Vulnerabilities of Disadvantaged Communities in Rural Bangladesh

Introduction
Disadvantaged rural communities in Bangladesh are struggling due to a lack of resources and
basic services, making them vulnerable to poverty and natural disasters. The focus is on specific
communities such as those living in char-land/riverine areas, haor lands, coastal areas, and ethnic
minorities. Selected Disadvantaged Communities:

1. People Living in Char-land/ Riverine:

2. People Living in Haor Land
3. Communities Living in Coastal Area
4. 4.Ethnic Minorities:

In these remote areas, there are no doctors, health centers, or necessary medicine stores, so
people suffering from critical illnesses are unable to access urgent medical treatment

1. People Living in Char-land/ Riverine:

Char-land/riverine areas are located in the floodplains of major rivers in Bangladesh, and are
home to some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the country. The communities
faces
● frequent flooding
● river erosion
● a lack of access to basic services
● According to a study by the World Bank, over 12 million people live in char-land areas in
Bangladesh, and around 70% of them are living below the poverty line.

1.1 Lack of Medical Services: People living in the riverine areas are facing extreme difficulties
due to a lack of medical services.
● Due to communication issues, patients are facing life-threatening complications
before reaching the hospital.
● In addition, impoverished patients are dying without treatment due to a lack of
financial resources
● In these remote areas, there are no doctors, health centers, or necessary medicine
stores, so people suffering from critical illnesses are unable to access urgent
medical treatment

1.2 Malnutrition and Child and Maternal Mortality : Furthermore, the health situation of
mothers and children is even more alarming. Malnutrition and the rate of child and maternal
mortality are increasing due to lack of awareness, and the lack of availability of family planning
methods in rural areas. In recent times, the rate of child birth in the villages of the district has
been increasing.

1.3 Lack of Availability of Family Planning Methods : The lack of availability of family
planning methods refers to the inadequate access to contraceptives and other methods of
controlling family size and birth spacing. Some points describing this issue are:

1.4 Limited access to Contraceptives: In many parts of the world, contraceptives are not readily
available or affordable. This limits individuals' ability to plan their families and can lead to
unintended pregnancies.

1.5 Lack of Education and Awareness: In some communities, there is a lack of education and
awareness about family planning methods. This can result in misconceptions and fears about
contraception, leading to a reluctance to use these methods.

1.6 Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Some cultural and religious beliefs may discourage the use
of family planning methods, further limiting individuals' options, specially in char land area
where literacy rate is low.

1.7 Prevalence of Child Marriage : due to the prevalence of child marriage, violence against
women and sexual harassment is also increasing at the family level in the district. As a result of
the increasing prevalence of child marriage, malnutrition, anemia, iodine deficiency, and
various diseases are also increasing in the rural areas of Gaibandha district, affecting mothers
and children who are unable to receive proper medical treatment due to the lack of resources
among local communities.

1.8 Climate and Environmental Vulnerability in Char-Land : Char land refers to the riverine
islands formed in the floodplains of major rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Meghna
in Bangladesh. These areas are vulnerable to a range of climate and environmental risks,
including:

● River Erosion: Char lands are particularly vulnerable to river erosion due to their
location in the floodplains of major rivers. During the monsoon season, heavy
rainfall and rising water levels can cause erosion of the riverbanks, which can lead
to displacement and loss of homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.

● Floods: Char lands are also at risk of frequent and severe floods. As the river
water levels rise, the islands become inundated, resulting in the loss of crops,
homes, and other infrastructure. The frequent flooding also damages the soil,
reducing its fertility and making it difficult for farmers to cultivate crops.
 ● Cyclones and Storm Surges: Char lands are highly vulnerable to tropical
cyclones and storm surges due to their low elevation and proximity to the Bay of
Bengal. These events can cause significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and
livelihoods on the islands.

2. People Living in Haor Land

Haor lands are large wetland areas located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. These
communities are often cut off from the rest of the country during the monsoon season, which
makes it difficult for them to access basic services such as healthcare and education.
● According to a study by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the poverty rate in the haor
areas is over 60%.
● In 2017, over 2.2 million people in the haor areas were affected by flash floods, which
destroyed crops and homes.

2.1 Vulnerability of People Living in Haor Land

During the winter months, Haor, a region surrounded by mesmerizing natural beauty, can appear
quite desolate with its dry, dusty walkways and endless crop fields stretching out for miles.
However, during the monsoon season, the narrow silvery rivulets that meander through the area
become swollen with water, causing them to flood the surrounding land and transforming the
landscape into a vast, aquatic wonderland that rivals the ocean.

A Story of Current Water Crisis In Moulvibazar's Haor Region

In Moulvibazar's Haor region, the current water crisis is causing great distress for farmers as
their rice crops suffer due to a lack of water. Rivers, canals, and ponds have all dried up,
leaving the farmers with no way to irrigate their fields. The locals are struggling to make ends
meet in the face of this crisis. The Haor Conservation Committee staged a human chain
demanding immediate action to address the water crisis in the Haor region, including
Moulvibazar. Dhakatimes24.com

2.2 Agriculture: The Main Driving Force of The Haor Region's Economy.
The people of Haor region are primarily farmers, and agriculture is the main driving force of the
region's economy. The food security in Bangladesh relies heavily on the agricultural sector, and
these farmers are the ones who contribute the most to it
2.3 Problematic Living Conditions of the Inhabitants of the Haor region:
(sudden floods, monsoon floods, shortage of irrigation water)

● Significant Risk to Life and Livelihoods : Vast population of the Haor region is plagued
by various problems and crises that seem to be an integral part of their lives. Almost
every year, sudden floods ravage the environment and pose a significant risk to life and
livelihood. The agricultural land in the Haor region remains submerged in water for about
six months a year due to the monsoon floods. Therefore, the farmers of the region heavily
rely on the Boro paddy crop, which is the only crop grown during the remaining six
months of the year. However, sudden floods can destroy Boro crops, reducing the
livelihoods of farmers.

● Sudden Floods: Sudden floods also affect the water retention capacity of the primary
rivers and canals, leading to a prolonged period of water discharge, which delays crop
cultivation. The decrease in water flow in the rivers and canals also leads to a permanent
shortage of irrigation water, exacerbating the water crisis.

● Lightning Strikes: Killing of Countless Farmers : Every year, lightning strikes kill
countless farmers in the marshes. As there is no compensation for the families of the
deceased farmers, these families lead miserable lives. It’s a common story in the haor
region.

● Increasing Cost of Harvesting Rice : Workers from other districts come to the marshes
to harvest rice. Suddenly, when there is an impending flood, the cost of harvesting rice
increases due to the shortage of labor. As there is no government market system, farmers
are forced to sell their rice under the control of the agriculture market syndicate.

2.4 Inadequate Communication System : In the vast marshy areas, travel during the dry season
is difficult as there are no roads, and it is very expensive to transport harvested crops to homes.
Local agricultural workers suffer because of this. Due to inadequate communication
infrastructure in the Haor region, the various problems of the rural community are exacerbated.
● Especially during the rainy season, all types of communication routes are cut off. During
the rainy season, mainly dinghies or other watercraft are used for transportation
● Even if there are dry weather communication methods, they are insufficient.

2.5 Education System

Due to the unfavorable environment of the Haor region, the education rate is comparatively low.
However, the current education rate is gradually increasing. The people of Haor are now
conscious about education and are making efforts to educate their children in higher education.
 ● The literacy rate in Sunamganj district is 49.75% (Data source: Bangladesh Bureau of
Statistics, 2014).
● There are around 45 primary schools and several educational institutions in the Tanguar
Haor and Shonir Haor areas, which are inadequate.

2.6 Lack of Diversity of Professions

In the Haor area, people mainly depend on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. Different
types of problems and risks have to be faced due to the diversity of professions. Therefore, in
order to solve professional problems, various types of training should be provided,

2.7 Lack of Clean Water : Although the water of the river may be abundant, the lack of clean
water is very noticeable. The absence of clean water in the area of the river leads to an
inadequate health system and malnutrition, as well as various waterborne diseases among the
population. Access to clean water through the installation of tube wells or other means is
extremely important to ensure verification of purity.

3. Communities Living in Coastal Area

Communities living in coastal areas are often affected by cyclones, tidal surges, and saltwater
intrusion.
● According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the poverty rate in the coastal areas is
over 40%.
● In 2020, Cyclone Amphan affected over 10 million people in the coastal areas, causing
widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

3.1 Vulnerability of People Living in Coastal Area: A Tale of Uncertain Life

Scarcity of Safe Drinking Water due to salinity

The people living in the sub-urban areas of the country are facing a threat to their way of life due
to the adverse effects of the salinity crisis and the climate change caused by it. The scarcity of
safe drinking water due to salinity has been seen as a major issue. Without addressing this
problem, there are various impacts on biodiversity, including the disappearance of vegetation and
crops, and reduced agricultural production.

Skin Diseases and various Health Problems : Due to Saline Water : The biggest obstacle for
the progress of children in the sub-district is salinity. If salinity and other issues persist in the
sub-district, it will be difficult to sustain the population there. The use of saline water for
drinking and bathing is causing skin diseases and various health problems among children.
Children from poor families in the coastal areas are suffering from common problems such as
scabies, ringworm, and lice. Due to drinking saline water, children from impoverished families
are suffering from diarrhea, stomach problems, and other illnesses.

In the long run, unconsciousness due to suffering from these problems can lead to the death of
children. Considering all aspects, the health of children in the coastal areas is at risk.

3.2 Climate change and coastal regions

Climate change is affecting not only human settlements but also the lives of the inhabitants of the
coastal regions.

3.3 People are losing Their Homes : Due to the effects of climate change, people are losing their
homes and being forced to move from one place to another. In the education sector, students are
facing obstacles due to climate change. The life and livelihood of the people of the coastal region
of Satkhira, the southern-western part of the country, are under threat due to the adverse effects
of climate change.

3.4 Abandoning Their Ancestral Homes: Over the past few decades, due to the sea-level rise,
the low-lying areas are being submerged. In addition, every year, this region is affected by
cyclones or tidal surges, along with saltwater intrusion, which has put human assets and the
economy of the area at risk. Thousands of coastal inhabitants are being forced to abandon their
ancestral homes and move elsewhere to survive, as they are unable to fight against the rivers and
nature.

3.5 Malnutrition among children in the coastal region: The rate of malnutrition among children
in the 14 districts of the coastal region is already a concern. The people of the coastal region are
struggling with the adverse effects of climate change. When the lives and livelihoods of the
people there are in crisis, it naturally affects the children as well. Due to not having enough
nutritious food, the children in the coastal region are suffering from various long-term problems.

Reduced Crop Production: Nearly 25% of Bangladesh is coastal areas. More than 10 lakh
hectares of land in 18 districts of this area are affected by varying degrees of salinity. This
salinity is the main barrier to increasing crop production in this area.

3.6 Tropical Cyclones in Coastal Area :

Bangladesh is vulnerable to tropical cyclones due to its location on the Bay of Bengal. Some of
the deadliest tropical cyclones that have affected Bangladesh in recent years include:
 ● Cyclone Sidr (2007): One of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal,
Cyclone Sidr made landfall in southwestern Bangladesh on November 15, 2007. It caused
widespread damage and killed around 3,500 people.

● Cyclone Nargis (2008): Although Cyclone Nargis made landfall in Myanmar, it also
affected Bangladesh, causing severe flooding and damage to infrastructure and crops.
The cyclone killed over 138,000 people in Myanmar and over 1,000 in Bangladesh.

● Cyclone Aila (2009): Cyclone Aila hit southwestern Bangladesh on May 25, 2009,
causing extensive damage and killing over 330 people. The storm surge from the cyclone
caused flooding that affected around 3 million people.

"The main reason for the displacement of coastal residents is the uncertainty of their settlement.
If there is a strong embankment, at least people will have a sense of security. With that certainty,
the tendency to move elsewhere will decrease."

Ainun Nishat, Emeritus Professor, BRAC University.

4. Ethnic Minorities
Ethnic minorities in Bangladesh face multiple forms of discrimination, which often limit their
access to basic services and economic opportunities, 80% of them live below the poverty line.

4.1 The vulnerability of Ethnic Minorities

Approximately 1.25 percent of Bangladesh's population consists of around two million people
belonging to 27 officially recognized ethnic minority groups. These groups can be broadly
categorized into two categories. The first group resides in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in
the southeastern Chattogram Division. The second group resides in the northern divisions and
are often referred to as plainland ethnic groups.

"Indigenous people are decreasing, culture is disappearing."

The indigenous population is decreasing, and their culture is disappearing. Many believe that the
state and Bengali nationalism are also responsible for this situation.
● In the past 64 years, 10 small ethnic communities have lost two lakh and 164 acres of
land.
4.2 Culture is Disappearing : The indigenous people are not the only ones disappearing, their
culture is also disappearing because many of their festivals and productions are linked to
agriculture. Sometimes, under the guise of eco-parks or power generation, their homes have been
removed from forests, nature, and shifting cultivation. They have been obstructed from forests,
nature, and shifting cultivation. As a result, they have lost their autonomy.

4.3 Preservation of Their Land : Preserving their land is the primary concern for the ethnic
communities living in the plain areas of Bangladesh.

"We were fooled and cheated out of our own lands. These days we don't have the proper
ownership of our lands. I can't sell my land because my papers and documents aren't ready."

SANTAL MAN FROM RAJSHAHI.

● They have historically been manipulated out of their land by government officials and
local people, and often do not have proper legal documentation to claim their rights.
● Many ethnic communities paid land taxes but did not keep records, and when their lands
were put up for auction, they had no way to claim their rights.
● Their land was taken by the government after Bangladesh's independence in 1971.

4.4 Difficult Living Conditions, (including poor housing, unsafe drinking water and
insecurity)

● Unsafe drinking water: The lack of consistent access to safe drinking water is a major
issue, as contaminated water can lead to a host of waterborne diseases. It is encouraging
to hear that some communities, such as the Santal, have periodic checks on their water
quality, but more needs to be done to ensure that all communities have access to safe
drinking water.

● Houses made of mud: The fact that many houses are made of mud, tin, or thatched
material is a clear indication that the housing conditions are not up to par.

● Poverty: Poverty is a significant contributing factor to social problems in these

communities. Lack of income leads to a lack of access to education, which perpetuates
the cycle of poverty. Additionally, the incentive to marry off daughters at a young age
due to financial difficulties is deeply concerning.

4.5 Social Discrimination: Despite growing acceptance, plainland ethnic groups face social
ostracism and discrimination from mainstream Bengali society in Bangladesh.
 ● Bengalis refusing to eat or interact with ethnic people, and providing different cups or
plates at restaurants or picnics.
● Ethnic minorities also face mockery, with Santals being ridiculed for their dark skin,
Garos for their Asian facial features, and Manipuris for their poor Bangla pronunciation.
● Garo students are insulted by teachers, and many Bengalis view them as outsiders rather
than Bangladeshi citizens.

4.6 Poor Government services to Ethnic Minorities :

Ethnic minority communities in Bangladesh face challenges in accessing government services
and benefits due to discrimination and remote locations. Participants have complained about the
poor quality of healthcare services and lack of medication in community clinics. Discrimination
based on ethnicity and class is also prevalent in the provision of healthcare services.

4.7 Ignored and Unrepresented by the Political System :

According to the report, plainland ethnic communities in Bangladesh feel ignored and
unrepresented by the political system.
● Do not provide sufficient support to ethnic communities: participants reported that
politicians, political parties, and local government officials do not provide sufficient
support to ethnic communities, and only visit during election campaigns, disappearing
afterward. After elections, ethnic communities also struggle to get the attention of local
government officials.

5. Vulnerabilities of the Disadvantaged Communities in Rural Bangladesh

People Living in People Living in Communities Living .Ethnic Minorities:

Char-land/ Riverine Haor Land in Coastal Area

Lack of Medical Significant Risk to Scarcity of Safe Culture is

Services Life and Livelihoods : Drinking Water due Disappearing
to salinity

Malnutrition and Sudden Floods: Skin Diseases and Preservation of Their

Child and Maternal various Health Land
Mortality Problems : Due to
Saline Water

Lack of Availability Lightning Strikes: Climate change and

of Family Planning Killing of Countless coastal regions Difficult Living
Methods Farmers Conditions,

Limited access to Increasing Cost of People are losing Unsafe drinking

Contraceptives: Harvesting Rice Their Homes : water
 ● Unsafe
drinking water
● Houses made
of mud:
● Poverty

Lack of Education Inadequate Abandoning Their Social

and Awareness Communication Ancestral Homes: Discrimination:
System

Cultural and Education System Malnutrition among Poor Government

Religious Beliefs: children in the coastal services to Ethnic
region Minorities :

Prevalence of Child Lack of Diversity of

Marriage : Professions Reduced Crop Ignored and
Production: Unrepresented by the
Political System :

Climate and Lack of Clean Water Tropical Cyclones in

Environmental Coastal Area :
Vulnerability in ● Cyclone Sidr
Char-Land : (2007)
● River Erosion: ● Cyclone
● Floods Nargis (2008)
● Cyclones and ● Cyclone Aila
Storm Surges: (2009):

Lack of Diversity of
Professions

In a nutshell it can be said that the ethnic minorities in Bangladesh face various challenges,
including discrimination, marginalization, and limited access to basic services such as
education and healthcare. Additionally, land grabbing and forced displacement are also
significant issues affecting the ethnic minority communities, particularly in the Chittagong Hill
Tracts region.

※References
1. https://www.iri.org/
2. https://old.dhakatimes24.com/2016/03/09/104992
3. https://sunamganjerkhobor.com/
4. https://www.prothomalo.com/
5. https://bangla.thedailystar.net/