An initiative to improve livelihoods for disadvantaged coastal families has earned national recognition, highlighting grassroots efforts to address challenges facing communities near the Sundarbans.
Habibullah Al Mamun, from Gabura union in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira district in southwestern Bangladesh, has been named an LG Ambassador for 2026 for his project focused on the safety and livelihoods of people in coastal areas.
The selection was made by LG Bangladesh’s experienced judging panel from among innovative and socially conscious projects. LG Bangladesh Managing Director Gerald Choon presented the award.
This year, only five people were selected as LG Ambassadors 2026 from more than 1,300 projects submitted from across the country.
The “Safety of Coastal Areas” project will provide motorised vans to eight disadvantaged and poor families. The initiative is intended to create regular income opportunities for the families and support household expenses, children’s education, medical care and daily livelihoods.
People in the coastal areas near the Sundarbans in Satkhira are increasingly moving to different parts of the country because of employment shortages, natural disasters and various environmental challenges. Against this backdrop, the need for new initiatives to protect the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities is growing.
Al Mamun has previously implemented several social initiatives for coastal communities.
In 2021, he was selected for the “Tiger Widows Self-Reliance” project and in 2025 for the “LG Coastal Education Support” project.
Through these projects, coastal families became self-reliant while students gained regular and easier access to schools.
“Alongside supporting students’ education, I have been working for a long time to improve the socio-economic conditions, livelihoods and capabilities of people in coastal areas,” Al Mamun said. “I believe this project will contribute to sustainable development for the people.”
