Rethink disasters
We all need to rethink disasters and work together to break the cycle. Learn more about the causes of disaster and how ShelterBox is scaling up to meeting the growing need for emergency shelter.
Homes destroyed after a fire swept through a settlement in Dhaka. Image credit: Uttaran.
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What happened in Bangladesh?
A fire swept through the Kalshi informal settlement in Pallabi, Dhaka on May 25th, 2026. The fire destroyed over 600 structures, including homes, shops, and small businesses. Thousands of families have been left homeless and without their livelihoods.
Estimates suggest at least 6,000 people have been affected, though this could be as high as 20,000 as multiple families often share each shelter.
With homes close together and made from highly combustible materials, the fire spread rapidly. Narrow roads and water shortages made firefighting efforts difficult.
Shelter is now the most urgent need. Many of those affected are already at greater risk, including children, older people and people living with disabilities.
Families have lost almost everything and are exposed to harsh conditions and high temperatures. With nowhere to go, many are sheltering in open spaces, under bridges and beside roads.
Emergency supplies like tarpaulins, shelter kits and temporary structures are critical to protect families from the elements.
Longer-term support will also be needed to help rebuild safer, more resilient homes. The scale of displacement and the challenges around infrastructure make recovery complex.
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Image credit: Uttaran.
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How is ShelterBox responding?
ShelterBox and Uttaran (our national partner in Bangladesh) are supporting thousands of people who have been left without anywhere to live. Together, we are providing with emergency shelter materials, bedding and kitchen sets, as well as cash assistance for urgent needs.
With your support, we provide materials such as tarpaulins, timber and fixings so families can create safe, temporary shelter and protect themselves from the elements. We also provide essential household items. Cash support helps people cover urgent costs such as rent and other immediate needs.
This support helps families stay safe now and take the first steps towards recovery after losing their homes and belongings.
December 2025: the destruction of homes after a major fire in the Korail settlement. Image credit: Uttaran.
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Has ShelterBox responded in Bangladesh before?
ShelterBox and Uttaran supported thousands of people after a major fire in the Korail settlement in December 2025, just five miles from Kalshi. We’re drawing on that experience to support families again.
We also supported people affected by Cyclone Remal in 2024, as well as flooding in 2017 and 2019, working with partners including the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
In 2017, we responded to the Rohingya crisis with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), supporting people who had fled violence in Myanmar.
As extreme weather worsens, disasters like flooding are becoming more frequent in Bangladesh. The need for emergency shelter after disaster is greater than ever.
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Child collecting water among fire debris. Image credit: Uttaran.
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How can I support people in Bangladesh?
You can help bring safety and dignity to families who have lost their homes. Your support enables us to provide emergency shelter and essential items when they are needed most.
Every donation helps people protect themselves from the elements and begin to recover.
You can also stay informed and share on social media to raise awareness of the challenges people are facing in Bangladesh.
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