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 VI
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
Fear to Hope: Nur Ayesha’s Story
“I have seen my people live through terrifying nightmares,” says Nur Ayesha, a 22-year-old refugee woman who has been living in the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar since 2020. She escaped the violence in Myanmar and arrived to Bangladesh with her parents where she now lives with her husband. Nur was recently selected as a youth peace-builder for an initiative by ActionAid Bangladesh, through which she will receive training and support to become a peace ambassador among her peers. “I remember a time when many young men were planning to join armed groups. So, when I heard about the peacebuilding project, I immediately signed up,” she says. “I want to help my community speak out against violence and discrimination.” She believes the initiative should expand to include more youth and offer additional skills such as driving which could help young people with means of livelihood. Nur’s commitment to peace stems from personal experiences. Once when the armed groups came to her house she began screaming for help, forcing the group to flee when a crowd formed. “I keep telling my community that if we harm each other, no one will be able to save us.” Nur also mentioned the daily struggles refugees face, explaining that they are fully dependent on the host community. “The rations we receive are not enough to cover our nutritional and basic needs. We rely on nearby markets for food, clothes and medicine, but we’re not allowed to go outside freely.” Living in the camps does not protect Nur from harassment either. “A group of boys started bullying me once, when I was just standing by the road. I felt helpless. I thought, if they were my friends, maybe they wouldn’t have said such things.” Despite these challenges, Nur remains hopeful. “I’ve seen how warmth, kindness and support can change lives. Sometimes, just sharing your problems helps,” she says. “That’s why this project is so important – it gives people a place to be heard and supported. I hope more opportunities like this will come in the future.” She added that this project is especially important for youth, who have the potential to change their future. “Many young boys are spending their time doing nothing, especially those over 14 years old. In the camps, there is no formal education beyond grade six and no curriculum-based learning. As a result, a large number of young people are deprived of education. They don’t know their social responsibilities, and there are very limited activities for youth in the camps. This project can engage young people in meaningful ways and help them create positive changes in their communities.”
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Impact Stories
Implementation of National Youth Policy 2017
ActionAid Bangladesh’s Pathway to Ensuring the Implementation of National Youth Policy 2017 National Youth Day celebration 2019. Credit_ Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF) ActionAid Bangladesh has worked with young people and youth organisations to advocate for the formulation of National Youth Policy (NYP). This advocacy was advanced to ensure the implementation the NYP through the formation of a National Youth Action Plan to promote youth leadership at all tiers of development intervention. A Change in Progress Realisation of youth potential is crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ‘Leave No One Behind’ development approach. To ensure the effective implementation of the NYP with active engagement of government agencies and allocation of adequate resources, advocacy initiatives were advanced. As a result of the advocacy efforts during the period of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) I, the Ministry of Youth and Sports developed the National Youth Action Plan in 2020, detailing the responsibilities of different government ministries to implement NYP 17. In 2021, the Department of Youth Development issued a circular to form the National Youth Council to promote youth leadership across the country. The adaptation of the National Youth Action Plan and formation of National Youth Council were instrumental in holistically implementing the policy. The advocacy efforts also resulted in an increase in the budget centred on young people. As per the budget allocation for the fiscal year of 2022-23, the allocation for the education sector is BDT 81,449 crore or 12 percent of the total, compared to 11.9 percent in the previous year. BDT 9,728 crore was allocated for Technical and Vocational and Madrasah education. The government has allocated BDT 1,282 crore for the Youth and Sports Ministry in the proposed annual budget for the 2022-23 fiscal, while it was BDT 1,264 crore in the previous year. It has been proposed to reduce the turnover tax for start-ups to 0.10 per cent from the existing 0.60 per cent. It has also been proposed that BDT 1,917 crore will be allocated for the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Division- BDT 274 crore more than that of the last financial year. A special provision has been made in the budget for the trans community- a company or an organisation will enjoy tax rebate amounting to 75% of the total salary paid to third gender workers. The changes are bound to have a long-term impact on youth-centric policies. A Glimpse into Activities Online consultation series on the implementation of National Youth Policy 2017. Credit_ Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF) Tracking Success After persistent advocacy initiatives by ActionAid Bangladesh and like-minded organisations, the Ministry of Youth and Sports developed the National Youth Action Plan by allocating responsibilities to the respective government ministries and departments in 2020. In 2021, Ministry of Youth Development published the gazette notification detailing the formation of the National Youth Council to set and implement a youth led development agenda, while the Department of Youth Development issued a circular to form the National Youth Council. ActionAid Bangladesh initiated measures in 2022 to identify market demands and disseminate them to skills and employment-related agencies. A matchmaking workshop with the participation of 21 industries and 24 skill development organisations, four job fairs and four talent hunt events in collaboration with a2i and different Technical training Centre (TTCs), ‘National Career Guidance Network for Unemployed Youth’ workshop in collaboration with a2i and more than 25 career guidance parties were organised; 4thIndustrial Revolution (4IR) and Internet of Things (IoT) based 4 competency standard, a policy brief in collaboration with SANEM on ‘Addressing the Vulnerability of Youth in Bangladesh: Policy and Resource Allocation’ and 6 position papers in collaboration with the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) were developed. Way Forward ActionAid Bangladesh, with support from Global Platform Bangladesh and through the experience and expertise of well-directed, demand-driven advocacy, has enabled and empowered young people to achieve their rights. ActionAid Bangladesh played a significant role in connecting the stakeholders with the rights-holders, from the local level to the national, and developed a platform where young people from all over Bangladesh can raise their voice. This journey has divulged a plethora of learning interventions. The most significant insight that ensued from the result is that continuous advocacy effort in unison with the relevant stakeholders can indeed bring about impactful changes. To ensure the implementation of the policy and the promotion of youth leadership at all tiers of development, it is essential that advocacy efforts are continued.
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Impact Stories
Women Entrepreneurs Shining Bright with Green Power
Promoting Green Energy through the Enhancement of Just and Sustainable Value Chain, the FGG III (Fair, Green, and Global) project works with women in rural communities to encourage them to adopt renewable energy in sustainable and green alternative livelihood options. Through such interventions, the project is working to develop a fair and comprehensive power and energy policy that would ensure social and environmental justice by transitioning the energy sector value chain’s dependence from fossil fuel to renewable energy. Sukhi Begum, from Modhupara village in the Dhankhali Union of Kalapara, ran a small store with her husband. The income from the store supported their family well. Unexpectedly, in 2023, Sukhi's husband passed away. His death was not only a deep emotional shock to the family but also left Sukhi and her family in financial distress. In East Londa, another village, Soma experienced a similar condition when she lost her husband in 2017, who was a construction worker at the Payra 1320 Thermal Power Plant. Soma was left with the responsibility of taking care of their family's expenses alone. To cope with the newly emerged financial needs, she decided to explore learning resources and learned to sew. She wanted to use her sewing skills to generate income, but a sewing machine was still not affordable for her. Carrying on with strong determination, she saw the light of hope when she started getting support from others. ActionAid Bangladesh and Prantojon provided Soma and Sukhi with solar-powered sewing machines. These machines helped to keep operational cost low and helped Soma to earn money by saving high electricity costs. Sukhi Begum said, "I am supporting my son's education with my income," while Soma added, "My operational costs are lower because my sewing machine uses solar energy, which allows me to provide more for my family." Similarly, Sabita Begum from Lalua Union, whose husband died four years ago, shared, "With my husband, we ran our small store after our farming lands were taken in acquisition for the Payra port. Now, I am the only earning member in the family. I do not have enough resources to expand my business. Moreover, rising electricity costs further increase the store's operational cost." Farida Begum from Debpur village faced a similar fate when her land was acquired for the Ashuganj Power Station Company. After losing their primary source of income, she now runs a small shop near the Ashuganj Power Plant to support her family. She is also facing the challenge of rising electricity costs. The rising cost of electricity poses a significant challenge for small businesses like those of Sabita and Farida Begum. However, ActionAid Bangladesh stepped in with the FGG III project's intervention to sustain these enterprises of the displaced and affected community. Under the FGG III project, Prantojon assisted both Sabita and Farida in installing solar-powered systems in their shops. The solar power system reduces the burden of electricity bills, which helps to balance their operational costs. Both of them are now earning around 1000-1500 BDT per day from their solar-powered shops. These efforts by ActionAid Bangladesh and its partners, Prantojon, IRV (Initiative for Right View), and Songshoptaque, have not only supported women in Kalapara, Rampal, and Matarbari but also showcased sustainable solutions for small enterprise owners through renewable energy. Sabita and Farida are now inspiring other women to start their own businesses. Meanwhile, Soma and Sukhi are teaching other women how to save money by using renewable energy. This is helping the women of Kalapara understand that using renewable energy can protect their lives, animals, and the environment.
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Impact Stories
Igniting Change through Volunteerism
Igniting Change through Volunteerism Shahab Uddin, a 17-year-old youth travelled from Myanmar to Bangladesh during the 2017 exodus. The incident took a toll on Shahab, as he found very limited opportunities for work in the camp. Shahab wanted to improve himself, but he struggled to find the right opportunity. One day, the volunteer services staff from ActionAid Bangladesh knocked on Shahab’s door. They were looking for enthusiastic participants for the Volunteer Services-Safety Net System for Poorest project, connecting young individuals from different blocks of the camp. The project's goals echoed with Shahab, and he expressed interest in participating in its activities. Shahab joined the interactive theatre but faced a significant challenge—overcoming his shyness and speaking confidently in front of a mass audience. The initial stages were tough; nerves and self-doubt clouded his attempts to present himself effectively. However, with dedication and regular practise, he gradually honed the necessary skills and gained the confidence to speak boldly in any situation. This activity paved his way for personal growth and the ability to address large audiences with ease. Reflecting on his journey, Shahab shared, “I used to struggle a lot when talking in front of a crowd. But, with the experience of doing drama and interactive activities, I've learnt a lot. Now, I can talk confidently with everyone.” Shahab’s captivating performance in the play on human trafficking gained him a lot of appreciation. The audience were blown away with the dedication and performance of the volunteers. “We're really impressed by how committed our volunteers are. They're using plays to teach and help our community understand important things,” shared one community member after watching the play. As the volunteer services project continued to unfold, more young people like Shahab Uddin joined as volunteers, eager to contribute their skills and efforts towards positive change. The project became a platform for personal development and sharing of crucial information on topics like human trafficking, disaster risk reduction, child marriage, and female education.
Read MoreCampaigns And Events
Event
Art for Hope
When a child receives care, guidance and a secure environment for growth, their imagination and potential begin to blossom. Celebrating the journey of growth, we organised a two-day open-to-all art exhibition, "Art for Hope", at Alliance Française de Dhaka on 11-12 March, 2026. The exhibition showcased beautiful and creative paintings and visual artworks made by youngsters. Art has become a meaningful channel through which children share their stories, emotions, dreams, and perspectives. This exhibition is designed as a space where their voices can be seen, felt, and genuinely valued by a wider audience. Alongside exploring their creativity, visitors also had the opportunity to purchase selected paintings, with all proceeds directly contributing to the children’s continued growth and wellbeing. The showcased artworks emerge from two flagship initiatives: Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK), which offers child-friendly spaces that support early learning, confidence, and emotional development, and Happy Home, a residential program that provides safety, education, and life skills support for girls who have previously lived in vulnerable conditions. As an added joy for us, the year 2026 marked the 20th anniversary of our Happy Home initiative. Theme and Focus The central theme of the exhibition is children’s voices and lived realities, as expressed through art. Each artwork reflects personal stories, emotions, aspirations, and observations of the world from a child’s perspective. Collectively, the exhibition highlights creativity as both a form of expression and a pathway to healing and empowerment.
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Event
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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Event
11th International Water Conference 2026
Theme: Reimagining Water Governance for Just and Sustainable Futures The 11th International Water Conference took place virtually on January 21 and 22, 2026. This annual event, organised by ActionAid Bangladesh since 2016, served as a vital platform for connecting local realities with global ideas. It reaffirmed that water is not a mere commodity but a fundamental human right. By bringing together a diverse blend of researchers, academics, and international experts, the conference aimed to transition from cultural reflection to action-orientated policy and governance. The proceedings addressed the deepening vulnerabilities of communities dependent on water resources amidst intensifying climate change. Ultimately, the gathering highlighted the core question of justice in ensuring a resilient and shared water future. Under 4 thematic sessions consisting of 15 presentations and discussions by 10 eminent discussants across the world, the gathering moved from concern to commitment by combining community knowledge with science to ensure resilient and sustainable water futures. Day 1: 21 January 2026, Wednesday ⚖️Thematic Session 1: Water Justice and Governance 🚰Thematic Session 2: Urban Water Systems and Water Futures On the first day of the 11th International Water Conference 2026, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed unpacked this year’s theme, introducing four Ps (Pollution, Power, Politics and Profit) and how they overlapped with water management and water governance. The many tangled dimensions of water were laid out through his reflections, which were further enriched by insights from our Country Director Farah Kabir, Dr. Nguyen Hong Quan (Quan), Dr. Champa M. Navaratne, Sakib Mahmud, Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Tamazer Ahmed, Muntaha Kadir, Khandaker Ruhama Amin, Dr. Emma Porio, and Anika N Haque. Watch the discussion here: Day 2: 22 January 2026, Thursday 🌍 Thematic Session 3: Climate Crisis and Innovation for Water Justice 🌐 Thematic Session 4: Transboundary Water Accountability and Regional Cooperation Beginning with the welcome speech by our Country Director Farah Kabir, Day 2 primarily covered presentations on Innovations for Water Justice, Marine Water Sustainability, Community Driven Water Cleanup, and Sustainable Engagement. The later session featured topics such as Transboundary River Management between Bangladesh and India, and Riverbank Erosion Dynamics in the Teesta Basin. Moderated by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director, Centre for Alternatives, and Dr. Haseeb Md. Irfanullah, Visiting Research Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), the sessions were enriched by the presence of Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava, Erad Kawsar, Afia Adiba Hafsa, Mir Munes Ifty, Fayyaz Baqir, Dipak Gyawali, Muhibul Hasan Arnob, Emran Hossain, Dr. Jayanta Basu, Mohammad Abu Sayed, Dr. Zhang Jin, Remy Kinna, Dr. John Dore and Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed. Watch the discussion here: After the insightful sessions, we came to stand together in one understanding. By integrating policy dialogue, cultural reflection and innovative learning, the conference aimed to inspire a paradigm shift: from managing water as a commodity to governing it as a shared right and collective responsibility.The conference concluded with the promise to sit again next year. Till then, our advocacy to establish the reimagined water governance may bring visible success and tangible outcomes on the ground and beyond the seas.
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Event
Child Rights Week 2025: Patuakhali Celebrations
Children from every part of our country deserve to be heard, acknowledged, and empowered to raise their voices while recognising their own rights. That’s what drives us to celebrate Child Rights Week 2025 with full action! The goal is simple: help children learn about their rights, speak up with confidence, and engage with their communities. To mark the week, ActionAid Bangladesh, in collaboration with AVAS, organised a series of joyful events for children in Kalapara, Patuakhali, on 9 and 23 October. One of the highlights was a children’s talk show titled “Listen to Children, Work for Children”. There, child representatives sat face to face with local government officials, teachers, and invited guests. They asked thoughtful questions about education, health, safety, climate change, and child protection, and shared what they hope for in a safer and better tomorrow. The celebrations also featured rallies, debate competitions, discussion sessions, sports and cultural activities, followed by a prize-giving ceremony. ActionAid Bangladesh continues to work tirelessly to build a safe and just society for every child, whether in cities or remote communities. As part of this commitment, we ensured that children from local communities could also benefit from Child Rights Week and grow more aware of the rights they hold.
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Ongoing Events
Feminist Green Action Award 2026
The Feminist Green Action Award was launched in 2025 to promote a green transition in industry and the broader economy that is feminist, inclusive, and gender transformative. This initiative recognises the importance of addressing climate change while challenging structural inequalities, particularly gender-based barriers, within environmental and economic systems. The award aims to highlight and celebrate initiatives that integrate sustainability with feminist principles, ensuring that the transition to a green economy is both environmentally sustainable and socially just. As a champion of climate justice and gender equality, ActionAid Bangladesh promotes green transition approaches that center on the leadership and participation of women, youth, and marginalised groups. The organisation believes that Feminist Green Action is a key pathway to achieving a just and inclusive transition, where environmental sustainability and gender justice go hand in hand. Following the successful launch, ActionAid Bangladesh will organise the Feminist Green Action Award for the second consecutive year in 2026. By recognising and showcasing inspiring initiatives and changemakers, the award aims to encourage wider adoption of gender-responsive and sustainable practices, contributing to a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future for Bangladesh. About the Award Enterprises (SMEs) that demonstrate leadership in adopting feminist green actions across their operations. The award encourages businesses to include feminist and gender-focused methods in their operations, production, and supply chains, making sure they work towards both environmental sustainability and gender equality. By highlighting such initiatives, the award promotes responsible business practices that empower women, support inclusive workplaces, and contribute to climate-resilient and sustainable economic growth. With Bangladesh already recognized as a global leader in green garment production, this award seeks to further encourage industries and enterprises to adopt sustainable and gender-responsive practices. It aims to inspire businesses to go beyond environmental compliance and embrace feminist principles that ensure equity, participation, and fair opportunities for all. Through recognition and visibility, the Feminist Green Action Award contributes to advancing a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future, while strengthening Bangladesh’s leadership in green and ethical production. ActionAid Bangladesh’s Engagement to green innovation ActionAid Bangladesh engages with young people and women to support green innovation through capacity development, seed funding, boot camps, and mentoring. Over the period, ActionAid Bangladesh has organized several cohorts of youth green entrepreneurs to accelerate the development of their business ideas. The Feminist Green Action Award provides an opportunity for these youth green entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas through a feminist lens, integrating gender equity, environmental sustainability, and social impact. What is green feminist transition Green Feminist Transition refers to a transformative approach that draws inspiration from the idea of Mother Nature and emphasizes the coexistence of economic activities with ecological preservation. The concept promotes responsible use of natural resources and advocates moving away from extractive practices toward a greener, sustainable economy. It integrates environmental sustainability with human rights, gender equity, and inclusive practices, ensuring that development supports both people and the planet. Eligibility and Future Engagement The Feminist Green Action Award recognizes SMEs and private sector businesses of all sizes. In addition, a special category is reserved for participants from ActionAid Bangladesh’s youth-led green business development cohorts. For this year, the award will be delivered in the following three categories: • Corporate Category: 1 awardee • SME Category: 1 awardee • ActionAid Bangladesh Cohort on Green Business: 2 potential youth green entrepreneurs For future engagement, the selected business entities will receive ongoing business development support, including mentorship and guidance from experienced business professionals to strengthen and scale their green initiatives. Award Objectives 1. Recognise and celebrate private sector entities, including youth entrepreneurs, that are demonstrating leadership and innovation in advancing the green transition within their operations and business models. 2. Encourage and motivate businesses to adopt environmentally sustainable policies, processes, and production practices, with a strong emphasis on gender equity, inclusion, and feminist principles. 3. Showcase and promote best practices from the corporate sector through a feminist green transition lens, fostering learning, replication, and wider adoption of sustainable and gender-responsive business approaches. Selection Criteria The business entities and SMEs participating in the award programme will be evaluated and finally selected based on the following criteria: A. Sustainable and gender responsive operations, production, and supply chains, ensuring environmentally responsible practices are integrated across all stages of business activities. B. Environmentally friendly and climate-resilient infrastructure, demonstrating commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting long-term sustainability. C. Innovation that advances sustainability and gender responsiveness, including initiatives that integrate feminist principles, promote inclusion, and address gender disparities. D. Commitment to creating green jobs and building green skills, contributing to decent work opportunities and supporting a just transition for workers and communities. Selection process The nominees will be evaluated by a jury board, composed of experts, sector specialists, and practitioners, who will carefully review all submissions and select the final winners. Award Ceremony The final award ceremony will be held on 24 June 2026.
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
A just energy transition won’t happen without fixing climate finance
Bangladesh stands at an energy crossroads. Nearly 97% of its energy mix depends on fossil fuels, around 70% of which is imported. In a world shaped by geopolitical instability – from war in West Asia to global price shocks – this dependence is no longer merely an energy issue. It is a question of economic security, sovereignty and survival. Recent volatility in the liquefied natural gas market has made this painfully clear. Supply disruptions and price spikes are not abstract risks; they translate directly into fiscal pressure, energy shortages and difficult national trade-offs. But the deeper crisis is not only about reliance on fossil fuels. It is also about dependence on a global financial system that continues to make a just transition harder, not easier. For countries such as Bangladesh, the barrier is not ambition. It is fiscal constraint and unequal access to finance. We are being asked to transition rapidly while managing rising debt, volatile energy markets and shrinking fiscal space. Climate finance intended to support transformation too often arrives in the form of loans, deepening the very vulnerabilities it is supposed to address. As many in the Global South have long argued, responsibility is global, but constraints are national. The problem is not only the scale of finance. It is also its structure. Mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund are evolving, but they still operate within systems shaped by entrenched power and, too often, patriarchal norms. In practice, finance continues to favour large, centralised infrastructure projects, often backed by multilateral lenders and corporate actors. These projects can displace communities, erode local livelihoods and concentrate control over energy systems. Meanwhile, decentralised, community-led renewable solutions – many driven by women and local entrepreneurs – remain marginal and underfunded. The imbalance is stark. Less than 1% of global philanthropic funding supports gender and environmental justice together, while only about 4% of climate-related aid treats gender equality as a core objective. Gender justice, in other words, remains an afterthought. The consequences are not abstract. Women in Bangladesh and across the Global South carry a double burden: they are more exposed to displacement, environmental degradation and climate shocks, while also absorbing the costs through unpaid care work, resource collection and lost income. During climate disasters, these pressures intensify, often alongside heightened risks of gender-based violence. A transition that ignores these realities is not only incomplete. It is unjust. If we are serious about a just energy transition, incremental reform will not be enough. Bangladesh must also begin a serious national conversation about energy sufficiency, not only energy efficiency. First, debt must be addressed directly. Bangladesh and many other low- and middle-income countries are trying to navigate the transition under severe fiscal constraints, now worsened by volatile fossil fuel markets. Debt cancellation and restructuring are not radical demands. They are necessary to unlock investment in renewable energy, social protection and resilience. Climate finance must also be new and additional, not recycled development aid, and it should be delivered primarily through grants rather than loans. Second, accountability must replace voluntary pledges. There is no binding mechanism to hold international actors accountable for continuing to finance fossil fuel expansion, including LNG infrastructure, while simultaneously urging developing countries to decarbonise. Proposals such as a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty point to a possible way forward. By aligning finance with climate goals and setting clear rules for phasing out fossil fuels, such a framework could begin to correct the imbalance between responsibility and capacity. Without accountability, cooperation risks remaining rhetorical. Third, climate finance must be redesigned, not merely expanded. A feminist approach would shift investment towards decentralised, community-led energy systems, support women and young people as entrepreneurs, and recognise the unpaid labour that sustains households and economies. This is not about adding a gender lens after the fact. It is about changing who controls resources and who benefits. Fourth, practical financial instruments must support this shift. Debt-for-climate swaps can reduce fiscal pressure while linking relief to renewable investment. Blended finance and public guarantees can de-risk small-scale energy projects and attract private capital. Regional cooperation can strengthen local value chains and reduce dependence on volatile global fuel markets. At the same time, fairer trade and investment frameworks are needed to support technology transfer and ensure that developing countries are not locked out of renewable supply chains. Finally, transition must be linked to livelihoods and Loss and Damage. Bangladesh is already living with the impacts of climate change – from floods to cyclones – that disrupt communities and economies. Without adequate Loss and Damage finance, countries are forced to balance recovery with transition, often at significant social cost. A just transition must include investment in reskilling, social protection and alternative livelihoods so that workers and communities are not left behind. A just energy transition is not only about replacing fossil fuels with renewables. It is about reshaping power – economic, political and social – and reclaiming energy sovereignty in an increasingly unstable world. It requires a shift from debt to justice, from exclusion to participation, and from voluntary commitments to binding accountability. For Bangladesh, that means prioritising decentralised renewable energy, supporting women-led enterprises and reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel imports. For the international community, it means recognising that climate action cannot succeed within systems that reproduce inequality. Without structural change, we are not financing a just transition. We are financing its delay. Author: Farah Kabir, Country Director, AAB Source:
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Media Coverage
Women sidelined in national politics
Experts regret 4% candidates were female. Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, ActionAid Bangladesh and Prothom Alo jointly organised an event at a city hotel on March 5. At the programme, women who contested the February 12 election shared their experiences. Experts and politicians have raised alarm over the fact that women made up only around four percent of the candidates in the 13th national election. Referring to the seven women who were elected as members of parliament, they said overcoming obstacles to participating and winning in the polls carries special significance for women in politics. To ensure women’s participation in politics and policymaking, coordinated initiatives must be taken, they added. Speakers made these remarks at a dialogue and award ceremony titled “Ensuring Women’s Leadership and Protection in Politics”. “If women are vital as voters, why is their leadership always questioned?” asked Rasheda K Chowdhury, executive director, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE). “We are yet to accord women the dignity they deserve. Our nation was founded on equality, yet women are being sidelined,” she added. Rumeen Farhana, who won as an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria‑2, delivered a scathing critique of societal double standards. “We are ready to see strong women as daughters or sisters, but not as partners in change,” she said, calling for an end to the “good girl” stereotype that stifles political ambition. Supporting this, Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, the BNP candidate who won from Faridpur‑3, highlighted how marginalised women are denied basic rights, with their vulnerabilities “exploited to confine them within the home”. Tasnim Jara, who contested independently from Dhaka-9, exposed the political machinery that treats women as tokens, not decision-makers. She noted that while women drive grassroots campaigning, “male-dominated structures” systematically block them during the nomination stage. She also critiqued the reserved seat system, arguing it renders women “more accountable to party leadership than to voters.” Leader of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) Sima Dutta said that women are often treated as third-class citizens across sectors, from agriculture to garments. She called for equal pay, legal recognition of women in the informal sector and stronger government action against discriminatory attitudes. The dialogue also highlighted a chilling rise in violence against women. Morium Nessa, Lead for Women’s Rights at ActionAid, presented data showing a 52.3 percent increase in reported rape cases in 2025 compared to 2024. In January 2026 alone, 272 cases of violence against women and girls were reported. Furthermore, the dialogue revealed a massive institutional failure: 39 percent of the country’s universities still lack sexual harassment prevention committees. ActionAid Country Director Farah Kabir hailed the candidates as the “bravest citizens” for navigating hostile conditions. “We do not seek only an increase in numbers. We seek meaningful change. Ensuring women’s safety and dignity remains the greatest challenge,” she said. Meanwhile, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman admitted that civil society and the media could have offered stronger support to independent women candidates. Expressing optimism that women’s participation and visible presence in the next election will increase significantly, he said, “If we all work together in the days ahead, we can play a more effective role in strengthening women’s leadership.” The session concluded with a call for stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, robust cyber-safety measures, and a genuine shift in party cultures to move beyond “lip service” to equality. A highlight of the event was an interactive forum theatre performance titled “Chena Porobash” presented by theatre group Palakar. Through drama, the performance illustrated child marriage, workplace harassment and the challenges faced by women candidates during elections. Among those present were the British High Commission’s Social Development Adviser Tahera Jabeen, Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Leader at the United Nations Development Programme Bangladesh, Korvi Rakshand, founder of JAAGO Foundation, and Sadaf Saaz of the National Political Rights Forum. Women candidates present included Meghna Alam of Ganodhikar Parishad, Taslima Akter of Ganosamhati Andolon, independent candidate Anwara Islam Rani, Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mili of AB Party, and Arifa Akter Baby of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal. Source:
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Actionaid launches 16 days of activism for safe cities
ActionAid Bangladesh has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign, calling for safer cities for women and girls. As part of the global observance, a day-long programme was organised today, Wednesday, at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka under the theme "Safe City, Fearless Women". The programme opened with a live outdoor performance and an installation series entitled "Stories of Courage" in the academy's open courtyard, highlighting women's stories of resilience. This was followed by an indoor theatrical production, "Echoes of Her Life", staged at the Chitrashala Auditorium. The play portrayed real-life experiences of harassment and insecurity faced by women in public transport, public spaces, and service institutions, leaving a strong emotional impact on the audience. Marium Neesa, Lead of the Women's Rights and Gender Equity Team at ActionAid Bangladesh, presented the situation of women's safety in both online and offline spaces in the city. During an interactive discussion between the performances, speakers called for strict enforcement of laws, gender-sensitive urban planning, and improvements in social values to reduce violence against women. They emphasised the need to challenge patriarchal mindsets and integrate awareness into the education curriculum as part of preventive measures. Speakers also reaffirmed commitments to creating women-friendly public spaces and public transport, stressing that swift legal action is essential in responding to complaints of harassment. Referring to findings from ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign research, Country Director, Farah Kabir, said: "Our research shows that in 2021 and 2022, online violence against women stood at 63 per cent. As a result, 42 per cent of women reduced their online presence. In addition, 63 per cent of women move outside with fear or anxiety, and 22 per cent face harassment in public transport. These findings prove that women are not fully safe in either online or offline spaces." She added: "Violence continues because of tolerance and lack of accountability," urging all, regardless of gender, to work together against violence. Professor Tania Haque of the University of Dhaka identified cultural violence and its social acceptance as key factors behind rising incidents. She said urban communities must not remain silent witnesses and must raise their voices against harassment. Dr Prakash Kanti Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said: "Violence will not decrease unless men and boys are engaged as allies through positive transformation. Government and civil society must prioritise preventive action." S M Shafiqur Rahman, Chief Urban Planner of Dhaka North City Corporation, reaffirmed the commitment to gender-sensitive planning to ensure women's safety in urban design. Deputy Police Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Mosammat Farhana Yasmin, urged citizens to report incidents promptly, saying long-term state-level planning, increased recruitment of women police officers, and specialised training are essential to provide effective support for survivors. Speaking at the discussion, Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Lead at UNDP, urged the government to strengthen CCTV surveillance in public spaces and increase gender budgeting. "Violence is rising because of a culture of impunity, so incorporating gender sensitivity into the mainstream curriculum is crucial as a preventive measure," she said. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by filmmaker Fakhrul Arefeen Khan; Jasmine Ara, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs; government policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, and other distinguished guests. The 16-day campaign is part of ActionAid Bangladesh's Safe City Campaign. From 25 November to 10 December, various local-level initiatives will be undertaken across cities to help build a sustained movement against violence. Source:
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Children present six-point manifesto to government and political parties
Ahead of the upcoming national elections, over 200 children have issued a six-point manifesto urging the Government, political parties, and policymakers to prioritise child rights and protection in their commitments, policies, and programmes. The manifesto calls for quality education, healthcare, inclusion of children's voices, cyber safety, climate justice, and a safe environment for all children. It also demands stricter enforcement of laws to end child marriage, child labour, and violence against children. The document was unveiled at a special event organised by ActionAid Bangladesh at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, as part of Children's Rights Week 2025. The theme for this year was "Empowering Children, Ending Child Marriage – Ensuring Safe Childhoods in the Digital World." A panel discussion moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, academics, and child rights experts. Speakers emphasised that children's protection and development require collective responsibility from the State, civil society, and families. Farah Kabir said, "Policies concerning children directly affect their lives. Listening to them and including their perspectives in decision-making is not only their right but also essential for effective policymaking. In the digital era, we must ensure both safety and opportunity for children. If we fail to protect them, the integrity of our development will be questioned." Child representative Tamanna said, "We want compulsory education on sexual and reproductive health and rights in every school. To end child marriage and ensure cyber safety, laws must not only exist but also be enforced." Shabnam Mustari, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, called for stronger collaboration to prevent online harassment and integrate digital literacy into the national curriculum. Dilara Begum, Director General (Additional Secretary), Bangladesh Shishu Academy, stressed promoting responsible parenting and empowering children to express their views at the policy level. Natalie McCauley, Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF Bangladesh, said a permanent child-focused division under the Ministry could address systemic gaps. Mohammad Emdad-ul-Bari, Chairman of BTRC, and Md Elius Ziku, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, highlighted the need for cyber-safe platforms and parental awareness. The event also featured a symbolic Children's Parliament, cultural performances, and participation from 80 child journalists nationwide. Source:
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