Practical Action in Bangladesh

22/04/2026

From the ground up, our power shapes the planet we share. This International Mother Earth Day, let’s move beyond awareness and turn responsibility into action that protects, restores, and sustains. 🌏

Because big change starts with us!

20/04/2026

As floods continue to challenge vulnerable communities in Faridpur, efforts are underway to make early warning systems more practical, accessible, and action-oriented.

Under the Zurich Climate Resilience Programme, Practical Action in Bangladesh organised a day-long simulation exercise on a Flag-Based Flood Early Warning System at North Channel Union. The system is powered by the Dynamic Flood Risk Model, developed by the Institute of Water and Flood Management at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), which translates complex flood forecasting data into five simple risk levels represented by flags. Each level is directly linked with clear anticipatory actions, enabling communities to understand risks and respond before floods hit.

The simulation brought together representatives from local government, the Department of Disaster Management, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, emergency responders, technical experts, volunteers, and community members. Through scenario-based exercises, participants practiced coordination, decision-making, and response actions under different flood risk situations.

This initiative shows how bridging science with local understanding can turn early warnings into early action, helping communities prepare better and reduce the impacts of floods.

20/04/2026

In Faridpur, Practical Action in Bangladesh is driving a circular economy by turning a plastic crisis into a valuable resource. Through the “Increasing Employment by Creating Value from Plastic Waste in Bangladesh” project, supported by the Danida Market Development Partnerships (DMDP), innovative pyrolysis technology is transforming everyday plastics into alternative fuel. This not only helps clear our streets but also creates new income opportunities for municipal waste workers.

But infrastructure relies on community action. Every piece of plastic left behind is a danger to our furry friends. 🐾 It’s a harsh reality, but the solution is entirely in our hands. Find out how local recycling efforts are fighting plastic pollution, and how your everyday choices can save lives.

Let’s clean up our act!

17/04/2026

Dr. Ziauddin Haider, Advisor (Health) to the BNP Chairperson and a renowned public health expert, recently visited our Faridpur plant as part of his ongoing drive to transform waste into energy. His visit reflects a growing momentum in Bangladesh to explore sustainable waste management solutions that can address both environmental and energy challenges.

Advocate Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin was also present during the visit, bringing her experience as the Administrator of Barishal City Corporation, where she has been leading initiatives to turn waste into energy after taking on her responsibilities. Their presence highlights the importance of collaboration between policy leaders, city authorities, and practitioners on the ground.

At Practical Action, this work continues to demonstrate how local innovation and practical solutions can turn everyday waste into valuable resources for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

16/04/2026

As climate impacts continue to shape everyday realities, local communities are witnessing a powerful surge of energy and leadership from young people ready to make a difference. Through a structured training programme on early warning awareness and community-designed resilience planning, implemented by Practical Action and supported by Forster Communications, these young resilience agents are building the skills, confidence, and local knowledge to respond to climate shocks before they hit hardest.

This latest blog post, written by M Tariqul Hasan Rifat. and Rafsan Ahmed from Practical Action, captures key moments from this journey. Their reflections highlight how locally grounded training is translating climate knowledge into real action, positioning young people as vital contributors to building more resilient communities.

🔗 Read the full blog here

Practical Action – brought together 125 young people from Bangladesh's most climate-exposed communities for a residential training programme.

16/04/2026

Our Country Director, Ishrat Shabnam, recently featured on Maasranga Ranga Shokal to share her journey and the impactful work happening across Bangladesh. From waste-to-wealth solutions like plastic recycling and pyrolysis, to advancing climate resilience, clean cooking, and supporting the next generation of green entrepreneurs, she highlights how innovation can drive meaningful social change.

🎥 Watch the full interview here:

রাঙা সকালের আজকের অতিথি প্রাকটিক্যাল অ্যাকশন বাংলাদেশ-এর কান্ট্রি ডিরেক্টর ইশরাত শবনম ।প্রাকটিক্যাল অ্যাকশন ব....

15/04/2026

As we conclude our “Towards Zero Waste Bangladesh: Community, Innovation, and Responsibility" campaign today, we’re spotlighting the intersection of technology and sustainability. At Practical Action, we believe that "waste" is simply a resource waiting for its second act.

Through localised innovation and mechanical recycling, Practical Action in Bangladesh is redefining plastic waste as a resource for modern design. From pen holders on desks to tables, plastic is being transformed into practical design solutions. Even the waste bins are made from recycled waste, bringing the idea full circle.

This is more than just recycling; it is a demonstration of the Circular Economy in action. By localising these technologies, we aren't just cleaning up our cities, we are highlighting that sustainable production is viable and beautiful.

The campaign may be ending, but our commitment to a Zero Waste Bangladesh is just beginning.

The journey continues, with small steps leading to big change. ♻️

14/04/2026

As we reach Day 16 of our “Towards Zero Waste Bangladesh: Community, Innovation, and Responsibility” campaign, we’re resharing our story to highlight how waste can be turned into opportunity through practical solutions on the ground.

This initiative reflects how plastic waste, when managed differently, can create value, support livelihoods, and contribute to a more circular system. It’s a simple shift in perspective, but one that carries real impact.

Zero waste is not something that happens overnight. It grows through ideas that work, people who act, and systems that evolve.

Let’s keep building on what’s already taking shape. 🌍♻️

“Increasing Employment by Creating Value from Plastic Waste in Bangladesh” is Practical Action’s initiative to build a responsible and profitable recycling market for thin single-use plastic that previously had no commercial value.

The project connects informal waste workers, recycling systems, and end users, transforming discarded plastic into pyrolysis oil, an affordable alternative fuel.

Waste collectors now earn BDT 25 per kilogram, while farmers benefit from lower fuel costs.

By improving working conditions, creating dignified jobs, and reducing plastic pollution, the initiative is turning waste into opportunity.

From plastic waste to green livelihoods!



©Practical Action. All rights reserved. Unauthorised use of this photo is strictly prohibited.

14/04/2026

The final countdown is here.

Tomorrow we launch the official Practical Action Asia Instagram page, and today we’re sharing our last countdown video with Dr. Ayan Banerjee, Asia Regional Director of Practical Action.

Through this new page, we will share stories from across Asia, from the people we work with, the partnerships we build, and the practical solutions that help create change in communities every day.

This is our final step before launch, and we’re excited to begin this journey with you.

Thank you for following the countdown. We’re almost there!

14/04/2026

শুভ হোক নতুন বছরের প্রতিটি পথচলা!

13/04/2026

Meet Ishrat Shabnam, Country Director of Practical Action Bangladesh office.

With a long career across international NGOs and government, Shabnam contributes to strengthening Practical Action’s presence in Bangladesh. Her work supports impact across clean energy, waste management, including plastic and tannery waste, nature-based solutions in farming, and coastal resilience. She brings people, partnerships, and ideas together so communities lead the change.

More stories like hers are coming with the launch of Practical Action Asia’s Instagram.

Follow, engage, and be part of the journey!

শুভ নববর্ষ 🌸

13/04/2026

♻️ Day 15 | Towards Zero Waste Bangladesh

This morning at Chandrima Udyan brought ideas and action into the same space. What we often talk about- reducing waste and rethinking habits, felt real, visible, and within reach.

The day opened with remarks from Ishrat Shabnam, Country Director of Practical Action in Bangladesh, and Shamsul Arefin, Thematic Lead – Urban Resilience, focusing on practical solutions that connect to everyday realities. A meaningful part of the day came from young minds, with one of the winners from the nationwide zero waste competition presenting their “Magic Cooker” concept, a simple yet thoughtful idea that highlights how much potential often goes unnoticed.

The demonstrations moved the focus from theory to practice. By exploring kitchen waste and simple ways to reuse common materials, the sessions showed that zero waste is achievable through small, manageable shifts in daily habits.

The presence of health-conscious individuals, waste collectors, students, and journalists added another layer of energy and perspective to the day, bringing together voices that are essential to building a more responsible future.

The day concluded with the celebration of the nationwide competition winners. Their creativity and vision for a zero-waste country reflect a growing awareness and a steady shift towards a cleaner Bangladesh. We are thankful to all who participated in the competition.

The journey towards a cleaner, more responsible future continues!