Bangladesh is the largest delta of the world formed mainly by alluvial deposit of the Ganges – the Brahmaputra - the Meghna rivers system.

Over the years, the Government has recognized the opportunities of land reclamation. It obviously provides the country with more land, that can serve to mitigate the population pressure and benefits food production. Since 1957 more than 1000 km² of new land has been reclaimed in the south-east delta of the country.

Initially land is subjected to regular tidal flooding during monsoon. The settlers are vulnerable to a set of risks such as flood, storms and salinity, access to drinking water and social security.

Since 1991, new polders are being constructed with an aim to integrated development of newly reclaimed coastal land as well as settlement of landless people by creating an enabling environment through Char Development and Settlement Project (CDSP) in south of Noakhali.

It is a first ever integrated approach involving 6 (six) government agencies and non-government organizations with community participation to develop new land. Water management, protection of salt water intrusion, development of fresh water lake,  internal communication & cyclone protection, health & sanitation, plantation, agriculture extension and land distribution to landless people and empowerment of women are the major activities in polder development. CDSP is a model for Integrated development of new land that enhancing physical ecosystem and also has direct positive impact on socio-economic development of landless peoples.