Facts & Figures
One of the most natural disasterprone countries in the world
One of the highest population density in the world: 1 237.51 persons/km2
The country hosts a large number of Rohingya refugees* coming from Myanmar Total EU* humanitarian aid to Bangladesh since 2007: €146 million including €11 million for 2016, out of which €2.7 million are for Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
Key messages
Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, exposed to a variety of natural disasters including cyclones, floods, earthquakes and landslides. A very high population density exacerbates the impact of localized disasters. Responding to the emergency and early recovery needs of people affected by recurrent natural disasters is an EU priority.
Bangladesh is an EU Flagship Country for Resilience, with a joint approach between humanitarian and development actions. Particular emphasis is put on three locations: Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox Bazar and Satkhira.
The Rohingya, an ethnic, religious and linguistic minority who are subjected to exclusion and discrimination in their home country of Myanmar, have sought refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh for over 30 years. EU funding provides basic life-saving support to over 45 000 unregistered Rohingya refugees living in the Kutupalong makeshift camp and Leda site. In addition, an estimated 200 000 refugees together with the local host communities also receive assistance from EU-funded projects.
An estimated 600 000 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition in Bangladesh, according to UNICEF. Addressing severe acute malnutrition in all humanitarian interventions is therefore essential, while at the same time joining up with longer-term support from development partners.
Following Tropical Cyclone “Roanu”, which brought heavy floods and mudslides affecting over 1.3 million people in mid-May 2016, the European Commission provided emergency support of €2.7 million.