POWER IN PEOPLE
Two words - but they put together so much! We are talking thousands of children making friends with equal number of sponsors, while ActionAid and partners make the bridge. Together is a key word in this connection, this friendship. Joining hands brings magic.
Women's Rights and Gender Equity
Every woman has the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and fear. We work to ensure safety, voice, and economic freedom for women and girls across Bangladesh.
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Resilience and Climate Justice
Floods, cyclones, and climate shocks destroy lives. We help communities prepare, respond, and rebuild - with dignity and long-term resilience.
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Youth and Just Society
Young people are not just the future - they are powerful agents of change today. We empower youth to lead, advocate, and build a just society.
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Child Sponsorship and Child Rights Programme
Thousands of children making friends with sponsors, while ActionAid and partners make the bridge. Together is a key word in this connection, this friendship. Joining hands brings magic.
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Rohingya Response Programme
Our Rohingya Response Programme supports communities affected by displacement. We provide emergency relief, livelihood support, and long-term resilience-building programs.
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Csp-6
Read the reportImpact In Numbers
10,76,958
Total Reach
17,960
Reproductive Health Related Service
12,695
Women Engaged in Diverse Livelihoods Options
476,039
Children Reached
38.0M
Digital media Outreach
101,090
Rohingya Response
Stories Of Change
Impact Stories
From Struggle To Strength: Sayed Hossain’s Journey Of Change
When Sayed Hossain fled violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in August 2017, he arrived in Bangladesh with nothing but hope for survival. He and his family settled in Camp-24 of the Rohingya refugee settlement in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, where life was harsh and uncertain. “Everything was uncertain for my family,” Sayed recalled. Their shelter was cramped and unhygienic, with inadequate water and sanitation facilities and no waste management, making daily life a struggle for basic needs. Beyond these hardships, the camp faced severe environmental challenges. The Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf peninsula, home to some of Bangladesh’s most important forests, had lost over 3,200 hectares of land due to the influx of refugees. This deforestation caused soil erosion, unstable slopes, and a greater risk of landslides and flash floods, creating an urgent need to restore greenery and protect biodiversity. Determined to change his situation, Sayed Hossain joined Natural Resource Management (NRM) activities, supported by ActionAid Bangladesh as a cooperating partner of the World Food Programme (WFP). Through Reforestation Care and Maintenance (RCM), he began planting and nurturing trees in Camp-24, his living area, work that not only restored degraded land but also strengthened ecological resilience. These efforts form part of a broader mission: “Strengthening natural resource management for creating resilient communities, supporting livelihoods, and promoting environmental sustainability.” For Sayed, this opportunity was transformative. He now works with dignity, earns a stable income, and actively contributes to environmental restoration. The Cash-for-Work approach has provided financial security for his family. “We may have lost our country, but not our hope. Real change starts from us,” he said with determination. His participation in training sessions has improved his knowledge and confidence, turning him into a community motivator who inspires others to keep their surroundings clean and safe. “I feel proud that I can help my community and make a difference,” Sayed shared. Today, Sayed stands as an example of resilience and leadership. From a life of fear and dependency, he has become a confident, responsible individual who supports both his family and his community. His story reflects the power of integrated approaches, combining livelihood support with ecological restoration, to create lasting impact. Through NRM, individuals like Sayed are not only rebuilding their lives but also safeguarding critical ecosystems for future generations.
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Impact Stories
From Struggle To Stability: Arefa’s Journey To Self-reliance
Since the onset of the Rohingya crisis, thousands of displaced families have been living in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, struggling to meet basic needs. Among them is Arefa Begum, a 25-year-old mother of two, residing in Camp 27. Her family’s situation worsened when her husband, once a day labourer, became permanently disabled after an accident. With no steady income, Arefa faced severe hardship. She juggled her children’s education, medical expenses, and rent, but survival became increasingly difficult. “I could not pay rent or buy food. Every day felt like a battle,” she recalls. As the sole caregiver and unskilled worker, she had no means to earn, leaving her family vulnerable to food insecurity and debt. The situation changed when ActionAid Bangladesh, as a cooperating partner of the World Food Programme (WFP), introduced the Natural Resource Management (NRM) project in the Rohingya camps. The initiative aimed to restore the environment while creating livelihood opportunities for vulnerable groups, especially women. Through cash-for-work activities and hands-on training in nature-based solutions and environmental management, participants could earn and learn simultaneously. Arefa was selected as an unskilled participant and placed in supervised teams. Within three months, she gained practical skills and began earning a regular income. This steady income allowed her to buy medication, pay rent, afford her children’s schooling, and cover household essentials without hardship. She is confident now. “My work has given me dignity and hope. I no longer struggle to provide for my family,” she says with pride. Today, Arefa is recognised in her community as a resilient mother who overcame adversity. Her contribution not only supports her family but also helps maintain environmental balance in the camp. Her journey from dependency to self-reliance demonstrates the transformative power of livelihood interventions. Arefa’s story reflects the success of the NRM Project in empowering women and promoting sustainable development. By combining environmental restoration with income generation, the project has broken cycles of poverty and despair, giving displaced families a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
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Impact Stories
From Despair To Confidence – The Story Of Mohammed Ismail
Mohammed Ismail, a resident of Camp-25, was born with a physical disability that prevents him from walking. Throughout his life, he faced relentless challenges. His condition led to repeated rejection from jobs, social exclusion, and often being treated with pity or ignored altogether. Struggling with money and feeling rejected by society made each day difficult, slowly breaking down his confidence and self-worth. Mohammed Ismail often felt ignored. “I truly believed no one would ever give me a chance to work, to contribute,” he once reflected. “My disability felt like an undefeatable wall, blocking every path.” However, in 2025, Mohammed Ismail’s life took a positive turn when he was offered a role in the NRM project’s Drainage Cleaning Activity (DCA). Although his mobility was limited, which had previously kept him out of many traditional workplaces, the project created tailored roles and fostered a supportive environment. His peers welcomed him, helping him gradually overcome the barriers he had long faced. Through this meaningful work, Ismail not only found a way to support his family financially but also began to rebuild his shattered confidence. Becoming an earning member of his family filled him with pride and a renewed sense of purpose The Natural Resource Management (NRM) project, implemented by ActionAid as a cooperating partner of the WFP, has become a beacon of hope for thousands of displaced individuals. Designed to strengthen natural resource management, the initiative promotes resilient communities, supports sustainable livelihoods, and champions environmental sustainability. A key focus of the project is the inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Through activities like the Drainage Cleaning Activity (DCA), the project not only encourages community engagement but also creates vital income-generating opportunities, reflecting a truly inclusive and empowering approach. As a direct result of this opportunity, Mohammed Ismail now earns a steady income, providing essential support for his family. His self-esteem has soared, and he has gained newfound respect within his community. Through his dedicated work, Ismail has rediscovered purpose, fully regained his confidence, and is experiencing a profound and positive transformation in his life. “When I first started working at DCA, I couldn’t believe that I could support my family on my own,” Ismail shares with a proud smile. “Now I am not only earning, but can also proudly say—I can. This confidence is the biggest achievement of my life.” Ismail’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of inclusive opportunities. His transformation has inspired others with disabilities in the camp to take part in similar activities, creating a ripple effect of hope and inclusion. Mohammed Ismail stands as living proof that with dignity and opportunity, every individual can contribute and thrive.
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Impact Stories
From Struggle To Strength: Salema Khatun’s Journey Of Hope
Salema Khatun, a resilient mother of four, lives in Camp-26 in Teknaf, home to the world’s largest Rohingya refugee settlement. After losing her husband, she became the sole provider for her family, facing immense hardship. Her days were spent running a small floating shop across the camp, but the income was never enough to meet even the basic needs of her children—food, education, and healthcare remained out of reach. “I used to worry every day about how to feed my children. I worked hard, but it was never enough,” Salema shared. Her life began to change when she was selected to join the Natural Resource Management (NRM) project, implemented by ActionAid Bangladesh. The Natural Resource Management (NRM) project, implemented by ActionAid as a cooperating partner of the World Food Programme (WFP), has become a beacon of hope for thousands of displaced individuals. Designed to strengthen natural resource management, the initiative promotes resilient communities, supports sustainable livelihoods, and champions environmental sustainability. Through the project’s Nature-based Solutions (NbS) scheme, Salema received training and support to engage in sustainable resource management activities. Though she started without any formal skills, her determination and work ethic quickly made her a valued participant. The project gave her more than just an income; it gave her confidence, dignity, and a renewed sense of purpose. With her earnings, Salema can now provide food, education, and other essentials for her children, offering them a more secure and hopeful future. “Thanks to ActionAid Bangladesh, I’ve gained skills and can now support my family. I want to keep working and help others like me,” she said proudly. Salema’s transformation is a powerful example of how targeted support and sustainable livelihood opportunities can uplift vulnerable women. Through the NRM project, she broke the cycle of poverty and became a role model in her community. Her story is a testament to the impact of empowering women through nature-based solutions—proving that with the right support, resilience can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.
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Ongoing Events
Ongoing Events
International Women’s Day 2026
International Women’s Day 2026 is observed under the global theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting the transformative power of reciprocity, solidarity, and collective support in advancing women’s rights and leadership. The theme underscores that investing in women’s empowerment through recognition, inclusion, and shared responsibility strengthens societies and fosters a more just and interconnected world. In this context, and following the 13th National Parliament Election of Bangladesh, ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) plans to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 by centring women’s political participation, representation, and leadership. The celebration will focus on celebrating women who entered politics, understanding the challenges they faced, and capturing the learning from their journeys to inspire future women leaders. Globally and in Bangladesh, women in politics continue to face discrimination, violence, tokenism, and exclusion from decision-making processes. Yet women persist, navigating resistance, developing learning and strategies through experience, and paving the way for other women to follow. International Women’s Day 2026 serves as a critical moment to amplify this collective resilience and determination. No matter how entrenched sexism may be or how discouraging political environments become, women refuse to retreat. Instead, they rise together, claiming their mandate and advocating for the rights and empowerment of all women and girls. Available secondary data from media reports and election analyses suggest that women’s participation as candidates in Bangladesh’s national parliamentary elections has historically remained low, though a gradual increase is visible over time. In the early national elections following independence, the number of female candidates contesting general seats was minimal and not systematically documented. More consistent data become available from the 1990s onwards. During the 5th and 6th National Parliament Elections in the 1990s, the number of female candidates reportedly remained below 40. In the 7th and 8th National Parliament Elections (2001 and 2008), the number showed a modest rise, fluctuating roughly between 40 and 50 candidates. A decline was observed in the 9th National Parliament Election (2014), when fewer than 30 women reportedly contested general seats. The 10th and 11th National Parliament Elections marked a gradual increase again, with approximately 60–70 female candidates in 2018 and close to 90–100 candidates in the subsequent election cycle. For the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election, media reports indicate that around 109 women have filed nomination papers, suggesting a potential increase compared to previous elections. However, even with this increase, women are expected to constitute only around 4-5 percent of the total candidates, highlighting the persistent under-representation of women in Bangladesh’s electoral politics despite numerical growth over time. Against this backdrop, AAB will organise an event to celebrate women who have entered politics, document the challenges they faced and the learning gained from their journeys, and translate these experiences into inspiration and guidance for future women leaders. Objectives The objective of the event is to recognise and celebrate women political leaders and activists who have challenged patriarchy and social stigma, while reinforcing the importance of women’s leadership in fostering inclusive, democratic, and accountable governance. It also seeks to highlight the challenges, learning, and leadership journeys of women who participated in the 13th National Parliament Election and to use their shared experiences to inspire and encourage other women and girls to engage in politics in the future, in line with the “Give to Gain” ethos. Programme Focus The discussion sessions aim to both celebrate women’s participation in electoral politics and critically explore the historical legacy and current state of women’s engagement in political leadership and national policymaking processes. The session will examine the structural, social, and political factors that continue to constrain women’s political empowerment, while also highlighting enabling conditions, strategies, and success stories that have supported women’s political journeys despite persistent gender inequalities. Importantly, the discussions will create a dedicated platform for women candidates to share their lived experiences, challenges, learning, and aspirations, with the objective of inspiring future women leaders and strengthening collective advocacy for inclusive political participation. The event will include the screening of a series of short audio-visual contents that capture the journeys, experiences, and reflections of women engaged in politics and public leadership. Participants Female MP Nominees of the 13th National Parliament Election, government bodies (MOWCA, policymakers, local government representatives), INGOs, development partners, embassies, civil society organizations (CSOs): Women's rights groups, youth organizations, community leaders; media partners (digital platforms, newspapers, influencers), private sectors and community members.
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Youth Voice To Ensure Climate Justice
Climate change is affecting everyone, specially vulnerable communities. Engaging young people’s voice is therefore needed to bring change. To encourage the young people to raise their voice in global platform to ensure international fund and climate justice to fight climate change, Youth Environment and Social Development Society (YESDS) organized ‘Dhaka Climate Talk 2018’ in association with Stamford University Bangladesh, ActionAid Bangladesh, Oxfam and Independent University, Bangladesh. Md. Mohsin, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Ranjit Kumar Chakraborty, Project Manager, IBFCR Project, UNDP, MB Akhter, Program Director, Oxfam in Bangladesh and Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh talked in the conference among others.
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Young People Raising Voice For Social Harmony
On 5 May 2019, a debate competition titled ‘Debate for Harmony’ has been organized to create social awareness on rights and to increase social harmony, students of different schools of Kushtia took part in the competition. Alo Sechchhasebi Palli Unnayan Sangstha with the support of ActionAid Bangladesh organized the school level debate with the aim to develop skills of the students as well as making them aware about social issues and their rights. The final round took place on 5 May 2019 at Moshan Secondary School at Mirpur in Kushtia where Border Guard Public School and College won the first prize.
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World Children Day & Child Rights Week 2021 Observance At Lrp52
ActionAid Bangladesh and its partners are trying to ensure child rights and their development through the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA). Udayankur Seba Sangstha (USS) has been implementing various types of intervention to ensure child rights as one of the partner organizations of ActionAid Bangladesh and one of them is the celebration of the World Children Day & Child Rights Week 2021. Bangladesh government declared 04 October to 10thOctober 2021 as the Child Rights Week - 2021. Along with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), different organizations observe the week with different activities. The theme of the week, decided by the government, was “Invest for Children, Build Prosperous World’’ (Shishur Jonno Biniyog Kori, Somriddho Bishwo Gori)' . Events at the community level: Receptive village-based child protection Committee (VBCPC) chairpersons inaugurated the World Children Day & Child Rights Week 2021 in 2 venues in Shimulbari and Borovita Union Parishad’s hall room. VBCPC members, reflection group members, government school teachers, and local elites were present in the events proactively. Main events on World Children Day & Child Rights Week 2021 are art, quiz competition, and storytelling and sharing meeting with Upazila administration Phulbari, Kurigram. 120 children participated in different competitions in eight child spaces. Selected community people were playing the role of judges of the competitions. Finally, 09 children were rewarded for different events. Children were very happy to receive the rewards from guests. Sharing meeting with Upazila Administration: Md. Golam Rabbani Sarkar , Upazila Chairmen was present as chief guest, and Mr. Sumon Das - Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) was playing the role of the chair. Other government officials were present as special guests who were Upazila Women Affairs Officer, Upazila Secondary Officer, Upazila Social Services Officer, Upazila Youth Development Officer, Upazila Assistant Primary Education Officer, and some print & electronic media persons were present at the events. Borsha , a member of the child forum, presented her keynote which was made on the cause and effect of climate change on children. Mr. Arifur, a member of CJG raised the question to the respective authority, “When the dredging and piling of Dhorola Rivers would start?” Moreover, Sourovi, another member of the child forum said, “Government already allocated the housing facilities among the poor but need emphasis to who are losing their house in river erosion.” Aduri, a member of the child forum said, “Children are mostly affected by climate change but there is no mechanism to protect the children, we are proposing to the respective authority to take some programmatic interventions which are for child health, child protection especially for preventing child marriage.” Prize distribution ceremony: 09 Children were awarded in a different category, and they received the crest from Upazila Chairmen, UNO, and other honorable guests. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Phulbari, Kurigram, and chair of the event said, “I am very happy and a lot of thanks to Borsha for presenting her innovative keynote. She carried out detailed information about the causes of climate change. At the same age as Borsha, I don’t have the same knowledge of climate change.” Some expressions of children: “I am very happy to receive the two crests for the drawing & quiz competition and these are my first awards in my life.” – said Rupanti. “My mother is very happy to receive the crest from UNO and Upazila Chairman. It is very exciting to receive the award on child rights week 2021.” added by Likhon. “This is the first time I am appearing in any competition. As a result, it increased my confidence level to appear in any competition at our school and others.” stated Sweeti.
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Workshop With The Journalists In Cox’s Bazar
Since the beginning of the Rohingya crisis, journalists have played a significant role to cover the issues and facts of the crisis. Considering the possible scopes and challenges of covering Gender Based Violence issues more intensively, ActionAid Bangladesh organized a workshop with the journalists in Cox’s Bazar with the support of UNFPA and Canadian High Commission. While Chairing the session, Dr Khalilur Rahman, Member, Executive Board, ActionAid International Bangladesh said, since the journalists in Cox’s Bazar have been playing the key role of presenting the GBV related issues faced by the forcefully displaced Rohingya women in front of the world, therefore more awareness need to be created among them.
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