COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Bangladesh

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Bangladesh

Last Updated: 07/27/2021

Average COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh have been climbing since late June. As of July 17, over 11,000 cases are being recorded per day, and the number is still rising. At this time, Bangladesh has fully vaccinated just over 3% of its population of 162.7 million people. The lockdown in Bangladesh remains in effect, though it was recently lifted July 15-23 for the popular holiday of Eid al-Adha. This means that schools will remain closed as well as churches and other community centers. Restaurants, malls, shops and public transportation can only operate at half capacity and with strict masking rules.

The majority of partner centers have resumed activities for children and youths in small groups in outdoor courtyards. In areas where restrictions prohibit group meetings, staff members maintain regular contact with children and caregivers through home visits and phone calls. Compassion Bangladesh staff and local partners have been able to send over 441,000 food packs and over 454,500 hygiene kits to beneficiary families. Additionally, they have provided medical support to over 18,500 people. They report that many families have no source of income, so they are providing necessary funds to buy daily essentials.

A Message From National Staff

How Is Compassion Currently Operating in Bangladesh?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Bangladesh, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that all children and their families are being checked in on regularly by staff, either in person or by phone, even if the Compassion center is not open for programming.

Are Compassion Centers Open?

At most partner locations, activities have resumed and small group meetings are held outdoors. Elsewhere, staff members are creating virtual program activities and distributing at-home curricula. They continue to call and check on families and make home visits when possible. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute over 441,000 food packs and over 454,500 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Bangladesh. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

Before the pandemic, 2-year-old Daloar and his siblings were cared for by their Grandma Shokhina while their parents were away at work. But when the pandemic hit Bangladesh and no one was able to leave their homes, Daloar’s parents found themselves struggling to provide for the family. Over time, their supplies were stretched thin, and they wound up with only enough food to eat one meal a day.

Thankfully, Daloar was registered in Compasson’s Child Sponsorship Program just before COVID-19 broke out. During lockdown, Compassion staff visited the family to check in on them, and when they could not visit, they called. They saw the family’s struggle and brought food packs on their visits. When the lockdown lightened up, the family continued to receive help from Compassion staff, but instead of having food packs delivered, Grandma Shokhina and Daloar were able to visit the child development center to pick them up.

“The sight of my grandchildren running around happily without going hungry gives me joy,” says Grandma Shokhina. “Our registration to the Compassion center was a timely blessing. I don’t know what would have happened to our family if the children were not registered in the program.”

How can I pray for Bangladesh?

Please pray that COVID-19 cases would slow in the region and that God would continue to guard the hearts of children and families who may feel isolated and alone. For more prayer resources, visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for prayer guides and a virtual prayer wall.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Bangladesh

Give to Compassion's Critical Program Needs Fund

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