The economy of Bangladesh has steadily grown over the last two decades. However, utilising the potentials of youth population remains a big challenge. The country, being at the middle of the period of demographic transition, is yet to reap the benefits of its demographic profile.

Jackia Begum, 38, sustained long-term injuries in the Rana Plaza disaster and her part time job working with handicrafts now brings in very little income. She says: “The memories will stay with me until my death.”

With the booming urbanisation and urban population, urban development remains a challenge to address for Bangladesh to ensure standard living conditions for all. To enhance basic living conditions of the urban poor, ActionAid Bangladesh has been working with Urban INGO Forum Bangladesh, a consortium of more than 20 International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs). The platform has been working on the diverse issues related to urban development in Bangladesh.

Many say “youth are the future leaders” but I must say, youth are the leaders of today not tomorrow. They have proved it once again during the Model Youth Parliament held in Dhaka from 5th to 8th March 2011.

In observation of the Public Service Day 2019, Udayankur Seba Sangstha (USS) organised a seminar at Gomnati Union Parishad in Nilphamari with the support of ActionAid Bangladesh. In the seminar on 23 June 2019, speakers urged to improve efficiency and develop skills of young people through increasing more vocation training opportunities.

When I first came to know about HIV/AIDS, I could relate it to nothing but genocide. Nothing much has changed over the years, my point of view is somewhat the same till date. I mean what can possibly be said about a disease where patients kill patients?

The heavy downpour of the last few weeks has triggered floods and water-logging in Satkhira, Khulna and Jessore districts displacing over 1.25 million people with colossal damage to crops, infrastructures and livelihoods. The figures projected by the Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are varying from that of the national newspapers. In present circumstances, it is difficult to ascertain accurately – which is why International NGOs are sharing in respect of information and assessment.

Marking the World Refugee Day 2019, GIHA in association with several United Nations bodies, refugee agency and other voluntary organizations organized an exhibition showcasing artwork from women and girls of the Rohingya community living in the Rohingya camps.

The Rohingya community taking shelter in the camps 11 and 12 of Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar observed the World Refugee Day 2019 with different activities. The observation ceremony started with a rally followed by tree plantation. Handcraft products, paintings by the Rohingya people were also exhibited in the occasion. The cultural ceremony also included drama and ludu game.

The informal sector of Bangladesh employs nearly 87% of the country’s total workforce, yet there remains serious lack of compliance to ensure decent work environment. The workers working in the informal sector have significant contribution in keeping the country’s economy going and growing. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, we should put emphasis on protecting the rights of the workers giving them the environment of decent work.

ActionAid International Bangladesh has entered its fifth strategy period from 2018 to 2022. After successfully ensuring key achievements from the last CSP, AAIB believes the new goals will strengthen the aspiration and confidence of the organisation to work for rights, justice and challenge discrimination of all forms which it has gained over more than three decades through playing pioneering role of advocacy on rights and social justice.