Bangladesh

Bangladesh, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, is steeped in a cultural history as the apex of the Bay of Bengal. By many standards, Bangladesh is a 'young' country - as a nation they achieved independence from India and West Pakistan in 1971. Their population is relatively young, with the median age of only 26. Since re-establishing democracy in the 1990s, Bangladesh has experienced relative political stability, but continues to endure natural disasters and severe poverty.

In 2016, FH celebrated the graduation of four communities in the Mymensingh region north of Dhaka. FH is currently partnered with four new communities in Char Borobila, a rural district within Mymensingh.

One of the biggest challenges facing Bangladeshi communities is child marriage. Traditional perspectives on gender combined with extreme poverty lead many parents to marry their daughters as young as 13. In fact, one third of all girls in Bangladesh are married before the age of 15. FH staff members working hard with community leaders and parents to change their mindset on child marriage, while at the same time conducting small business trainings and strengthening the position of women in the community. Marriage and parenting counseling, as well as Savings and Loans groups, are critical to improving the social and economic standing of these communities. Adult literacy classes for both men and women are increasing their opportunities and basic health education is improving their quality of life.

Char Borobila is working towards graduation from FH programming in 2023.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN BANGLADESH