Where We Work
Sustainable Development Goals
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
No Poverty
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Reduced Inequalities
Partnership for The Goals
Bangladesh
Context
Country Statistics
Stories from the Ground
Pathway to Change
Local Partners
Context
Bangladesh recorded 31 violent extremist attacks and seven fatalities in 2018 and is currently ranked 31 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2019, an improvement on the previous year. However, shifts in recruitment tactics continue to present a challenge with recent attacks perpetrated by educated, urban, middle class youth. Since August 2017, Bangladesh has experienced an increase in forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals from Rakine State to Cox’s Bazar. As of January 2020, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimated the number had reached 915,000, with the majority reliant on humanitarian assistance.
Violent extremist groups are reportedly recruiting in refugee camps and youth idleness has been identified as a risk factor. Clashes between camp residents and the host community have raised tensions between the groups. Women have also been approached to help spread violent extremist messages in aid of recruitment.
In 2019, the government developed a National Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism strategy.
Country Statistics
Bringing local success to a global stage
Rupantar impressed the jury with their creative approach of using cultural performances to address sensitive social issues.
In awarding Rupantar an honorable mention, the jury noted Rupantar’s unique approach to complex issues.
“Rupantar is truly working at the grassroots- mobilising the most vulnerable in Bangladesh, including women and youth – to help build a vibrant democracy,” the former Prime Minister of Canada and Chair for the Global Pluralism Award Jury, Joe Clark, said.
Pathways to Change
GCERF invests in programming which aims to:
- Equip young people with the skills to mobilise, organise and represent their own interests when engaging with local authorities on topics that concern them.
- Provide skills training and opportunities for youth to participate in sporting competitions, debates and interfaith dialogues.
- Train religious leaders, journalists and local leaders on how to prevent violent extremism.
- Strengthen women’s resilience to violent extremism through courtyard meetings and awareness raising events.
- Disseminate messages of peace through radio and cultural performances.
Local Partners in Bangladesh
