One of the most pressing challenges humanity faces today is climate change, a force that impacts almost every aspect of life. Bangladesh, sitting at the frontline of this crisis, is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events — ranging from devastating storms to persistent flooding, relentless river erosion and rising sea levels — are forcing millions of people to abandon their homes. The phenomenon of climate-induced migration has become a grave concern, it is reshaping the country’s demographic landscape and exacerbating existing socioeconomic inequalities.
Bangladesh’s geographical vulnerability is undeniable. Vast coastal areas bear the brunt of climate change, with many regions becoming increasingly inhospitable due to the intensifying impacts of cyclones, tidal surges and monsoon flooding. Sea level rise has worsened the situation, salinising agricultural fields and freshwater sources, thereby threatening livelihoods and food security. Riverbank erosion, an unpredictable and constant threat, displaces thousands each year, driving vulnerable communities toward cities in search of safety and stability.
The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre reports that Bangladesh experiences an average of 1.5 million new displacements annually due to natural disasters. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that by 2050, the number of climate migrants in Bangladesh could reach as many as 13 million. These alarming figures underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis with comprehensive legislative action and long-term adaptive strategies.
The displacement caused by environmental factors goes far beyond the physical movement of people. It sets off a cascade of socio-economic problems that deeply affect the well-being of the displaced. Many rural migrants who flood urban areas like Dhaka and Khulna find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty. As more and more people move into cities, slum settlements have expanded, stretching already inadequate municipal infrastructure. The lack of basic services, including clean water, proper sanitation and healthcare, makes these areas breeding grounds for further hardship.
For many climate migrants, education — a critical means of social mobility — becomes an unaffordable luxury. Financial constraints often prevent migrant children from attending school, robbing them of opportunities for a better future and perpetuating a cycle of poverty. This loss not only limits individual potential but also weakens the nation’s human capital, which is essential for long-term development.
Health problems also emerge as a major concern among displaced communities. Poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition and frequent waterborne diseases exacerbate the already fragile health of climate migrants. Research shows that over 85 per cent of households in these communities suffer from diseases like cholera, dengue and diarrhoea, with limited access to medical care. The absence of healthcare infrastructure in many migrant areas forces individuals to endure preventable illnesses, further hampering their ability to lead healthy, productive lives.
Beyond the infrastructural and economic challenges, the cultural impact of climate-induced migration is also profound. Displaced people often lose not just their homes, but their connection to their heritage, their traditional community structures and the indigenous knowledge systems that have enabled them to survive in the face of environmental challenges. The cultural integration of migrants into urban environments is not always smooth and many struggle with alienation and a sense of loss.
Moreover, migration on such a large scale can strain social cohesion. Tensions often arise between long-term city residents and the new arrivals, with some seeing climate migrants as financial burdens, thereby intensifying pre-existing social inequalities. The adjustment to urban life leads to a gradual erosion of cultural identities, as traditional customs and practices begin to fade. This not only impacts the individuals involved but also reduces the cultural diversity that has historically defined Bangladesh’s social fabric.
Addressing the growing crisis of climate-induced migration requires swift, multi-pronged policy intervention. A comprehensive strategy that combines climate adaptation, sustainable urban development and inclusive social protection systems is essential to mitigate the impacts of migration.
First and foremost, enhancing climate resilience in rural areas is crucial. By investing in climate-resilient farming practices, improving irrigation systems and adopting sustainable water management strategies, communities can better withstand the impacts of climate change without having to migrate. Moreover, diversifying rural economies through alternative livelihood options and skill development programs can reduce dependence on climate-sensitive industries such as agriculture and fisheries.
In parallel, urban areas must prepare to accommodate the increasing number of climate migrants. Inclusive urban planning should be prioritised, ensuring that affordable housing, improved infrastructure and revamped slum communities provide migrants with safe, dignified living conditions. Legal protections should also be put in place to safeguard the rights of climate migrants, protecting them from discrimination and eviction.
Strengthening social protection services is another vital component. Migrants need access to high-quality healthcare, education and financial services to rebuild their lives and enhance their resilience. Microfinance initiatives, vocational training and conditional cash transfer programs could play a key role in enabling climate migrants to achieve financial security and break free from the cycle of poverty.
Equally important is the need for international cooperation and support. Bangladesh, which contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions, is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Wealthier nations, who are historically responsible for much of the world’s carbon emissions, must meet their financial obligations under international climate agreements. The global community must provide adequate funding for climate adaptation and mitigation measures to help countries like Bangladesh cope with the challenges of climate-induced migration.
The growing tide of climate migration in Bangladesh is not a distant future concern — it is an urgent crisis that is already reshaping the nation. Without swift, coordinated action, the situation will only worsen, with millions more people forced to abandon their homes. By implementing effective climate adaptation strategies, promoting sustainable development and strengthening social safety nets, Bangladesh can protect the rights and dignity of its climate migrants. International solidarity is also crucial to ensuring that this crisis is addressed on a global scale. Failure to act now will only intensify the suffering of millions and jeopardise the country’s future stability and progress.
Md Touhiduzzaman is a lecturer in general education at the Northern University of Business & Technology, Khulna.