In this South Asian state, characterised by extreme poverty and the highest population density, the monsoon and river flooding, which is becoming ever more violent with climate change, floods a third of the country every year. The inhabitants are struggling to cope...
Editorial/Opinion
Preserving Bangladesh’s Boat-Building Heritage
A Tribute to Master Craftsmanship The B613 is the largest existing malar-class sailboat in the world, and part of Friendship's cultural preservation initiatives. © Friendship by Syed Abu Sinjan Saadat,April 18, 2024 Within Bangladesh's intricate cultural fabric lies a...
Woven with love
Choosing deshi and sustainable fashion this Eid by Ayman Anika (The Daily Star)April 8, 2024 As we gear up for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, there's this beautiful buzz in the air filled with anticipation and a spirit of giving. We can — with the intention of not just...
Together we can end cervical cancer
Friendship partnered with PRESCRIP-TEC to prevent a detectable, preventable, treatable cancer that was still hindering, and taking lives in the remote river islands of Bangladesh. Courtyard sessions were key in disseminating information regarding the prevention,...
Stories of resilience – empowered women transforming their lives
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the accomplishments of marginalised women in Friendship’s working areas in remote, climate-affected river islands From left: Aduri Begum, Mukta Sultana, Kolpona Akter and Sumaiya Afrin. ©Friendship by Tahmeed ChaudhuryMarch...
COP28: The most promising disappointment yet
Climate activists disguised as CEOs of major oil companies take part in a fake banquet celebrating profits, in call on states taking part in COP28 climate conference to finance loss and damage fund by taxing fossil fuel profits, near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France...
A greener future requires more than ‘transitioning away’
Friendship's founder, back from COP28 discusses what is needed from nations, organisations and individuals if we are to ensure a greener future. by Runa KhanJanuary 4, 2024 As COP28 concluded in Dubai, we were presented with a complex picture of progress and...
From Broken Promises to Urgent Action: COP28 and the Climate Crisis
Beyond the rhetoric, towards real climate action - can we finally fix what we broke? Mangroves form a natural barrier against tropical storms, absorb salinity and provide a multitude of livelihood options, as well as serving as a habitat for countless flora and fauna....
From Solar Panels to Solar Villages
The Evolution of Friendship’s Rural Solar Electrification Project The solar villages power homes, markets, schools, mosques, shops and other essentials all at the same time. © Friendship by Colton SummersOctober 30, 2023 In 2009, Friendship’s electrification project...
Saleemul Huq was and will remain one of our strongest voices for the climate
Dr Saleemul Huq with French President Emmanuel Macron, Friendship founder Runa Khan, and MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury. © Suman Ghosh/Friendship by Runa KhanNovember 13, 2023 The fight against climate change is difficult even at the best of times. But this week began...
‘Stop the tap, look at the river’
Bestselling author Erik Orsenna says mobilising for river management today is the only way to prevent conflicts in the future Erik Orsenna, front-and-centre-left, with Friendship founder, Runa Khan front-and-centre-right, observe a map during their field visit to the...
Celebrating Global Dignity Day: A Call to Uphold Human Worth
A prize-giving ceremony was arranged to celebrate the day, and the children's artwork that expressed their ideas about dignity. © Friendship by Sabrina NizamOctober 30, 2023 In a world often divided by differences, where conflicts and inequalities persist, it is...