Against Exploitation, for a Future in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is among the countries with the most precarious working conditions worldwide. Millions of people – including many women and children – toil in informal jobs without contracts, wage security, or social protection. Solidar Suisse advocates in Bangladesh for living wages, safe working conditions, and against child labor – especially in the leather industry and in particularly vulnerable communities.

Challenges in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated and at the same time most vulnerable countries in the world – politically, economically, and ecologically. Most jobs are in the informal sector: without contracts, without protection, and without social rights. Women, children, day laborers, and internal migrants are particularly affected by exploitation. Although poverty in Bangladesh has decreased significantly in recent years, the country still faces major social challenges. Homelessness – especially among young people – remains a serious issue, and there is an immense need for investment in basic services and infrastructure.

Working Conditions in the Leather Industry

The leather industry is Bangladesh’s second-largest export sector after textiles – with serious social and environmental consequences. In tanneries in particular, but also in the production of shoes and leather goods, many workers are exposed to toxic chemicals, extreme heat, and a lack of protective measures. Trade union organization is often discouraged, and rights related to safety and fair wages are systematically violated. Women are frequently employed in the lowest and least protected positions.

Widespread Child Labor

Due to the difficult economic situation of many families, children often have to help contribute to the household income. Around 1.77 million children in Bangladesh are engaged in child labor. Jobs in metal factories, fish processing, and shipbreaking are among the most dangerous. Child labor not only means a loss of education but also carries a high risk of exploitation, abuse, and lasting health damage.

Climate Crisis and the World of Work

Bangladesh is one of the countries most severely affected by climate change. Cyclones, floods, soil erosion, and rising sea levels are destroying livelihoods – especially in rural areas. Millions of people are migrating inland or to the cities – mostly without prospects and limited to informal, poorly paid work. The climate crisis is worsening exploitation, particularly for women, children, and those working in the informal sector.

  • Life expectancy: 72 years  Average life expectancy in Switzerland: 83.6 years
  • Literacy rate: 73.9%  Literacy rate among adults in Switzerland: 99.9 %
  • Gini index (income inequality): 32.4  The Gini-Index measures the degree of income inequality: The higher the number, the more inequality. Switzerland: 32.7

Solidar Suisse in Bangladesh: Development and Cooperation

Solidar Suisse is active in Bangladesh in the field of development and cooperation. On one hand, we support leather workers: this economic sector is plagued by disastrous working conditions, both in terms of health and basic rights. Workers receive training on occupational safety, health protection, and labor rights. Trade unions and community groups are strengthened to better enforce workers’ rights and protect communities from severe environmental pollution.

On the other hand, Solidar Suisse, together with its local partner YPSA, launched the innovative “Free Kids” project to sustainably combat child labor. This project aims to protect children working in the fisheries and metal factory sectors, as well as in shipbreaking, in the districts of Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram from hazardous working conditions. In line with the national action plan to eliminate child labor by 2025, the project not only promotes child protection but also supports children through educational programs and awareness-raising efforts to improve their long-term future.

Climate Adaptation and Environmental Responsibility

Both projects also emphasize environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and improved disaster preparedness in factories, on construction sites, and within communities. Extreme heat and prolonged droughts on the one hand, and heavy rainfall with flash floods on the other, demand new safety measures for workers, functioning wastewater treatment systems, and environmentally responsible disposal of toxic production waste. The necessary changes in production should not come at the expense of workers, but follow the principle of a “Just Transition” – a fair transformation in which workers are actively involved, informed, and trained. Since the end of 2024, the SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation) office in Bangladesh has been providing additional funding to support this focus area in both projects.

In the area of humanitarian aid, Solidar Suisse supported Rohingya refugees living in camps in the east of the country from 2017 to 2023. A key part of our humanitarian assistance also targeted the host communities. The Bangladeshi population living near the camps has been heavily affected by the arrival of the refugees.

Projects

Fight against Child Labor in Bangladesh

Solidar Suisse creates new opportunities for children who are forced to work and supports their families by providing training and educational opportunities.

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Support for the People in Bangladesh

Your financial support helps improve the lives of the poorest people in Bangladesh.

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