Although Bangladesh is one of the most hazard -prone areas of the world, few people outside the main cities live in homes that protect them against those hazards. This paper reviews the present housing situation in Bangladesh and looks at what is already known of appropriate building technologies. Since much is already known about hazard-resistant construction, we must consider what impediments there are to the successful dissemination of those technologies. In conclusion, some suggestions will be made regarding the way we should take this subject forward to help the mass of our fellow-countrymen to create secure homes in the 21st century.