Bangladesh is a very homogeneous country, with 99% of its population identifying as ethnic Bengalis and over 90% as Muslim. However, the northern region stands out for its diversity, home to the country’s second-largest Hindu population as well as small Buddhist and Christian communities. Among these Christian communities, we find the Urao Tribe.
The Green Village Bangladesh is lucky to be located in the Rangpur Division, the most diverse region of the country. In 2023, the mobilization team of the center established a strong connection with the community leaders of Lohani Para, a small village belonging to an Urao community.
Many young women from Lohani Para have attended Green Village’s training programs. Despite facing the challenges of belonging to a marginalized population, many secured a job and all of them found ways to use their newly acquired skills to positively impact both themselves and their community.
Since connecting with the LP4Y team, the Urao community has invited us to their annual Christmas celebrations. This year, we decided to bring you with us!
Before even arriving, we are immediately struck by the isolation of Lohani Para. After reaching the nearest village by bus, we must take a rickshaw van, the only available transportation, to travel another 25 minutes through fields and forests. This journey highlights the village’s remoteness, which is especially remarkable compared to the density and proximity of other villages in the area.
However, the long trip is undoubtedly worth it. Upon arrival, we feel as if we have stepped into a completely different world. A different architecture with houses made of clay instead of the bricks and tin used in the other villages, and beautifully decorated for the celebrations.
Even if ingredients were the same, we could discover new ways of preparing dishes with them. By seeing the people dance and celebrate, we discovered new traditions, and even the environment feels distinct: not a single piece of waste litters the ground or the forest. Solar panels are widely used, reflecting the community leader’s strict management of their land.
"Although our village is big, we manage to keep it clean and tidy. We have a community center donated by the church who offers mediation, health service and most of the social development activities. Thanks to it, all the people of the village are educated, but mostly depend on agriculture to be employed and support our families." says Nidra Ekka, a STAR (LP4Y alumni) living in Lohani Para.
Visiting Lohani Para is always an intense and enriching experience for the Catalysts, both international and national. "It was the first time I saw this type of village. They live like a colony of ants, supporting each other, taking care of their environment, making beautiful houses.. and it was so clean and the air was so fresh... I didn't know I could find places like this around here!” says Chadni, Community Life Coach in the Green Village Bangladesh, who grew up in the region.
Yet, while the village is heartwarming and fascinating to explore, stepping back reveals the challenges it faces.
Opportunities are really lacking, beyond farming or working in nearby factories, there are few options for the residents, especially for women.
The local market is tiny, with limited goods, as the village is disconnected from the broader supply networks. The roads reflect this isolation; during our journey, we saw almost no vehicles or travelers. There are no official infrastructures, no schools, hospitals, or government offices, and religious discrimination, while not immediately visible, adds another layer of difficulty.
Despite these challenges, some progress is noticeable. Those who have visited before note improvements, such as the presence of policemen, meaning that authorities are beginning to focus on the area’s safety. Additionally, construction projects at the village’s entrance, accompanied by signage detailing housing and education initiatives by the new government, offer a glimmer of hope. However, much work remains and the path still seems long for Lohani Para and its community…
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