Voluntary work in Bangladesh
Information & guidance about volunteering projects in Bangladesh
Nicknamed ‘The Land of Rivers’ due to the myriad of more than 700 rivers running through the lush landscape of the South Asian country where travelling by boat is a way of life and allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s most densely populated destinations. Famed for bengal tigers, endless stretches of fertile land and welcoming locals, Bangladesh offers a mix of breathtaking natural beauty with heritage sites and fast-paced cities. Voluntary work in Bangladesh will give you the chance to see the more vulnerable side to the country, unfortunately also known for its poverty rate and prevalent workers’ rights violations, specifically in clothing manufacturing.
Where to volunteer in Bangladesh
The capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka is the tenth largest city in the world with a population of around nine million people, which results in congestion due to the intense density of the population as a large portion of live below the poverty line. Voluntary work in Bangladesh’s capital can entail projects improving poor infrastructure, community development and water management.
Chittagong is the second largest city in Bangladesh, and despite a smaller population than the capital is just as hectic and adventurous. This is a location that can really benefit from those seeking voluntary work in Bangladesh due to being in severe need of health improvement resulting from problems such as non-potable water and pollution which means that Chittagong has extremely low health standards.
Bogra is the hub for travelers, due to the transportation connections to more remote Bangladeshi destinations opening the door to voluntary work in Bangladesh. Known for trade due to its location along a river which produce rich soils, Bogra is one of the oldest cities in Bangladesh and offers voluntary opportunities in the form of community development and assisting those living in floating villages (known as chars), meaning volunteers are exposed the incredible cultural experiences during their voluntary period.
If you would rather experience voluntary work in Bangladesh’s more rural areas, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities outside of the cities where you can have just as much of a positive impact. Volunteering in Bangladesh’s rural areas means you can help improve the standard of living for those living in dire poverty and work to support health initiatives that contribute to improving the lives of those occupating rural areas.
Volunteering projects in Bangladesh
Voluntary work in Bangladesh often includes community development projects focusing on education programs and sustainable development in underprivileged communities; you may be responsible for providing health classes to promote better living conditions, or teach about environmental issues and how locals can behave more sustainably to protect their homes from climate change. Individuals with healthcare knowledge and experience can provide excellent voluntary help in the form of providing healthcare and education to locals in rural areas. Natural disasters are unfortunately a regular feature in Bangladesh life, so there are volunteer roles required to rebuild communities and supply shelter and food to those displaced by these events.
For those interested in volunteering opportunities in wildlife conservation, there is the chance to undertake voluntary work in Bangladesh involving animal care, usually located in the more rural locations of the country.
Teaching is another great option for those wanting to volunteer in Bangladesh; whether working as an English teacher or sports assistant, volunteers with work with children to improve educational opportunities. By providing encouragement and providing an insight into a different culture, volunteers will have an impact on the direction of children’s education and their attitude towards learning.
When preparing for voluntary work in Bangladesh it is important to bear in mind that not many people will know English, so although knowing Bengali is not a requirement to volunteer a basic understanding will be of benefit in day-to-day life and communication with the locals, especially in rural areas.
