EU launches €2 million project to aid Bangladesh violence survivors

DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) —-The European Union launched a €2 million ($2.18 million) project on March 19, 2025, aimed at assisting approximately 8,000 individuals severely impacted by the violence and upheaval during the July-August 2024 uprising in Bangladesh.

Titled “Pathways to Healing: A Survivor-Centered Approach to Address Violence and Human Rights Violations,” the initiative will be executed by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The project will run until August 2026 and will involve close collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and other relevant stakeholders.

Project Objectives:

• Healthcare Support: Provide medical services, rehabilitation, and assistive devices to those with physical injuries. Additionally, bolster existing health facilities with necessary pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

• Mental Health Services: Offer tailored mental health and psychosocial support, including counseling and referrals. A helpline will be established to ensure ongoing assistance.

• Economic Resilience: Support the recovery and diversification of income-generating activities to foster community cohesion and resilience.

• Social Cohesion: Organize dialogues and collaborative opportunities among diverse stakeholders to strengthen social bonds.

The project will be implemented across the Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rangpur, and Rajshahi divisions. It will target individuals directly affected by last year’s events, including students, workers, journalists, their families, and others.

A key objective is to ensure the sustainability of support beyond the project’s duration. This will be achieved through strong coordination with government agencies and stakeholders, integration into existing government health and social support systems, and establishing sustainable livelihood market linkages.