Bangladesh
Bangladesh is navigating economic transition, institutional fragility, and intensifying environmental pressures, and lasting progress depends on stronger, more responsive systems.
We work with government, civil society, businesses, researchers, and community leaders to strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunity, and generate evidence for better policy. In Bangladesh, we build on long-standing local partnerships to advance practical reforms and open new pathways to a more resilient, just, and sustainable future.
Impact
Women garment workers supported
Across Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, workers have been equipped with future-ready skills, financial literacy, and access to workplace and social protection systems.
Individuals trained in digital safety and cybersecurity
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members expanded their digital safety and cybersecurity awareness to participate more securely in Bangladesh’s growing digital economy.
Recovered for migrant workers
Unpaid wages and compensation retrieved through stronger grievance systems and local justice mechanisms.
Districts reached nationwide
Governance and civic engagement initiatives strengthened accountability, civic participation, and locally led reform efforts across the country.
Building a Better Public Sector in Bangladesh
Featured Programs
Equipping Women Workers with Advanced Skills
We help women garment workers in Bangladesh build skills and access services and support to adapt to technological and environmental change in the industry.
Helping Governance Systems Better Serve Citizens
In Bangladesh, we help public systems better protect migrant workers, support journalists, and make governance reforms work for citizens.
Mobilizing Women and Youth for Environmental Action
The Green Voices program supports women, youth, and grassroots groups to lead environmental resilience efforts in Bangladesh. Supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and working through the SheRAA platform—a network of 100 women- and youth-led organizations—the program strengthens organizational capacity, supports environmental entrepreneurship, and helps connect local priorities to national policy conversations.
Strengthening Digital Safety for Small Businesses
Supported by Google.org, the APAC Cybersecurity Fund supports micro, small, and medium enterprises in Bangladesh by strengthening cybersecurity awareness and digital safety practices. Working with SAJIDA Foundation, it combines in-person training and online learning to help entrepreneurs identify risks, protect their operations, and participate more securely in the digital economy. To date, the program has provided cybersecurity training to more than 63,850 individuals, helping small businesses protect their operations and participate more securely in the digital economy.
Turning Waste into Economic Opportunity
The Waste into Resource initiative supports Bangladesh’s leather sector by turning tannery solid waste into environmentally compliant, value-added byproducts. Working with government agencies, industry associations, and small and medium enterprises, the program strengthens compliance, market linkages, and entrepreneurship, helping reduce pollution while creating business opportunities and sustainable livelihoods in the leather value chain.
Training Student Cyber Defenders
The APAC Cybersecurity Clinic program supports small businesses and nonprofits by embedding practical cybersecurity clinics and training within universities. Funded by Google.org, the program works with North South University to train students in digital hygiene, risk assessment, and incident response while providing pro bono support, building the cyber workforce and helping organizations strengthen data protection and operate more safely in Bangladesh’s digital economy.
Read More on Bangladesh
Country Leadership
CONTACT US
The Asia Foundation in Bangladesh
bangladesh.general@asiafoundation.org
+880 (2) 4108-1821