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Bangladesh

Compassion partnership began 2003

EST. 2003

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When you arrive in Bangladesh, you’ll find yourself in the ‘land of rivers’ where water weaves through a vibrant and colourful landscape. Most people that you’ll meet speak Bengali, and the majority of the population is Muslim. In its neighbourhoods, or para (পাড়া), you’ll be warmly welcomed with tea and sweets, a gesture rooted in deep hospitality.

Population

173 M

Capital city

Dhaka

Local time

Current Weather

, 0°C

Distance to Australia

9,063 km
In Bangladesh, life is under threat before it even begins. Mothers living in poverty don’t have access to prenatal care to safely welcome their babies and, during their early years, children lack the nutrition they need to grow up healthy. Overcrowding and the growth of urban slums means that nearly half the country lacks access to basic sanitation.

Poverty in Bangladesh

14%
of people live in extreme poverty
41%
of mothers give birth without skilled health personnel
1 in 4
children under 5 are experiencing stunted growth

Yet our local partners are on the move in Bangladesh. Compassion’s Mums and Babies program helps your littlest neighbours get a strong start to life and empowers women to navigate motherhood with strength and dignity. In neighbourhoods across the country, the provision of food, clean water and sanitation facilities are saving lives.

Compassion in Bangladesh

193
local partners
57,075

children supported

1,240

babies and their mums supported

Impact in action

Puja, 25, Compassion graduate

Change is happening across Bangladesh. More than one in four young people are out of work or school, and Puja was one of them. When her father passed, she urgently needed more income. Remembering a sewing class from her time in the Compassion program, Puja built a small business, adding 1,000 Bangladeshi Taka to her income per week!

“When my father passed away, I had to stop everything. But because I had my education and my sewing skills, I had something to fall back on. If I didn’t have those, I’d be stuck in the same cycle as my parents and grandparents, just picking up tea leaves for the rest of my life.”
Puja, 25, Compassion graduate

Move with us in Bangladesh

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Help end poverty for a child

Pray that mums and babies will make it through delivery and early life safely.

Pray for families who are rebuilding their lives following Cyclone Remal in 2024.

Pray for protection over children who are most vulnerable to child marriage.

Pray for the provision of food for families who are in urgent need and children who are malnourished.

Pray for protection and peace during ongoing unrest in the country.

Pray for your neighbours

Join local churches in bringing these requests before God.

See the stories. Feel the impact. Move with compassion.

30 Sept 2024
Your 2024 Impact: Reflections From Our CEO
Poverty doesn’t end overnight. It takes a neighbourhood committed to long-term transformation in a child’s life. Thanks to your generosity, children are receiving support from our local partners that empowers them to break the cycle of poverty.
6 Jul 2023
Behind the Stories: J. Sangma, Bangladesh
J. Sangma has waded through thigh-level mud to hear the powerful stories of Compassion assisted children in rural Bangladesh. Read about the adventures of this Compassion photojournalist as he listens to the experiences of children and families being released from poverty.
11 Jan 2022
Asia in Focus: Poverty in Sri Lanka
This scenic nation still carries the scars of decades-long civil war. Poverty continues holding many children back. But Compassion’s local partners are helping Sri Lankan children in poverty to see their potential.
21 Dec 2021
Asia in Focus: Poverty in Thailand
Thailand has one of the world's highest wealth concentrations, with the top 1% holding an estimated 58% of the country's total wealth. This poses significant challenges to vulnerable people groups in the country. However, the local church is working to bring hope for the future.
20 Oct 2021
Asia in Focus: Poverty in The Philippines
Many communities in the Philippines face constant challenges: poverty, child exploitation and extreme weather events. But the local church is working to bring change.
13 Oct 2021
Asia in Focus: Poverty in Indonesia
Indonesia’s economy is booming, but the divide between rich and poor has widened. For Indonesia children living in poverty, this makes it difficult to find a way out. But the local church is passionate about bringing transformation and hope to their communities.
29 Sept 2021
Asia in Focus: Poverty in Bangladesh
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Bangladesh in a significant manner. According to the World Bank, in addition to the impact on health, the country’s GDP growth decelerated and poverty increased.
7 May 2020
Born in Quarantine: 5 Beautiful Photos of Newborns Around the World
Quarantine comes with many challenges—especially if you're about to deliver a baby! Find out how these five beautiful newborns were brought into the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
28 Jan 2020
The Most Popular Baby Names Around the World
Every continent has its own customs and quirks, including baby names! Check out the most popular ones for children in child development centres across 25 countries—there’s a lot that can be revealed with just a name.
6 Jan 2020
This Remarkable 15-year-old Stopped Her Own Wedding
15-year-old Ratna is a bright and sociable young woman from rural Bangladesh. But on 2 March 2018, her freedom was almost stolen from her.
16 Dec 2019
How to Choose a Child to Sponsor with Compassion
You’ve decided to release a child from poverty in Jesus’ name. It’s a fantastic decision; one that will change a child’s life and impact yours, too. But when it comes to choosing a child to sponsor, we’re often asked “How am I meant to choose?” Faced with hundreds of photos of children in need, the decision can feel overwhelming. If you need some guidance, here are seven ways you could choose your new sponsored child.
22 Jul 2019
5 Extreme Jobs the Poor Do to Support their Families
Going to the extreme for an income is not uncommon for people living in poverty. From elephant keepers to rock breakers, take a look at how five parents go the extra mile to provide for their loved ones.

Explore more countries in Asia

Explore the global neighbourhood
Cambodia

Est. 2023

Indonesia

Est. 1968

Myanmar

Est. 2022

Philippines

Est. 1972

Sri Lanka

Est. 2010

Thailand

Est. 1970

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Compassion Australia ABN 67 001 692 566. Authorised to fundraise in NSW (CFN/10658), VIC (FR0010734), QLD (CH1569), SA (CCP2632), TAS (F1A-208) and WA (20740). No authority to fundraise is required in the ACT or NT.