History of Country

Poverty & Floods

Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated countries, is also one of the poorest. The country is very fertile but is also prone to cyclones and flooding.

Agriculture cannot provide enough jobs for the growing population, 75 percent of whom live in the countryside. The average annual income is only US $380, and malnutrition and illiteracy are widespread.

Islamic Relief's History in Bangladesh

Only 13% of babies are delivered by skilled health personnel

IR began work in Bangladesh in 1991, helping the victims of a tropical cyclone. Today, IR continues its efforts in relief and development and is helping over 400,000 people. Since 2005, we have been expanding our operations in the country. Wherever IR works in a community, we design projects that help the community to generate their own income and manage their own affairs. We also help people prepare for floods and to recover after the monsoon season. Current projects include income generation for farmers, cataract operations for the blind, a community health centre, vocational training in Dhaka's slums, disaster preparedness, orphan sponsorship and Ramadan and Qurbani food distributions.