Khulna diocese and Caritas donate 80 houses to victims of climate change
by Sumon Corraya

The new homes are given to families displaced by the erosion of banks of the Pashur River. For Bishop Boiragi, help was provided because “The life of internal migrants is very difficult” due to climate change.


Khulna (AsiaNews) – The Diocese of Khulna and the local Caritas have donated 80 homes to victims of climate change.

The Catholic organisations in southern Bangladesh gave the new homes to families left without a roof by storms and the erosion of the banks of the Pashur River.

“When I lived by the river, rainwater would enter my makeshift house. On rainy days we couldn't sleep and then the waters swept it away. Now we have a roof under which to live in a dignified way,” said Shaktipada Sardar, 35, father of two.

Daniel Biswas, a shoemaker, also lost his home seven months ago due to the erosion of the banks of the Pashur River. “Without the help of Bishop James Romen Boiragi and Caritas, we could not have obtained the house where we live peacefully today even with the rain.”

Both Shaktipada and Daniel converted to Christianity in 1992.

Of the 80 donated houses, 60 went to Christian families, said Bishop Boiragi after blessing them. “The life of internal migrants is very difficult”, he explained.

Living along waterways is increasingly complicated, because one bank breaks while another rises, Daud Jibon Das, regional director of Caritas Khulna told AsiaNews.

“We have helped the victims of climate change. Caritas donated 30,000 taka (about US$ 350) for the construction of some houses, but the people of the community also contributed with donations,” Das said.

The diocese hopes that in the future it can do the same for more people forced to move due to the climate emergency.