Pantho Rahaman
Dhaka, 29 July 2025:
BRAC, in partnership with the Government of Denmark, has launched a transformative initiative titled ‘Rain for Life’ to strengthen water security and climate resilience for over 90,000 people in climate-vulnerable coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Supported by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three-year project was formally launched at an inception workshop held at BRAC Centre in Dhaka. The initiative will be implemented across the upazilas of Assasuni (Satkhira), Mongla (Bagerhat), and Patharghata (Barguna).
Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Christian Brix Møller, praised the initiative as a shift toward “holistic, inclusive, and nature-based solutions” that reflect both Denmark’s commitment to sustainable development and Bangladesh’s leadership in climate action.
BRAC’s Executive Director Asif Saleh emphasised the urgency of linking water and food security, calling for frugal, sustainable, and community-led approaches to climate adaptation. “Communities are already adapting and innovating,” he noted, “With the right support, they can lead the way.”
Key speakers at the event included Planning Division Secretary Iqbal Abdullah Harun, who stressed the importance of prioritising adaptation, and Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, who called access to safe water a human right. Dr Nazmun Nahar Karim of BARC highlighted the project’s focus on women’s leadership in resilience-building.
The initiative will promote rainwater harvesting, surface water treatment, and climate-resilient agriculture. It also includes BRAC’s Amar Bon reforestation model, youth engagement, and Adaptation Clinics offering women farmers access to climate-smart tools and services.
Community voices from Mongla underscored the urgency, citing rising salinity and water scarcity. ‘Rain for Life’ aims to be a model for inclusive, scalable, and locally led climate adaptation.
Source: BRAC
