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Bangladesh

Joshna Rani in her small vegetable garden which has helped change her food habits [CAFOD]

Among the poorest countries in Asia, Bangladesh faces many economic and social challenges

CAFOD has worked in Bangladesh since independence in 1971.

Key challenges:

Water/arsenic contamination: 98 per cent of the population has access to wells or taps - but only 70 per cent currently provide water that is save to drink

CAFOD spent £714,000 in Bangladesh in 2008

Landlessness: 90 per cent of Bangladesh’s people live in rural areas but many do not own land. The majority are dependent on seasonal agricultural work.

Disasters/emergencies: Frequent natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, drought and continuous river erosion are a major obstacle to development. These disasters cause families to lose their homes and crops and have to move to new areas

Tanjibul, 14, is a community disaster risk volunteer. He helps organise evacuations to the nearest cycline shelter when early warnings are sounded [CAFOD]

Surviving the weather in Bangladesh

Benedict D’Rozario and Mizanur Bijoy from Caritas Bangladesh and Prodipan tell us how climate change affects life in Bangladesh

Healthy living from the forest

CAFOD partner Prodipan is a group working with communities who rely on the Sundarbans mangrove forests in Bangladesh for their livelihoods

Image depicting the "Voices from Bangladesh" powerpoint [Marcella Haddad]

Dignity for the disabled

Action on Disability and Development helps those with disabilities form organised movements to support their struggle for dignity and independence