This year, when the annual monsoon floodwaters swelled the country's mighty Brahmaputra river, 40-year-old farmer Abu Sayeed did not have to abandon his home for the first time in his life -- but merely climb up a ladder and wait out the waters.

Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, who designed the “Khudi Bari” or “tiny house”, speaking during an interview with AFP at her office in Dhaka
Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, who designed the “Khudi Bari” or “tiny house”, speaking during an interview with AFP at her office in Dhaka © AFP

The "Khudi Bari" or "tiny house" -- resilient homes made on bamboo stilts rising out of the floodwaters that are also easy to move to safer locations when needed -- offer hope to millions.

"Khudi Bari has saved us," Sayeed told AFP, who like millions, lives on Bangladesh's vast river floodplains because the fertile soil is good for the maize and chilli crops he grows. "We did not leave... we slept on the upper floor. I hope we will never have to flee our homes thanks to this house."

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Members of a family posing for photos as they sat inside a mobile modular shelter “Khudi Bari” or “tiny house” in Char Shildaha.
Members of a family posing for photos as they sat inside a mobile modular shelter “Khudi Bari” or “tiny house” in Char Shildaha. © AFP