Because of the power of social media and the youth spirit in Bangladesh, the narratives of recent floods and the affected communities were given an immediate and warranted spotlight. It riled people like me to work towards supporting affected communities.
The recent floods in Bangladesh, triggered by relentless monsoon rains and upstream waters, have become one of the most severe flood crises the country has faced in recent times. Nearly six million people have been affected, and entire communities have been left stranded without food, clean water, or shelter.
I visited flood-affected communities, including the most affected Feni district. The sight that greeted me as I made my way through the flood-ravaged communities of Feni was distressing. Once vibrant and full of life, the landscape had transformed into a desolate, waterlogged expanse. Homes lay submerged, livelihoods destroyed, and people grappled with an overwhelming sense of loss.
As I travelled from Dhaka to flood affected areas, a journey that spanned only hours yet felt like an eternity, the devastation became more evident. Amid this chaos, I was struck by the resilience of the affected communities and the extraordinary spirit of youth volunteers who were tirelessly working to provide critical support.
In one submerged shelter, I met Aftab Uddin, a farmer, who shared his harrowing experience. "The flood came so quickly; it felt like a tidal wave … My wife and I climbed onto a makeshift platform inside our house. We had no food and couldn't call anyone because there was no electricity. I have lost everything -- my home, assets, sanitation, everything." Aftab Uddin’s only income source is gone, and now he needs to start from scratch.
This is not just the story of Aftab Uddin; it's the story of millions of people whose lives have been turned upside down by this disaster. As floodwaters slowly begin to recede, the devastation's full extent becomes more apparent.
According to an Oxfam needs assessment report, over 90% of the population in Fulgazi, Feni Sadar, Senbag, and Kobirhat areas of Feni and Noakhali districts have been severely impacted, with nearly half of the homes destroyed and all sanitation and water facilities rendered unusable. Open defecation has become a norm in many communities, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.
The situation remains dire. For the flood-affected communities, immediate support in the form of safe drinking water, food packages, hygiene kits, and cash assistance is urgently needed. But the path to recovery will be long. Mid-term solutions like repairing homes and restoring water and sanitation infrastructure must be prioritized. At the same time, long-term efforts must focus on building resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, shelters, and sustainable income-generating activities.
This is not just the story of Aftab Uddin; it's the story of millions of people whose lives have been turned upside down by this disaster
According to Kader Joardar, a fish farmer who had invested his savings and taken out loans to build a prosperous future, "I had put everything into my pond, but when the floods came, I watched helplessly as all my fish floated away. People were catching them on the streets. My entire livelihood is gone.” Kader's story is a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of this disaster -- not just the immediate damage but the long-term challenges communities like his will face.
In times like these, we look not only to humanitarian organizations, but also to the global Bangladeshi diaspora for support. With an estimated 2.4 million Bangladeshi diaspora members living in countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada, collective action has immense potential.
According to research by IOM Bangladesh, diaspora members contribute significantly to Bangladesh's development through remittances and investments, amounting to billions of dollars annually. Beyond financial contributions, they possess the skills, knowledge, and resources to help communities back home recover and rebuild.
In times of crisis like this, collective strength can make a significant difference. This is a call to action for every member of the Bangladeshi diaspora. Your support -- whether through donations, sharing expertise, or rallying your communities -- can bring hope to millions struggling to survive and rebuild.
I urge our diaspora communities to support the affected communities in the mid-term and long term, working for the people in need. You can support them individually or through an organizations like Oxfam. The organization has launched an emergency flood appeal, and every contribution will go directly to support those in the most affected regions.
Reflecting on my journey through these flood-stricken areas, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of the people I met. From the youth volunteers working tirelessly to distribute relief to the families who have lost everything yet continue to hold onto hope, there is a spirit of determination that cannot be ignored. But they cannot do it alone. They need us -- every one of us -- to stand with them.
Let's stand in solidarity with Bangladesh and let our collective action bring hope where it's needed most.
Md Sariful Islam is Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media (ICAM), Oxfam in Bangladesh.
