Bangladesh experiences recurrent floods, cyclones and river erosions. In the last 3 years the intensity of natural disasters was very high which can be attributed to the negative impacts of climate change. Among the worst affected areas are the southern part of the country, especially Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat. 

The cyclone SIDR last year alone affected about 4 million people in this region, while cyclone AILA affected 7.5 million. Moreover, heavy rains in August of this year caused flooding of most low-laying areas of the country. The situation in the south region deteriorated even more because of water-logging, siltation in rivers connected to the Bay of Bengal and high tidal surge due to atmospheric depressions. Moreover, unplanned construction of embankments has caused permanent water-logging in this region putting poor people in tremendous jeopardy.

Although the Constitution of Bangladesh provides for equal rights for all people irrespective of race, caste, creed and religion, yet Dalits are still socially excluded and repressed by dominant people and groups. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) has indicated about disadvantaged peoples but during the implementation there have no initiative to address the dalit people. 

In the same way the national budget in Bangladesh made every year does not specify any allocation for them. Yet, there is a massive economic inequality within the social groups. The wage rate is also determined by caste-based economic discrimination in rural areas. 

The differences in the magnitude of wage labour among the Dalits and the non-Dalits and disparities in wage rates in agriculture and non agriculture employments exist in Bangladesh. Exclusion of employment in any work or selectively in some types of works in agricultural operation or household work inside house leads to lower level of employment as compared with ‘higher caste’ workers. 

Therefore, dalits are discriminated in many ways. Dalits are often forced to work for non-Dalits without being paid because they, at times, are dependent on their help. A vast majority of Dalits experience discrimination when trying to get a loan from a bank or a money lender. Dalits are often kept out of politics and decision making. 

They often find it difficult to elect their own leaders and vote in elections where they are commonly threatened with violence to vote against their will or bribed to vote for a particular candidate. The Dalit people also think that they are born to serve and respect the high ups and other non-dalit people. This is due to socialization processes. There is lack of self-esteem and self-confidence among them.

Dalits are one of the most marginalized communities and socially excluded people concentrated in this area. They suffer from discrimination, worst effects of climate change, lack of resources etc. resulting in extreme poverty and indignity. 

It is estimated that there are 5.5 million Dalit’s living in 63 districts in Bangladesh. There are at least 500,000 Dalit’s living in this region. However, hardly any concrete steps had been ever taken either by the government or by non-government institutions to mitigate the sufferings of the Dalit community and improve their livelihoods.