The government, China and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have taken a new initiative to improve the livelihoods and resilience of the urban poor in Bangladesh. The ‘Livelihood Support for Urban Poor Communities in Bangladesh (LSUPCB)’ project was inaugurated on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
The program, led by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and funded by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, will ensure sustainable livelihoods for marginalized families living in disadvantaged urban areas of Dhaka North, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Chandpur through skill development, nutritional support and small-scale infrastructure development.
Secretary of the Local Government Department Md. Rezaul Maksud Zahedi. He said, “Bangladesh contributes only 0.35% to global carbon emissions, but it is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. This project will play a significant role in improving the living standards of the urban poor, protecting their dignity and enhancing climate resilience.”
Song Yang, Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy, said at the event, “China will continue to support Bangladesh’s social and economic development and improving people’s living standards. Together with UNDP and other partners, we aim to build a just and inclusive world free of poverty.”
Stefan Liler, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, said, “By leveraging our long-standing experience in supporting the urban poor, this new program will further strengthen South-South cooperation and contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque summarized the project at the event, and Project Manager Yugesh Pradhan presented the keynote speech. It outlines plans to provide skills training, nutritional support and income generation opportunities, taking into account the special needs of women and children.
The project, as part of UNDP’s urban-based programme, will directly support 100,000 disadvantaged urban residents and strengthen the capacity of government institutions to build inclusive and sustainable urban governance.
