Bangladesh continues to face immense challenges with poverty and hunger, but together we are helping families build a path to self-reliance.
According to the World Bank, 20.5% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2019. In 2022, 2.7% of the employed population earned below $1.90 a day, one of the lowest global thresholds for survival. Poverty is not only financial — it is measured in lives. For every 1,000 babies born in Bangladesh in 2021, 27 did not survive beyond their fifth birthday, with hunger and malnutrition among the leading causes. Families caught in this cycle often lack opportunities to break free, passing hardship from one generation to the next.
As part of As-Salaam Foundation’s commitment to empower vulnerable communities, we launched initiatives in Bangladesh designed to offer families sustainable livelihoods and restore dignity.
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10 milk cows were distributed to families in greatest need. Each cow is more than an animal — it is a lifeline. Families now have access to milk for their children and the ability to sell surplus milk in the local market, generating a steady income. This means school fees can be paid, medicine can be purchased, and food can be placed on the table consistently.
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20 determined women enrolled in a comprehensive 10-week sewing course, equipping them with valuable tailoring skills. At the end of their training, each woman was gifted a brand new sewing machine. For these women, the machine is not just a tool — it is a symbol of independence. They can now offer tailoring services from home, earn a sustainable income, and contribute to household expenses with dignity.
The impact has been transformational. Families who once struggled to afford a single meal now see the possibility of stable livelihoods. Women who had little opportunity for financial independence are now entrepreneurs, able to support their children’s education and reduce the pressure of poverty.
This project demonstrates how small investments can lead to lasting change. A cow or a sewing machine may seem simple, but for a family in need, it is the key to breaking free from the vicious cycle of hunger and dependency.
