Ever since UNDP first arrived in Bangladesh in 1972, it has been a key facilitator in the country's remarkable development story - the progression from a war zone, beset by environmental and political instability, to an ever more dynamic, youthful, and resilient emerging economy with distinct promise.

The journey continues... UNDP stands by Bangladesh as it faces changed priorities - tackling climate change impacts and emerging environmental threats alongside taking steps to ensure that Bangladesh can make the most of its human potential. Challenges still remain although the country has made significant progress in promoting competent, effective institutions that respect fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

But what really portrays the journey are small personal stories. Stories of resilience, inner strength, and evidence of how a little push can make miles for people who are most in need for support.

Given below are 19 stories of such personal journeys.

FROM CURSE TO BLESSING

We were not sure if it was possible to grow crops or even rear fish in the salty water.

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WORKING FOR A BETTER FUTURE

While we were unhappy with the way things were going, we had no idea on how to turn around.

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SMART INVESTMENTS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

I thought my survival was at stake when I was grieving for my husband. Today, I know that I have managed to do well for myself.

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CARRYING ON THE SPIRIT OF THE LIBERATION WAR

This country got the opportunity to develop only because we liberated ourselves from the oppressing forces to build a future of our own.

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PRIORITISING SELF-RELIANCE

I decided to prioritise my own wellbeing to provide for my two children

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PATIENCE BEAR GOLDEN FRUIT

I still remember how helpless I felt to not be able to take proper care of myself and the baby inside my womb.

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RECOGNISING MYSELF, BECOMING MYSELF

I had to leave my home as my family was facing difficulties because of this.

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WOMEN UNITE FOR LASTING CHANGE

We could not feed our children, let alone send them to school. We had to venture out to other areas to find work.

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CONTENMENT IN SERVING MY VILLAGE

I used to pull rickshaws in the past, but I did not want that to be the end of the line for me.

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FOREST FOR THE PEOPLE, PEOPLE FOR THE FOREST

How do we protect the environment and co-exist with it responsibly?

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LIFE IS EASIER WITH ELECTRICITY

Quality of life has improved for people of all ages. The children can study at night.

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JUSTICE MADE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE

It was impossible to reason with him, when my mother tried to mediate the argument, he got violent.

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BUSINESS IS BETTER WHEN THERE IS AN ICE FACTORY AROUND

All my debts have been repaid, and we have been running the business successfully for fifteen years

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EQUALITY AT HOME AND LIFE

Sometimes I find her hard at work after returning from school, so I try to reduce her workload.

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OPENING UP MY MIND

I had to work hard and study hard to overcome the difficult hand that life has dealt me.

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ONE CALL TO ALTER THE COURSE OF LIFE

I have seen similar fates of my other friends and most of them suffered a lot after their marriage.

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EASE OF BUSINESS, EASE OF LIFE

My family was too poor to afford education for me when I was a child. When I initially decided on my business, I went door to door for loans

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RISING FROM THE ASHES

All of this is to educate my girls, so that they can have a better life and brighter future.

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ACCESS TO WATER CHANGES LIVES

After marriage, my husband died and I was left with a son to fend for myself.

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THE A2I JOURNEY How UNDP is Making Digital Innovation Work for the Poor

A2I WAS SET UP TO DISRUPT THE TRADITIONAL CIVIL SERVICE MINDSET

THE A2I JOURNEY
FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC UNDP's response and the unseen faces behind the lines

As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Bangladesh in March 2020, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) started working with the government, together with other UN Agencies to urgently and effectively respond to this unprecedented crisis, as part of its mission to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and build resilience.

FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC
BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES IN COX’S BAZAR

Following the rapid influx of an estimated 688,000 Rohingya, since August 2017 into Cox’s Bazaar there has been an immense strain on local government, infrastructure, services and the host population. UNDP in collaboration with the government, several UN Agencies, Financial Institutions, Funds and Programmes as well as local and international NGOs is working for a more resilient Cox’s Bazar district with improved capacity to respond to the Rohingya crisis.

BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES IN COX’S BAZAR