Bangladesh

Bangladesh is transitioning into a middle-income country. With rapid economic development, urbanisation and climate vulnerability come a new set of challenges to livelihoods and well-being. Despite making significant strides in eradicating extreme poverty and rebounding after the Covid-19 pandemic, quality facilities in health, education and livelihoods are still inadequate.

Our focus areas

Mental health  
Suicide is the leading cause of death among Bangladeshi adolescents. Young men, women and girls, especially those in poor and marginalised communities, are particularly vulnerable. Most Bangladeshis have no access to mental health services, and they encounter stigma and social exclusion. 

Climate change 
Often referred to as ‘ground zero for climate change’, Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to floods, tidal surges and natural disasters, which in turn impact on the soil, water, food security and livelihoods. Impacts of climate change on agriculture are a global concern, but for Bangladesh where two thirds of the population are dependent on agriculture, the impacts could be catastrophic, threatening national food and water security and livelihoods. 

What we are doing

  • Mental health

    We are building partnerships with leading Bangladeshi mental health organisations to develop community-based services available to all. We are using tele and online counselling services to help people avoid mental health problems, encouraging those in need to seek support, and tackling stigma in the workplace and communities.

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  • Climate change resilience

    In response to the rapidly growing impact of the climate crisis, the British Asian Trust has launched our Climate Innovation Fund to invest in and scale innovative and sustainable solutions. The Fund aims to drive private sector growth in this space, as there is a big gap in financing climate smart initiatives.

    Climate Innovation Fund (10)

Key projects

  • Strengthening mental health support for ready-made garments workers in Bangladesh (2022-2024)

    This project aims to provide community based mental health support at the workplace by setting up a service providing support for mental health in the workplace and improve the mental wellbeing of 2,500 RMG factory workers, predominantly women, across five factories and mills.

    Bangladeshi Garments Workers One Woman Looking Back Over Shoulder
  • Mental health support for acid and burn survivors (2024)

    Our programme will provide comprehensive emotional and mental health support from professionals. The project helps to strengthen their mental health support through a community based approach.

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Latest news

  • Blogs

    From crisis to resilience: A call for action

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  • Blogs

    From Meetings to Milestones: A Promising Start in Bangladesh

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  • News & events

    Prime Bank to support local solutions with $300,000 contribution to British Asian Trust's Climate Innovation Fund

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  • News & events

    The British Asian Trust appoints first Bangladesh Director to lead exciting growth plans

    Eshrat Waris
  • News & events

    A new project to support acid attack survivors in Bangladesh

    Acid Survivors Foundation Cover
  • News & events

    Climate Innovation Fund and TRANSFORM partner for climate change

    Transform Climate Challenge
  • Case studies

    Mental health: Lipi’s story

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  • Blogs

    Insights from roundtable discussions on mental health and wellbeing support for RMG factory workers in Bangladesh

    Bangladesh Roundtable MH 2023 (4)
  • News & events

    British Asian Trust and SAJIDA Foundation launch Climate Innovation Fund in Bangladesh

    Climate Innovation Fund Card
  • News & events

    Mental health programme launched in Bangladesh garment industry factories

    Pioneering International Public Private Partnership To Focus On Mental Health Of Factory And Mill Workers In Bangladesh Garment Industry (2)