Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE)’s Ramadan Food Distribution Reaches 4,500 Vulnerable Individuals in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is home to the world’s longest natural beach, found in its coastal region of Cox’s Bazar. However, alongside the stunning beauty found in this district, hardship, struggles and suffering reside.

Despite being one of the most densely populated countries, Bangladesh houses the largest refugee camp in the world. Providing shelter to nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh’s limited resources are overstretched to meet the needs of these displaced individuals.

Further restricting the resources available, Bangladesh is among the most climate-vulnerable countries, as the extreme weather of monsoons, heavy floods, and cyclones regularly destroy crops and livelihoods. As a result, nearly 20% of the population live below the national poverty line, with poverty concentrated more in rural areas where residents are dependent on agriculture and informal labor.

Consequently, food insecurity poses a real threat to the population, with around 37 million people suffering from limited access to essential nutrition. As of April 2025, approximately 15.5 million people in Bangladesh experienced high levels of acute food insecurity, reaching crisis level or even worse. For those that do have access to food, their diet is considerably limited, with only 27% of children receiving a minimally adequate diet as rice provides 70% of the caloric intake for most of the population.  

To support those affected by food insecurity, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) arranged its Ramadan Food Basket initiative and Iftar Distribution program between February 06 and March 25, 2025, in the districts of Dhaka, Barisal, and Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. LIFE provided essential food items such as rice, lentils, chickpeas, sugar, and oil, in baskets that were distributed to 250 households, directly reaching 1,500 individuals in Barisal. Additionally, 3,000 ready-to-eat Iftar meal packs were distributed to underprivileged groups and displaced communities in Dhaka and Cox's Bazar.

Through this food charity, LIFE supported marginalized and underprivileged families during the month of Ramadan, fostering a sense of community and compassion, bringing hope and sustenance to those in need. By ensuring that vulnerable families had access to essential food items during Ramadan, the stress and worry of food insecurity was alleviated as beneficiaries experienced better physical wellbeing through access to nutritious food.

By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, LIFE’s projects catered to the unique needs of recipients, providing a sense of security and dignity along with granting refugees a feeling of inclusion and care.

For many beneficiaries, the food baskets and Iftar meals were more than just a form of physical satiation. Md. Ahmad Ali, a 76-year-old resident of Barisal, struggling with limited mobility and no regular income, relied heavily on the goodwill of neighbors and sporadic support from his distant relatives. Ramadan often brought additional stress as he struggled to secure meals to sustain himself. Your donations changed his experience: "It’s like someone thought of me when I had no hope left". For the first time in many years, he was able to observe Ramadan with peace of mind, knowing he had enough food to break his fast.

Beyond meeting his physical needs, the gesture restored Ahmad’s sense of belonging and dignity. "I felt remembered and valued," he shared.

The program not only addressed his immediate hunger but also reinforced the spirit of Ramadan - caring for the vulnerable and sharing blessings. Md. Ahmad Ali’s story is a testament to how your warm kindness, along with the efforts of LIFE’s staff, has brought immense comfort and hope to thousands in need.

Image below - Md. Ahmad Ali, a 76-year-old resident of Barisal: