Protect Name: Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for River Erosion-Affected Communities in Shariatpur.
Project Title: Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for River Erosion-Affected Communities in Shariatpur.
Project Code: Start Fund Bangladesh – ALERT B065
Implementing Organization: SDS (Shariatpur Development Society)
Supporting Agency: Start Fund Bangladesh
Location: Sattar Madbor Kandi (Majhir Ghat), Zanjira Upazila, Shariatpur District
Project Duration: 16-07-2025 – 31-08-2025
1. Background
River erosion in Shariatpur District continues to displace hundreds of families each year, resulting in the loss of homes, assets, and livelihoods. In response to the immediate humanitarian needs of the erosion-affected families, SDS, with the support of Start Fund Bangladesh, implemented an emergency assistance project to provide urgent relief and support to the most vulnerable communities in Zanjira Upazila.
2. Objectives
The main objectives of the project were:
• To provide emergency cash assistance to enable families to meet their urgent needs.
• To distribute hygiene kits to promote safe practices, protect health, and maintain dignity in crisis situations.
• To initiate household-level shelter needs assessments for future recovery and rehabilitation planning.
• To ensure transparency, accountability, and safeguarding throughout the implementation process.
3. Achievements
3.1 Emergency Cash Assistance
Total Families Reached: 151 erosion-affected households
Amount Distributed: BDT 6,000 per household via bKash
Purpose: Allowed families to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and temporary shelter materials according to their needs.
3.2 Hygiene Kit Distribution
Each family received a hygiene package worth BDT 1,600, containing 12 essential items:
1. Bath soap – 5 pcs (100g each)
2. Laundry soap – 4 pcs (125g each)
3. Toothpaste – 2 tubes (85g each)
4. Toothbrush – 5 pcs
5. Sanitary pad – 2 packs (10 pads/pack)
6. Nail cutter – 1 pc
7. Comb – 2 pcs
8. Bucket – 1 pc (16 liters)
9. Mug – 1 pc (1.5 liters)
10. Towel – 1 medium
11. Detergent powder – 1 kg
12. Small towels – 2 pcs
3.3 Shelter Needs Assessment
Household-level assessments were conducted in affected areas, including remote char areas, to identify shelter needs.
Findings will guide SDS and partners in planning the next phase of recovery, focusing on safe shelter support.
4. Implementation Approach
• Community Consultation: Meetings were held to listen to community voices and ensure needs-based planning.
• Safeguarding Awareness: Community members, especially women, children, and vulnerable groups, were informed of their rights and safe reporting channels.
• Transparency & Accountability:
• Beneficiary lists were verified through door-to-door visits.
• Distribution cards were delivered directly to families.
• Fraud prevention measures and MAAP focal oversight ensured fair assistance delivery.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
The distribution ceremonies and activities were attended and supported by:
Ms. Kaberi Roy, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Zanjira
Ms. Rabeya Begum, Executive Director, SDS
Ms. Tasnima Mukit, Representative of Start Fund Bangladesh
SDS senior officials, project staff, and local leaders
Their presence reinforced trust, accountability, and coordination at the local level.
6. Impact
• 151 households supported with cash and hygiene kits.
• Families immediately addressed urgent needs such as food, medical expenses, and temporary shelter.
• Hygiene practices improved through access to essential hygiene items.
• Shelter needs of erosion-affected families documented for further planning.
• Strengthened community trust in humanitarian response and donor support.
7. Challenges
• Accessibility issues in remote char areas delayed assessment in some locations.
• Rising river levels posed risks during household visits.
• Limited project duration restricted the scope of assistance to only urgent needs.
8. Lessons Learned
• Cash assistance was the most effective way to empower families to meet their specific priorities.
• Community consultation ensured better targeting and acceptance of assistance.
• Transparent systems (door-to-door card delivery, monitoring, fraud prevention) increased accountability.
• Integration of safeguarding awareness is crucial in every humanitarian intervention.
9. Conclusion
The project successfully provided timely humanitarian assistance to erosion-affected families in Shariatpur, reducing immediate suffering and restoring hope. Through cash, hygiene support, and shelter assessment, SDS and Start Fund Bangladesh demonstrated a people-centered, transparent, and accountable humanitarian response.
SDS remains committed to working with communities and partners to build resilience, restore dignity, and support long-term recovery for river erosion-affected families.
10. Acknowledgement
We express our sincere gratitude to Start Fund Bangladesh for their timely support, and to the local administration, distinguished guests, SDS staff, and community members for their cooperation in making this project a success.
