Caritas Bangladesh started relief and rehabilitation activities in 1970 after a devastating cyclone to the coastal areas of the country. It has been at the forefront of relief efforts in the wake of repeated floods and cyclones to which this low-lying country is prone.

Its ability to move quickly in the aftermath of disaster was demonstrated when Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh in 2007, killing more than 3,000 people and leaving millions in need of food, shelter and medical aid. Staff distributed food aid and water as well as blankets, tarpaulins and mosquito nets.

But the agency also has a sharp focus on disaster preparedness and prevention, building low-cost homes, rebuilding roads and creating protective embankments.

The main factor of the country’s economy is agriculture, but this sector cannot sustain the high demand for work and this has contributed to widespread poverty.

• Employment and income generation. Rebuilding roads and building bridges, drains and wells, thus helping create the means for self-sufficiency in communities;
• Education. Teacher training, literacy programme for children, and a project whereby schools are locally managed with support from Caritas;
• Community health and family planning. Awareness-raising on reproduction and child-health issues, education in HIV/AIDS, and a project helping people with special needs to access education and learn new trades.