A Country on the Climate Frontline
Bangladesh is one of the countries that is most sensitive to climate change. It has low-lying coastlines, powerful hurricanes, rising sea levels, and erosion that happens all the time. For millions, climate change is not a threat that might happen in the future anymore; it is a fact that affects where and how they live every day. The Bangladeshi government thinks that because of climate effects, one-seventh of the country’s population could be forced to leave by 2050, which would be about 13.3 million people.
Along the country’s 710-kilometre coastal belt, where land, homes, and livelihoods are steadily destroyed by erosion and storm surges, the human cost of this disaster can be seen most clearly.
Lives Torn Apart by Hurricanes and Erosion
For Noor Alam, who is 55 years old, climate disasters are very personal. He still thinks about the terrible storm that hit Kutubdia Island in 1991. It killed 20 of his family members. Alam and his wife, Rahima Begum, had to move to Banshkhali in southeastern Bangladesh after many storms hit their home. But safety was still out of reach.
Between 1998 and 2020, their home made of plastic and bamboo was destroyed six times by storms. Every failure drove the family deeper into debt and unsure times. Their kids didn’t have a stable home with clean water, a safe place to live, or long-term bathroom facilities.
Why People Are Moving Because of Climate Change in Bangladesh Is Speeding Up
Alam’s story is an example of climate displacement in Bangladesh. It shows that people have to move because of things like shore erosion, cyclones, unstable islands in rivers, and losing their jobs because of climate change. People who are looking for safety and work move to Dhaka almost every day, which makes these problems worse. Understanding these problems makes it clear that resettlement is no longer just a want, but a need.
Moving to a New Home as a Way to Get Safe and Dignified
Alam’s life changed in a big way in 2021. With help from Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), a regional non-profit, his family moved into a climate-resilient, semi-pucca house in the town of Khudukkhali. The building is made of brick walls, steel reinforcements, and a tin top, and it can handle winds of up to 220 km/h.
The home is three to four feet higher than the levels of past floods and has a pit toilet that doesn’t overflow during heavy rain, which is an important health and dignity improvement. Alam says, “We lived like chickens before.” “My family is safe now.”
The Price and Worth of Housing That Can Withstand Climate Change
Each YPSA house costs about 670,000 BDT ($7,700), which is almost twice as much as homes built by the government through the Ashrayan project. The difference is in buying land and how well the buildings are made. Government housing on public land is not like this. YPSA buys safer land and materials that are meant to last up to 50 years with very few fixes.
A $250,000 grant from the Scottish government through the Climate Justice Resilience Fund (CJRF) will pay for the project. At COP26, Scotland set aside funds to help with loss and damage, making it the first country to do so. This move was praised by many nations whose climates are fragile.
Why Taking Small Steps Can Lead to Major Change
Moving people to a new place isn’t enough on its own. YPSA is an example of an organisation that also works on alternative livelihoods, helping families get back to making money while also getting better housing. These joint efforts keep people from having to rely on others for a long time, help them feel better mentally, and keep them from having to move again.
As climate disasters get worse, Bangladesh’s experience shows that strong homes, safe land, and job openings can make a big difference in people’s lives, even when there is a lot of climate risk.
Climate Displacement and Resettlement in Bangladesh
| Issue | Impact | Solution |
| Coastal erosion | Loss of land and homes | Planned resettlement |
| Cyclones | Repeated displacement | Climate-resilient housing |
| Poor sanitation | Health risks | Flood-safe toilets |
| Poverty | Debt cycles | Alternative livelihoods |
| Urban migration | Overcrowded cities | Safer rural settlements |
FAQs
Why are families moving from islands in Bangladesh?
Because erosion, cyclones, and flooding make island living unsafe and unsustainable.
How many people may be displaced by climate change?
About 13.3 million Bangladeshis by 2050, according to government estimates.
What makes climate-resilient houses different?
They are elevated, reinforced, storm-resistant, and designed to last decades.
Is resettlement better than emergency aid?
Yes. Resettlement provides long-term safety, dignity, and livelihood stability.
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