the time, the courts would sentence offenders to fines instead of jail time. This has resulted in a weakened deterrence from the crime, thus allowing it to continue. Protection of victims also remains insufficient, housing and shelter services remain unstable and government aid to victims remains low.

There are positive developments, particularly in the attitude toward girls’ education. According to the Asian Development Bank, in 2004, an equal number of girls and boys were enrolled in primary school. By 2022, it was reported that 77% of girls were enrolled in school. Another positive news is that in September 2024, the U.S. voted to provide Bangladesh with $202 million in aid. This funding is part of the U.S.’s ongoing support for the Rohingya refugee crisis and efforts to uplift the country and alleviate poverty in Bangladesh.

Final Remark

Efforts to stop sex trafficking in Bangladesh are increasing. According to the United Nations (U.N.), in 2006, the poverty rate in Bangladesh stood at 41.5%; the number has significantly decreased to just 18.7% in 2022. Poverty in Bangladesh has been on the decline in the last 20 years. The trend only continues.

– Maya Renfro

Maya is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Brighter Future: Solar Energy in Bangladesh

Solar Energy in BangladeshNearly 85% of Bangladesh’s power comes from fossil fuels. Oil and gas prices have exponentially increased recently, leading to inflation and unaffordability. Bangladesh, with its population growing annually by 1%, sees its energy demand increase by approximately 4.7% each year. The nation primarily relies on natural gas, oil, coal and diesel for its energy needs. However, recent spikes in energy prices, driven by global factors, have prompted a shift toward renewable energy. The Bangladeshi government aims to produce 4,100 MW of clean energy by 2030 as part of its strategy to adapt to these ongoing challenges and ensure sustainable growth.

Persistent Power Outages and Infrastructure Challenges

Bangladesh faces significant challenges with its electrical infrastructure, severely affecting the quality of life due to frequent and prolonged blackouts. Residents report random power outages that can last more than 10 hours, exemplified by the 2022 national blackout that lasted seven hours. In 2010, the government mandated the installation of solar panels on residential and commercial buildings. However, due to the installation of low-quality panels at that time, many buildings now have unusable, uninspected solar installations. Additionally, the outdated grid infrastructure struggles to support renewable energy sources, posing further challenges for the government. Despite these obstacles, the Bangladeshi government remains committed to investing in renewable energy sources to improve the situation.

Initiatives and Progress in Renewable Energy

Here are the steps Bangladesh is taking to clean its energy:

  1. Bangladesh is part of the Paris Agreement, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Part of its plan for implementing renewable energy is developing eco-friendly industrial zones and parks, with the inclusion of solar energy and wastewater management. The country is also increasing its reliance on biomass, wind and solar energy.
  2. Bangladesh invests in renewable energy through the RERED (Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development) project. In the past 20 years, the RERED program has allowed electrical access to more than 20 million people across Bangladesh. The RERED Program has majorly focused on rural electrification, meaning that urban electrification is still a focus of the Bangladeshi Government.
  3. Bangladesh has agreed to produce at least 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2041, pledging to the Climate Vulnerable Forum. Currently at 3.7%, the majority of it comes from solar energy.
  4. Geographically, Bangladesh is less suited for hydro or wind energy. The country is well suited for photovoltaic (PV) energy, as it has high solar irradiation levels. This is also an option that could be well-distributed across the country, allowing for consistent accessibility.
  5. Captive solar rooftops are emerging as a leading energy source in Bangladesh, demonstrating notable success. Another renewable energy initiative, Solar Independent Power Producers (IPPs), is also being implemented, although it requires large landmasses, which Bangladesh lacks. Despite this, captive solar rooftops are currently yielding more promising results in the country.
  6. Since 2003, Bangladesh has partnered with the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) to participate in its Solar Home System (SHS) program, which successfully installed 4.13 million SHSs by 2019. Over the last five years, the installation of solar home systems has expanded. However, as rural electrification has become more widespread, the focus has now shifted toward enhancing solar energy use in urban areas within Bangladesh.

The Future Outlook

Bangladesh is advancing in its quest to secure reliable electricity and energy sources, aiming to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2041—a target that now appears promising.

– Lakshya Anand

Lakshya is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Vocational Education Training Centers in Bangladesh

Vocational Education Training Centers in BangladeshBangladesh, located in South Asia, is a vibrant and densely populated country, home to more than 170 million people, characterized by a rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Bangladesh is renowned for its colorful festivals, traditional music, dance and the warmth of its people. The country is home to monsoon seasons, humid summers and lush green landscapes. However, the country has faced challenges with poverty and the employment sector. Here is how vocational education training centers in Bangladesh could make a difference.

What is Vocational Educational Training?

Vocational education and training equips learners with specific skills that they can carry into the workplace. It teaches the knowledge behind specific trades or occupations. This usually occurs after secondary education. This training can come in many forms. It could occur during employment or apprenticeships or provided during formal education.  

The Importance of Vocational Education Training Centers

Vocational education training centers in Bangladesh provide opportunities and career advancement for the country’s youth. They act as a bridge between education and work life. These vocational education centers equip young people with the practical skills that are applicable in various industries such as tech, sciences, agriculture or construction. 

Not only does vocational education training centers support the youth of Bangladesh but they also support the economic growth of the country. As Bangladesh continues to industrialize, the demand for a skilled workforce grows. This is what the vocational education training centers aim to achieve a skilled workforce. 

With these centers producing a skilled workforce, some have argued that this is helping Bangladesh enhance its global competitiveness. With a number of Bangladesh’s workforce being employed overseas, particularly in the Middle East, there is a constant attempt reach these international standards. Therefore, the centers are constantly trying to better the training they are teaching.

TVET Initiatives

Over the years, there have been a number of vocational education training centers in order to provide people with vocational education in Bangladesh. In 2011, the National Skills Development Policy (NSDP) was put into action. This policy aimed to create a more cohesive development system, emphasizing in demand driven training.   

From 2009 to 2013, the Skills Development Project (SDP) occurred with funding from the Asian Development Bank and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. This project aimed to expand access to vocational education training centers, particularly for women and disadvantaged groups. It supported the establishment of new training institutions and provided scholarships to those who needed it. 

The Skills Training Enhancement Project (STEP) was rolled out based on the success of the SDP. From 2010 to 2014, STEP was more focused on improving the quality and relevance of these vocational education training centers. This enabled these centers to enhance their training programs and develop needed partnerships with industries. This made it easier for participants to walk into employment straightaway. 

After this, an additional funding phase was introduced to further expand vocational education training centers in Bangladesh up until 2019. Since then, plans for the Skills Development for Tomorrow (SDT) Program have been drawn up. This initiative aims to prepare the new workforce by focusing on emerging industries and technology.

Challenges Facing Vocational Education Centers in Bangladesh

Although the idea of vocational education sounds appealing in terms of helping the economic growth of the country it is facing several challenges. There is a lack of apprenticeships across the country. This means there is limited opportunity to receive not only the hands on training necessary for the workplace but apprenticeships also allow a taste for what the work place could be. 

Furthermore, there is a stigma around VET. While only 64% of children complete secondary schooling in Bangladesh only a 0.81% go on to use these centers for vocational training. This is due to social attitudes surrounding it. There is a preference for more ‘prestigious’ education. 

Conclusion

The development of these vocational education training centers is crucial for the country in addressing their socio-economic challenges and the need to align their workforce with the ever growing global economy. While the current TVET programs are showing improvements in terms of growth, they still face numerous challenges such as low public perception and insufficient infrastructure. 

– Ellisha Hicken

Ellisha is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar: How Enterprise is Transforming Bangladesh

Ekti Bari Ekti KhamarBangladesh has unfortunately lived through a tumultuous history – fighting for its independence and undertaking a long road to recovery which persists. This resulted in 80% of people living below the low-income level in Bangladesh just after independence in 1971. Thankfully, the poverty rate has halved in the last three decades, since 1990. This is remarkable and displays the efforts made by this resilient nation towards improving the living standards of its people. A pivotal government scheme that contributed to this decrease is Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar (One House One Farm). It is a Bangladeshi government social welfare program that focuses on using and encouraging enterprises to make a difference in a highly agrarian society.

Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar

Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar focuses on encouraging farming and welfare practices in rural Bangladesh as a means of alleviating poverty. This focus on enterprise has changed the lives of 470,556 people since its inception in 2009.

Agriculture is naturally one of the largest producing sectors in Bangladesh, with approximately 13.31% of its GDP being dependent on it. Furthermore, 43% of the total Bangladeshi labor force are agricultural employees. This has rendered the sector appropriate to focus on for a poverty alleviation program. With this program, the government grants small sums in the form of loans to poor Bangladeshi people to encourage enterprise and improve their living standards.

The Story of Selina

A prime example of the success of Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar is Selina. The job of Selina’s husband was not well-paying, which rendered living a normal life “tough.” They could not maintain their family and expenses, which changed with Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar. Selina, alongside seven other women, decided to change their lives by purchasing a sewing machine and beginning to sell clothes, according to The Daily Messenger. After this, they opened a shop and took a loan from Palli Sanchay Bank as a means of funding the shop and investing in its growth.

Palli Sanchay Bank is the bank responsible for running Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar, and its role is to provide low-interest loans per this initiative. She was soon able to repay the initial loan and sought another one with the hopes of expanding and operating her business on a much larger scale, The Daily Messenger reports. Eventually, her business expanded immeasurably, and her clothes store was found to have changed the lives of Selina and her husband. This was, of course, in addition to the several other women involved with Selina’s store, as she also helped increase employment opportunities for the impoverished in her community by providing them with jobs.

These helpers earned “250 to 300 Taka each day” and Selina’s monthly income now stands at “Taka 50,000 to 60,000 each day.” In addition to the salary by her husband, Selina and the women in her store are now able to lead more comfortable lives.

Tackling Poverty in Bangladesh

Enterprise has been effective in tackling poverty in Bangladesh. Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar has improved the lives of many impoverished people in the country. Furthermore, it has proved that enterprise-focused initiatives can help with the development and prosperity of a nation. Taking small, positive steps in the right direction involves advocacy and amplifying the aims/results of great initiatives like these, to ensure greater visibility and eventually more parity on the global stage.

– Disheta Anand

Disheta is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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GMB Akash: Capturing Stories of Real-Life Heroes in Photos

GMB Akash: Capturing Stories of Real-Life Heroes Through PhotographyGMB Akash is a Bangladeshi photojournalist. He launched his career with a profound goal: to spotlight the resilience and hardships of marginalized communities through his photography. After winning numerous international awards, Akash uses his camera to create art and drive social change. His journey began with his father’s old camera, which opened doors to the hidden struggles within society. He specializes in street photography, capturing the raw, unpolished essence of daily life for those facing the greatest adversities. His work has gained recognition in National Geographic, TIME and The Guardian. Akash’s significant project, the book “Survivors,” represents a decade of work and helps support the subjects of his photographs by funneling proceeds back to the communities he features.

A Glimpse into GMB Akash’s Work

Akash’s photography offers an intimate look into the lives of the underprivileged, capturing their challenges and achievements. His ongoing series, “Dreams of Child Laborers,” exposes the difficult realities of children who work long hours for minimal pay. His “Mothers: Angels on Earth” series honors the relentless determination of mothers striving to support their families. In a unique approach, his “Feet Tell Stories” series features photographs of laborers’ feet, illustrating their daily hardships. The “Women in Bangladesh” series presents poignant narratives that compel viewers to rethink their views on poverty and resilience. These projects underscore Akash’s commitment to using his photography to amplify the voices of those often overlooked, portraying their enduring spirit and vibrant humanity despite facing adversity.

Akash founded the First Light Institute of Photography in Bangladesh in August 2013. This institute draws hundreds of students globally, eager to learn from his expertise. In 2023, he launched an exclusive One-on-One Photography Workshop, which has garnered excellent reviews. Participants from Germany, the USA, Spain and Indonesia have attended the program. Akash uses the proceeds from these educational endeavors to fund basic education for street children, underprivileged talented students and child laborers, furthering his mission to uplift those in need.

A Commitment to Action

Akash believes that photography can be a catalyst for positive change. He isn’t content with simply documenting hardship; he actively seeks ways to improve the lives of his subjects. Through his social media and blog, he shares stories of the people he meets and chronicles his initiatives to support them. These ongoing initiatives include providing education for child laborers, micro-loans to help people start businesses, gifting bicycles to students to commute, building water wells and giving wheelchairs to disabled children.

In 2012, GMB Akash published his book Survivors, the result of a 10-year project that showcases powerful stories of resilience and strength. The prestigious Geo magazine reviewed the book, highlighting its impact. He has dedicated the proceeds from the book and related exhibitions to help the individuals featured in it. Akash personally trains and monitors them as they set up small businesses, aiming to make them and their families self-sufficient.

Moving Forward

GMB Akash’s work goes beyond photography; it actively contributes to the well-being of the communities he documents. By using the proceeds from his projects to fund education, start small businesses and provide essential resources, Akash ensures that his subjects receive tangible benefits from their stories being told. His commitment to using photography as a tool for social change highlights the profound impact that visual storytelling can have in advocating for and improving the lives of marginalized individuals.

– Sumaiya Sultana

Sumaiya is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Anirban Helping Trafficking Survivors in Bangladesh

Trafficking Survivors in BangladeshBangladesh is the sixth largest migrant-sending country. Bangladeshi workers migrate to India, Maldives, the Middle East, Pakistan and Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Migrant workers from Bangladesh consist of low or unskilled workers. Middlemen and private recruitment agencies arrange for the migration process. Bangladeshi workers are subject to high migration fees and repay loans obtained from recruiters. This forces them to overstay visas and makes them vulnerable to trafficking, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Trafficking in Bangladesh

Women and children can be subject to recruitment fraud. Traffickers promise jobs to these vulnerable groups and exploit them in sex trafficking upon arrival at the location. According to the U.S. Department of State, 40% of Bangladeshi children become victims of sex trafficking victims and face exploitation abroad. Men are subject to forced labor. Forms of labor exploitation include discrepancies in wages or work hours, low or unpaid wages and fraudulent contracts. The U.S. Department of State report has shown passport retention, physical abuse and death due to inadequate protections in working environments.

The reason why these groups of people become vulnerable to exploitation stems from debt-based coercion, absence of adequate legal protection, lack of formal contracts and homelessness. Children become subject to hazardous forms of child labour and serve as collateral for their parents’ loans. Traffickers tempt rural people with alleged good employment opportunities and ultimately become victims of exploitation, the U.S. Department of State reports.

Helping Trafficking Survivors in Bangladesh

Anirban (the flame that never dies), is Bangladesh’s first trafficking survivors’ group. Founded in 2011 with the help of Winrock International, an NGO based in the United States, and USAID, Anirban continues to actively advocate for the rights of trafficking survivors in Bangladesh. Survivors manage Anirban groups and take the lead in helping other trafficking survivors in Bangladesh to build self-confidence and identity. Under the USAID Fight Slavery and Trafficking activity (2021-2026), Winrock International has supported them to become a nationally registered, self-sustaining organization that continues to advocate for the needs of these survivors.

Anirban groups work toward changing public perception of these trafficking survivors in Bangladesh, especially the stigmatization of trafficked people as victims. Sessions and meetings take place in schools with civil society organizations, journalists, the local government and survivors. The main agenda for these sessions is to promote human rights, women’s rights and “safe migration days” for the people, according to Winrock International.

The Flame That Never Dies

Saiful Islam’s story continues to inspire many individuals. An active member at Anirban, Saiful uses his experience as a cautionary tale to spread awareness of the hardships of migrants. Due to being unable to find a job and subsequently being unable to support his family and falling victim to poverty, Saiful began looking for jobs abroad. He comes across a job in Singapore with a two-year contract and a monthly salary of $1,600, Winrock International reports.

The recruiters receive a lump sum amount from Saiful to emigrate to Singapore. Saiful experiences severe hardships in Singapore. He does not secure a published job, does not receive his salary and faces threats. It is only after one year abroad he can return to Bangladesh. Saiful’s woes do not end. He no longer has a job, has lost his family property and has no money.

Through the support from the Bangladesh Counter Trafficking-in-Persons project, funded by USAID and implemented by Winrock International, he was able to get back on his feet. As a member of Anirban, he conducts outreach efforts and spreads awareness about the risks of child marriage and its illegality in Bangladesh. In cases where families are in entanglements with traffickers or suspected traffickers, Saiful guides these communities to develop practical alternatives and solutions. He emphasizes the importance of education and helps trafficking survivors in Bangladesh with social and support programs. Saiful is a beacon of hope for the trafficking survivors in Bangladesh. He uses his funds to support migrants in Bangladesh. With Saiful’s funds, he has been able to help 13 vulnerable families and uplift them from having the same plight as himself, according to Winrock International.

Looking Forward

The work of Anirban continues to be exemplary. The focus on participatory action research ensures addressing the needs of victims of child marriage and human trafficking. The continuous promotion and conversation on safe migration and survivor reintegration within these communities contribute to an effective bottom-up systemic change. Survivor networks have been effective in leading changes in local conditions such as poverty, which drive vulnerable groups to the risk of exploitation.

– Caren Thomas

Caren is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Everything You Need to Know about Health Care in Bangladesh

Health Care in BangladeshAs of March 2024, Bangladesh has committed to transforming into a Smart-Bangladesh High-Income Country by 2041, with health care identified as a key priority in this plan. A collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bangladeshi government has been established to advance health care. As of 2022, Bangladesh had only 13 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 people, compared to the global median of 49. This partnership aims to improve these figures and enhance health care access for millions.

Life Expectancy in Bangladesh

Life expectancy in Bangladesh has increased significantly, from 65.6 years in 2000 to 73.1 years in 2021. This compares favorably to Southeast Asia’s overall life expectancy, which rose by 5.01 years from 63.4 years to 68.4 years in the same period. Bangladesh has improved the accessibility of health care, but there is more to be done.

Smiling Sun Clinics 

Smiling Sun Clinics has been a prominent part of health care in Bangladesh since 1997. It is the world’s largest nongovernmental organization (NGO) network of maternal and child health clinics globally. The NGO Health Services Delivery Project supports the Smiling Sun network, allowing millions of Bangladeshis to access health care. This network is composed of 25 NGOs and 399 clinics that are located in both urban and rural areas.

The services provided include emergency obstetric care and maternity care. More than 10,000 part-time clinics also operate and refer clients to full-time clinics if they believe more care is required. This allows community health workers to offer personal health care to their communities and helps to ensure universal health coverage.

The World Bank and USAID’s Roles in Health Care in Bangladesh

By 2025, one in every 10 people in Bangladesh will be 60 or older and this figure is expected to rise to one in five by 2050. In response, the World Bank organized a workshop in August 2023 to bring together health experts, stakeholders and policymakers. The goal is to foster progress in shaping health care to better address the needs of an aging population in Bangladesh.

Additionally, in August 2023, the World Bank approved $200 million to support primary health care in the country. This pledge benefited the Urban Health, Nutrition and Population Project, which will help 2.5 million children and provide 250,000 pregnant women with at least four antenatal checkups. Furthermore, in 2019, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in Bangladesh provided more than 46 million health service consultations. Technological improvements included developing solutions to detect deadly drug-resistant TB within two hours and digitizing national health information.

UNICEF’s Role

UNICEF’s immunization programs in Bangladesh have reached 3.5 million newborns with the Measles and rubella vaccine (MR1). Additionally, its nutrition interventions have improved the health and growth of countless children. The organization also helps strengthen health care infrastructure and train health workers to enhance service delivery for vulnerable populations.

– Amy Fox

Amy is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Rising Food Prices in Bangladesh and Charitable Responses

Rising Food Prices in Bangladesh and Charitable Responses The recent surge in food price inflation in Bangladesh has reached alarming levels, with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reporting a 10.76% increase in May 2024, following a jump to 10.22% in April. This marks a continuing trend of escalating food costs. Mustafa K Mujeri, executive director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development and former chief economist of the Bangladesh Bank, noted that “while global market prices have stabilized internal economic instability in Bangladesh is preventing consumers from benefiting from these changes.” Experts attribute the inflationary pressures initially to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and further aggravated by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Historical Highs and Long-term Effects

Since Aug. 2023, Bangladesh has seen a staggering 12.34% increase in food prices, the highest in more than 13 years. This sharp rise has left approximately 71% of families struggling to afford necessities. Various factors, including global inflation, climate change impacting agricultural productivity and ongoing supply chain disruptions, contribute to this dramatic increase. The effects on families are profound, with widespread malnutrition and food insecurity.

Fluctuating Food Prices

In June 2024, food prices in Bangladesh surged by 10.42% compared to the same month the previous year, marking a significant increase. From 2013 to 2024, the average food inflation rate was 6.89%. The country’s highest food inflation, 12.56%, occurred in Oct. 2023, while the lowest rate, 3.77%, was in Feb. 2016. This rise in food prices has forced many Bangladeshi families into a daily struggle to secure enough food, leading to widespread malnutrition and persistent food insecurity. Despite these challenges, several charities are actively providing relief and support to those most affected by the crisis.

Goreeb Fund

The Goreeb Fund provides vital support to families through its distribution of family food packs containing essential groceries. These packs are crucial for families struggling with the sharp increase in food prices, ensuring they have enough to eat. The Goreeb Fund actively addresses immediate community needs, helping families maintain food security. Additionally, its Ricebag Project distributes rice to families in need and the Tubewell Project installs water pumps that supply clean drinking water. Each pump can serve up to seven families, enhancing community well-being by improving access to safe drinking water.

Salam Charity

Salam Charity addresses food insecurity by constructing water wells and distributing food packs to vulnerable families. Its initiatives ensure communities have access to clean water and provide essential nutrition. Each food pack, filled with rice, oil, lentils and sugar, supports a family for a month. By tackling both water and food needs, the charity enhances community well-being, especially in areas affected by rising food prices. Access to clean water and nutritious food supports daily life, empowers families to make the most of the resources they receive and improves overall health while reducing concerns about securing the next meal.

Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is committed to addressing hunger and malnutrition in Bangladesh with both immediate and long-term solutions. Its programs, which reached more than 458,915 people last year, include nutrition education and emergency food distribution, focusing on sustainable changes that enable families to meet their own food needs in the future. It supports families like Shilpi’s in adopting climate-resilient farming techniques to increase food production at home. Shilpi shares significant improvements in her family’s diet and health, noting that “We can now provide for our children. My young children love fish and their father brings fish from our pond almost every day. My children’s health has improved so much and I find I have more energy as well. After selling eggs in the market, I can give eggs to my family for our daily breakfast. This was never possible before.” This self-sufficiency in food production allows them to mitigate the effects of rising food prices, ensuring continuous access to nutritious food.

Looking Ahead

The continuous surge in food prices in Bangladesh underscores the pressing need for effective interventions to address food insecurity and malnutrition. With inflation rates reaching historical highs, many families struggle to afford necessities, highlighting the critical role of charities like the Goreeb Fund, Salam Charity and Action Against Hunger. These organizations provide essential support through food distribution, clean water access and sustainable agricultural practices, helping to mitigate the impact of rising costs and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need. As the situation evolves, coordinated efforts between the government and humanitarian organizations could be essential in stabilizing food prices and enhancing food security for all Bangladeshis.

– Fahima Begum

Fahima is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Dreamwater Providing Drinking Water in Bangladesh

DreamwaterDreamwater Enterprises LTD is a venture under Footsteps Bangladesh that provides Bangladeshi civilians with quality drinking water at an affordable price. Through the construction of water plants, portable water filters and low-cost household filters, Dreamwater has converted more than 4,50,000 liters of flood water into drinking water.

Bangladesh’s Water Crisis

Bangladesh, with a population of 171 million, faces a severe water crisis. More than 18% of its population lives below the poverty line and more than 40% lack access to safe water. This lack of access to clean water sources contributes to the prevalence of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, dengue fever and tuberculosis. One of the most pressing issues is water contamination. Bangladesh has the highest rate of arsenic-contaminated water in the world, primarily due to natural geological sources polluting groundwater. The presence of arsenic in drinking water poses serious health risks, including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and developmental effects.

Furthermore, the country faces significant challenges due to high salinity levels in its water. This problem is exacerbated by a decrease in the Ganges River’s upstream flow, which has led to increased salinity intrusion from the Bay of Bengal. High salinity not only makes drinking water unsafe but also affects agriculture, as saline water can damage crops and reduce agricultural productivity. This, in turn, threatens food security and the livelihoods of farmers, who make up a significant portion of the population.

Bangladesh’s frequent and severe flooding compounds the water crisis. Flooding can contaminate freshwater sources with pollutants and pathogens, further reducing the availability of safe drinking water. During the monsoon season, the risk of water-borne diseases increases as floodwaters spread contaminants over large areas.

Dreamwater’s Work

Dreamwater’s innovations in water filtration have enabled it to take water from floods and convert it into safe drinking water. The filters take flood water and eliminate odor, enhance taste and remove potential toxins. Its portable water filters can be carried anywhere to convert any water into drinking water. The hand-powered version of the filter allows those in areas without electricity to have access to clean drinking water.

Dreamwater has created centralized water plants that can filter water for entire houses, apartment buildings, factories and other large-scale facilities. This creates safe tap water for drinking and bathing, helping eliminate the spread of waterborne disease in highly populated areas.

Dreamwater filters can convert more than 75 liters of water an hour and last more than 15,000 liters before needing replacement. They are priced at 20,000 BDT, which is around $170, making them affordable for low-income communities throughout the country.

Final Remark

With Dreamwater’s filters, areas in Bangladesh that have been ravished by flooding have an ensured source of clean drinking water at an affordable price. These filters help communities throughout Bangladesh save money and avoid disease, helping fight the country’s poverty and illness issues.

– Nicolas Mezzaucella

Nicolas is based in New Rochelle, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Good Neighbors Tackles Global Poverty

Good Neighbors Tackles Global Poverty Good Neighbors, a global nonprofit organization established in South Korea in 1991, works to enhance the lives of marginalized and vulnerable children. It operates in more than 200 communities across 50 countries, including North Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Ghana and Chile.

Good Neighbors Korea

Good Neighbors actively supports the well-being of young adults. The organization provides 31,550 girls with feminine products, educational materials about the menstrual cycle and personal development. Additionally, it offers mentoring and therapy sessions to teach young adults how to express their emotions healthily. Between 2017 and 2023, Good Neighbors helped a total of 77,774 girls, supplying them with essential food and appliances.

In Busan, Good Neighbors has partnered with the City of Busan and other nonprofit organizations to offer a “self-reliance kit”. These kits assist young adults as they transition out of orphanage programs. These kits include bedding, cooking sets, heaters and more to facilitate a smoother move to independence. The project also provides career mentoring, driver’s license assistance and financial aid for post-secondary education. Overall, Good Neighbors has significantly improved the nutrition, education, housing and self-reliance of young adults.

Gugah Nurani Indonesia

In 2023, Gugah Nurani Indonesia (Good Neighbors Indonesia) and the Manggarai Barat Community Development Project (CDP) collaborated with the Golo Pua Village Government to enhance agricultural productivity and product availability through horticultural farming. The project implemented a drip irrigation system to increase water efficiency and boost chili production. This advancement has led to higher-quality crops, enabling farmers to earn more income. Additionally, it has provided consumers with greater access to agricultural products. Overall, this initiative fosters environmental sustainability and improves the socio-economic well-being of the village community.

From March 20 to 22, 2024, Gugah Nurani Indonesia and the Manggarai Barat Community Development Project (CDP) hosted a training session on seed breeding and pest management for Farmer Groups and Women Farmer Groups in Golo Pua Village. This training aimed to enhance seed quality and educate participants about effective pest management, improving productivity and environmental sustainability. With Gugah Nurani Indonesia’s support, the village is poised to withstand pest attacks and advance toward more productive and sustainable agriculture.

Philippines

Typhoon Rolly in 2020 severely limited water supplies from natural resources and disrupted water supply chains, primarily because residents relied on untreated water from deep wells and hand pumps. The challenging terrain requires residents to climb mountains and cross rivers just to fetch a gallon of water and adverse conditions further restrict access to these sources.

Good Neighbors International Philippines launched the “Securing Access to Flourish Empowerment for Water” (SAFE) Project. This initiative led to the construction of a water tank and reservoir, ensuring water delivery to every household and public school in the area. Additionally, the Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BAWASA) was established, involving health care workers and community leaders from nine villages. As a result, the SAFE Project has benefited a total of 4,475 community members, significantly improving their daily lives, safety, health and overall well-being by securing access to one of life’s most important necessities: clean water.

Good Neighbors México

Xocoapa is struggling with poverty, economic adversity and a lack of health services, challenges that intensified following Hurricane Otis. In 2024, Good Neighbors Mexico responded by delivering food pantries stocked with basic foods, personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies to families in the community of Xocoapa, located in the municipality of Tlaocoapa, Guerrero. By supporting rural communities, Good Neighbors plays a crucial role in combating poverty and enhancing quality of life through sustainable development in the region.

Bangladesh

Since 2018, Good Neighbors Bangladesh has been implementing the ‘Building Resilience to Achieve Zero Hunger (BRAZH)’ project, funded by the U.N. World Food Program, in the Kurigra district. The project focuses on three main activities: Forecast Actions, Seasonal Livelihood Programming and Climate Risk Insurance. It has enhanced the capabilities of Seasonal Livelihood Programming beneficiaries by providing Entrepreneurship Development Training and practical training in various Income Generation Activities at the field level. A key goal of the training is to boost women’s participation in income-generating activities, fostering self-dependence and economic stability. So far, 2,852 people have participated, with increasing numbers receiving training. Through these ongoing efforts, Good Neighbors aims to reduce hunger and promote lasting self-reliance.

Looking Ahead

Good Neighbors’ initiatives across various countries demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities. From enhancing agricultural productivity in Indonesia to securing clean water access in the Philippines and addressing food insecurity in Mexico and Bangladesh, the organization continues to make significant strides. These ongoing efforts highlight the importance of sustainable development and empowerment in fostering resilience and self-reliance among affected populations.

– Sein Kim

Sein is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr