I am writing in response to the letter by Bill Schumacher, “MCC neglects Bangladesh” (Nov. 26). Mennonite Central Committee has worked in Bangladesh for some 50 years and continues to serve with local partners who help MCC set priorities.

Health problems caused by arsenic are indeed a concern, as Schumacher noted. Arsenic is present in water sources in most districts of Bangladesh, not just where MCC has worked. But many other issues compete for MCC priority. MCC focuses on enabling partner organizations and on collaborating to identify priorities and develop skills to address long-term goals. Those plans are then included in agreements with the Bangladesh government.

From 2003 to 2008, MCC invested considerable time, effort and money into a program addressing the problem of arsenic. This included researching arsenic mitigation technologies from Bangladesh, Thailand, Brazil and elsewhere. MCC collaborated with a network of experts working in arsenic-related issues, while raising awareness and enabling people to reduce the effects of arsenic contamination.

When the MCC office was based in Noakhali, MCC enabled a local partner to continue the work of addressing arsenic concerns. When MCC moved its base to Bogura, MCC began to work with partners there to address their concerns. Training and enabling people in northern Bangladesh to collect rainwater for horticulture was one of the ways lessons learned in southern Bangladesh continued to be applied by MCC and our partners.

We appreciate interest and suggestions from constituents and supporters.

Bangladesh is a country of tremendous potential, alongside complicated challenges. We invite your prayers and support as we continue to work in this context.

Robert (Rob) Enns
MCC representative for Bangladesh