- Environment - The ever looming threat of climate change gives particular cause for concern for the 63 million Bangladeshi's who live below the poverty line, largely in makeshift shelters. Almost 75% of the population is dependent on subsistence farming and families are often forced to cultivate and live on flood-prone land. The devastation from increasingly frequent cyclones and floods has slowed economic development and had devastating and long-term consequences on these vulnerable communities, who are unable to take advantage of the economic opportunities available. The loss of homes, lives and livelihoods, combined with the threat of water-borne diseases, creates immense need for assistance.
- Public services – Although Bangladesh has done well to meet headline Millennium Development Goals, there are some apprehensions over the quality and durability of efforts beyond face value. Furthermore, where service standards have progressed forward in great leaps and bounds, there are grounds for concern over the potential for ever-widening inequality in access. Not unique to Bangladesh, this is a familiar byproduct of the growth process which must not be overlooked if all-inclusive poverty reduction is to be attained.
Sources:
CIA WorldFact Book - https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html
UNDP - http://www.bd.undp.org/content/bangladesh/en/home/countryinfo/
Official Bangladesh website - http://www.bangladesh.com/