Because of climate change, river erosion, rising sea levels, and severe droughts are constantly forcing thousands of people in Bangladesh to leave their homes and land. These climate migrants mainly move toward the capital, Dhaka, in search of work, causing population pressure on the capital city, Dhaka to exceed its carrying capacity.
To address this crisis, under Delta Plan 2100 in 2026 a strategic initiative has been launched to resettle affected people outside Dhaka and provide employment opportunities in other promising cities.
The severity of climate displacement: A recent international study found that about 200,000 people are permanently displaced each year from Bangladesh’s coastal areas. River erosion can render a family destitute overnight.
The vast population taking shelter in Dhaka’s slums is having severe negative impacts on the city’s environment, sanitation, and public health.
Secondary city development model: To protect Dhaka and give climate migrants a dignified life, cities such as Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Cox’s Bazar are being developed as climate‑resilient secondary cities.
- Green infrastructure: In a joint initiative by UNOPS and the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI), environmentally friendly and sustainable housing structures are being built in these cities.
- Local employment: Resettled communities are being trained for eco‑friendly small industries, afforestation projects, and modern aquaculture.
Providing displaced people with relief alone is not a permanent solution. If the Delta Plan’s decentralization policy can be successfully implemented, Bangladesh will be able to both cope with climate shocks and ensure balanced economic growth.
