Bangladesh

Bangladesh has an abundance of water, with around 24,000 km of rivers flowing through its fertile land. But providing water safe enough for everyone to drink, wash their hands and use for daily life is a complex national problem.

Floods, cyclones, earthquakes and droughts are all common in Bangladesh, causing devastating upheaval to people's lives. Developing clean water, toilet and hygiene services that can reach everyone is extremely difficult – and climate change is only making that harder.

Despite these challenges, the country is making impressive progress. We are working with Bangladesh’s government as it rolls out ambitious national plans. A rainwater harvester on the roof of every building. Free public water points in major transport hubs. A primetime children’s TV show, Jol Danga, to raise awareness of good hygiene. All simple but life-changing innovations.

Challenges remain. In the north, arsenic from the mountains seeps into groundwater, poisoning anyone who drinks it. In the south, seawater from the coast does the same, making water taste foul and ruining crops. Sewerage also poses huge problems.

Together, we can tackle these problems and make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene a normal part of daily life for everyone in Bangladesh. We have the commitment, experience, resourcefulness and connections to change millions more lives – starting with those who are hardest to reach.

We will put water and toilet facilities in schools and public places, improving hygiene nationwide. And we will work with communities at risk of natural disasters to build services that last, whatever happens.