Bangladesh

Less poverty, more say: In Bangladesh, Switzerland is working to promote broader access for the population to resources, services and political decision-makers. Economic development in rural areas linked with more efficient local government is helping to reduce poverty. To promote sustainability, Switzerland is working closely with the private sector.

Bangladesh has made considerable progress in reducing poverty and today belongs to the category of lower-middle income economies. This very densely populated country, however, remains characterised by major social inequalities with a high proportion of poor people, especially in urban areas. Scarce resources and the negative effects of climate change are impacting everyday life in the country. Labour migration is a welcome alternative to the saturated local job market.

Swiss development cooperation aims to improve living conditions for poor and disadvantaged sections of the population. Within the framework of its international cooperation for the period 2018−21, Switzerland focuses on its engagement on economic development, more efficient local government and better protection for migrant workers. Aspects of good governance and human rights have an important role in this work. Giving disadvantaged population groups more say is expected to bring more social justice.

Democratic governance

Bringing local governments closer to the communities they serve

Swiss projects in the area of local governance are promoting the political participation of the local population and supporting local administrative structures in providing important services. The aim is to get citizens, local governments and service providers to work better together. The SDC is strengthening the voice of disadvantaged people through human rights projects. More say for citizens and increased accountability for state institutions are important for Bangladesh’s further economic development and social stability.

State and Economic Reforms

Economic development

Better market opportunities and higher incomes

Swiss support is helping market participants become better interconnected. Easier market access raises the incomes of poor producers and service providers and furthermore opens up new business opportunities. With its projects, the SDC is supporting rural populations, for example in milk processing, fishing and shrimp farming. At the same time, it is committed to achieving a fairer division of roles between men and women. In close cooperation with the private sector, vocational training helps in particular young people find jobs or work requiring better qualifications, including in the textiles industry. Switzerland aims to increase the private sector's contribution to poverty reduction by promoting social enterprises and insurance providers.

At the national level, Switzerland is active in promoting corporate social responsibility. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is taking an active part in efforts to improve working conditions especially in the textiles sector through supporting the Better Work Bangladesh programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO). In addition, Bangladesh benefits from customs exemptions for developing countries.

Private sector development and financial services

Safer labour migration

Going to one of the Gulf states, for example, as a migrant worker is a strategy that many people use in Bangladesh – a country struggling with overpopulation and a saturated job market. At the same time, remittances are an important source of income. Migrant workers, however, must be better prepared for the challenges and risks involved. In the interests of Bangladesh's sustainable development, Switzerland is actively working at the global, national and local levels to ensure that labour migration is safer. It is also committed to the social and economic reintegration of victims of human trafficking.

Migration 

Humanitarian aid

Emergency aid for refugees and with natural disasters

Switzerland provides humanitarian aid for the Rohingya refugees in the south-east of the country, particularly in the water and health sectors. It also supports local communities that have been affected by the refugee crisis and combines relief aid with medium-term development project where possible.

Natural disasters and climate change are making the living conditions of the people of Bangladesh more difficult. The SDC’s Humanitarian Aid Department supports those affected by natural disasters.

Humanitarian aid 

Approach and partners

Using a coherent and comprehensive approach, Switzerland is working closely with local authorities, other donor countries and international organisations such as the United Nations. The private sector is another important partner for Switzerland.

• Switzerland's main partners in Bangladesh are:
• Swiss NGOs:  Swisscontact, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
• International NGOs: Handicap International, Solidarités International
• Local NGOs: BRAC
• Ministries
• Local civil society organisations: Ain O Salish Kendra
• Swiss and local private sectors Multilateral organisations: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Labour Organization (ILO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), World Food Programme (WFP), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 

Cross-cutting themes

Switzerland consistently applies its gender policy in all projects and is committed to gender equality. Good governance principles are also taken into account in all Swiss programmes.