Youth at the Forefront of Bangladesh's Flood Response

As I made my way through the flood-affected communities in Bangladesh, the overwhelming intensity of the devastation was immediately apparent. Once vibrant with life and activity, vast stretches of land were now submerged under murky waters. The relentless heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, and upstream water releases triggered one of the most severe flooding crises in Bangladesh's recent history. The floodwaters had ravaged 11 districts, including Feni, Noakahli, Cumilla, Chittagong, and Sylhet, affecting nearly 6 million people people and claiming over 70 lives.

Homes lay in ruins, infrastructure was crippled, and vast swathes of agricultural land had been reduced to desolate wastelands. In these dire circumstances, the resilience and spirit of the affected communities were heartbreaking and inspiring. Families were stranded without necessities—food, clean water, and medical care were in short supply. Yet, amidst this turmoil, one aspect of the response stood out vividly: the incredible youth volunteerism that had become a beacon of hope for these communities.

Young volunteers worked tirelessly in every corner of the flood-ravaged areas to rescue and support their fellow citizens. Among them was Trinagdi, a 10th-grade student in Feni district whose commitment to helping those in need left an indelible impression on me. Trinagdi and his peers have joined forces with Oxfam in Bangladesh to relieve those who had lost almost everything.

"Seeing my community suffer like this is heartbreaking, but it also makes me realise how important it is to help each other," Trinagdi told me as we waded through knee-deep water to reach a makeshift shelter. "We've been working day and night, rescuing the elderly and children, ensuring they have food, water, and a safe place to stay."

Trinagdi and his team of young volunteers were the unsung heroes of this disaster. They worked tirelessly, distributing essential supplies such as clean water, ORS, and dry food and even setting up mobile charging stations for those who had lost power. But their efforts continued. They also provided crucial emotional support, comforting those scared and uncertain about the future.

The scenes I witnessed were both tragic and hopeful. In one instance, Trinagdi and his friends helped an older woman stranded alone in her flooded home reach safety. They carried her belongings on their backs and reassured her as she cried in relief. In another, they brought food and clean water to a family with young children who had gone days without a proper meal.

As the floodwaters slowly begin to recede, the full extent of the damage will become clear. The affected communities will need continued support to rebuild their lives—safe shelter, sanitation facilities, cash grants, and medical care will be essential. But what remains etched in my memory is the extraordinary contribution of young volunteers like Trinagdi. In the face of unimaginable adversity, they stepped up, showing that the spirit of community and resilience is alive and well in Bangladesh.

Oxfam in Bangladesh is committed to standing by these communities on the long road to recovery, but the youth, like Trinagdi, reminds us of all that even in the darkest times, there is light. Their efforts are not just acts of service but a testament to the power of compassion and unity in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.

The blog/article is written by Md Sariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media (ICAM), Oxfam in Bangladesh.