Project Title: Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Disaster Management Network by involving multi-sectoral platform Project Period: 17 January, 2023 – 16 January, 2024 (12 month)
- Project Activities and Accomplishments
Bangladesh is widely recognized as one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its geographical location, high population density, and socio-economic characteristics. Situated in the delta of three major rivers—the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna—the country is highly exposed to a wide range of climate-induced hazards such as cyclones, floods, storm surges, riverbank erosion, droughts, and salinity intrusion. These hazards are increasing in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change, posing significant threats to lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Recurrent disasters disrupt livelihoods, damage infrastructure, degrade natural resources, and trap vulnerable populations in cycles of poverty and risk. Disaster management efforts in Bangladesh are often implemented through sector-specific interventions, which may lead to fragmented planning, limited coordination, and duplication of efforts among stakeholders. Government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, community organizations, research institutions, and development partners all play important roles in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. However, the lack of strong coordination mechanisms and knowledge-sharing platforms can limit the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions.
In this context, a network approach offers a promising pathway to enhance resilience by strengthening collaboration, coordination, and knowledge exchange among multiple stakeholders. A network approach emphasizes partnerships among government institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, community groups, and private sector actors to collectively address complex and interconnected challenges posed by climate change and disasters. In Bangladesh, where climate risks intersect with development challenges, strengthening multi-stakeholder networks can play a critical role in transforming vulnerability into resilience. Through improved coordination, shared learning, and collaborative action, a network-based approach can enhance the effectiveness of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and long-term climate adaptation strategies.
In each division, there is one health worker responsible for conducting home visits to raise awareness within the local community regarding fundamental disaster management issues. These health workers also disseminate crucial information concerning government directives or any disaster-related announcements to the community. As of February 2026, A-PAD Bangladesh has successfully benefited a total of 3,843 individuals.
1. Operation of Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center/ Sub Centers (Outcome 1)
The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Centers in the eight divisions will become regional focal points and be strengthened in their functions. New Upazila-level sub-centers will be piloted to provide decentralized support and coordination in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. . | ||
Activities | Outcome Indicators to Measure Results: | Project Status: Achievements vs Outcome: If the activity is behind the schedule, please write the reason. |
1-1 Operation of Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center and Establishment of Sub Centers Beneficiaries: 15 people×25 days × 8 divisions × 12 months = 36,000 people | 1-1 ：Establish sub-centers at the district level and develop basic facilities in all eight emergency disaster management coordination centers in Bangladesh. 36,000 local residents (per year) will visit the facilities, raising awareness of health and public hygiene and strengthening disaster preparedness through coordination among partners. In the event of an actual emergency disaster, rescue and medical support will be provided. (Verification method: Number of users, records of usage) 1-2 ：80% of the 4,320 participants respond that they are able to access early warning systems and take action in the event of an actual disaster, through the community meetings in at least 10 unions in each district. (Verification method: Pre- and post-activity questionnaire survey results) 1-3 ： 80% of the 4,320 participants respond that they are able to take action appropriately for disaster prevention in | Total 2343 people visited to the Disaster Management Coordination Center to discuss about disaster preparedness and health related issues. Dhaka: 296 Persons Cox’s Bazar: 280 Persons Pabna: 312 Persons Bagerhat: 285 Persons Patuakhali: 308 Persons Habiganj: 268 Persons Rangpur: 292 Persons Netrokona: 302 Persons Total = 2,343 Persons |
1-2 Community Information System Disaster Awareness Beneficiaries: 15 people × 8 divisions × 3 times ×12 months =4,320 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Community Information System Disaster Awareness program in 8 divisional areas where 360 participants joined. Dhaka:15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Cox’s Bazar: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Pabna: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Bagerhat: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Patuakhali: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Habiganj: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants | |
| the event of an actual disaster, understanding disaster risks and vulnerabilities in their residential environments and respond, through mapping conducted during community meetings. (Verification method: P Pre- and post-activity questionnaire survey results) （Outcome 2）Through strengthening multi-sector networks centered on the community, disaster management plans reflecting local risks and needs will be developed, realizing a dramatic improvement in DRR capabilities and disaster resilience. 【Indicators of Outcome】 | Rangpur: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Netrokona: 15 Participants x 3 Sessons= 45 Participants |
1-3 Community Housing Environment Awareness Beneficiaries: 15 people × 8 divisions × 3 times ×12 months =4,320 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Community Housing Environment Awareness program in 8 divisional areas where 360 participants joined. Dhaka:15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Cox’s Bazar: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Pabna: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Bagerhat: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Patuakhali: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Habiganj: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Rangpur: 15 Participantsx 3 Sessons= 45 Participants Netrokona: 15 Participants x 3 Sessons= 45 Participants | |
2. Networking Through Community Disaster Management Systems And Action Plans (Outcome 2) A-PAD BGD, NPF for disaster reduction and disaster response through collaboration between multi-sectors, will be established and expanded, and the disaster prevention and disaster capacity of its member organizations will be strengthened. | ||
2.1 Disaster Planning Networking Meeting Participants: 50 people × 5 villages × 8 divisions = 2,000 people | 【Indicators of Outcome】 2-1 Strategies, mechanism and action plan meeting among networking partners and local communities will be held to support the building of disaster cooperation framework.
2-2 For the aim of awareness and increase the knowledge on disaster preparedness and management among the local community, we will organize different rally and meeting on the disaster preparedness and SDGs related | A-PAD Bangladesh organized disaster planning networking meeting at Netrokona total 253 participants joined.
22 February 2026, Atithpur, Total Participants 50 23 February 2026, Nischintopur, Total Participants 50+2=52 24 February 2026, Borogaon, Total Participants 50 25 February 2026, Gouraund, Total Participants 50+1=51 26 February 2026, Aamgail, Total Participants 50 |
| national/international days like 05 November World Tsunami Awareness Day, 13 October Disaster Risk Reduction Day, 22 April Earth Day and 16 December Victory Day (National).
2-3 For the aim of strengthening of partner organizations, disaster risk reduction (DRR) training will be held. The training contents includes community-based disaster risk management, planning DRR strategies, and risk analysis that effectively identifies hazards, capacities and vulnerabilities. (Indicator: Partner organizations) 2-4 In this seminar, participants from various fields will be invited to exchange opinions and discuss ways to discover innovations related to DRR proposed by community residents and local companies and realize ideas and inventions. (Indicator: To create innovative solutions, we aim to create a successful model for disaster response by combining technology and knowledge that transcends fields and innovating)
2-5 The international symposium will be held in Dhaka to widely share the cooperation between multi-actors at the central and regional levels in Bangladesh and the progress of the emergency health response system among participants who are involved in disaster response from inside and outside | To enhance coordination and capacity among disaster management stakeholders, a 5-day Disaster Planning Network Meeting was organized in Netrokona. The meeting brought together representatives from government departments, NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), and volunteers working in disaster risk reduction (DRR). The main purpose of the meeting was to enhance knowledge on disaster preparedness, share experiences, and improve collaboration among organizations working in disaster management. Participants discussed the major disaster risks in Netrokona, including floods, flash floods, storms, and seasonal waterlogging, which frequently affect local communities and livelihoods. The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening the Disaster Planning Network to ensure effective information sharing and joint response during disasters. Participants recommended increasing community awareness, improving early warning dissemination, and organizing regular coordination meetings to enhance disaster preparedness in Netrokona. Main Objectives of the meeting:
· To enhance participants’ knowledge of disaster risk reduction and management. · To strengthen coordination among stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness. |
| Bangladesh. International experts will be dispatched from A-PAD member countries to introduce advanced cases of NPF in each country. (Indicator: The international symposium will be held for a total of three days, one day for field trips (field visits), one day for pre-meetings, and one day for international symposiums.) | · To develop disaster preparedness and response plans for local communities. · To improve understanding of early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms. · To strengthen the Disaster Planning Network in Netrokona district. |
2.2 Comprehensive DRR Training for Network Partner Partici pants：25 people × 2 organizations × 2 times × 8 divisions = 800 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Comprehensive DRR Training for Network Partner at Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar where 103 persons have participated from 2 Organizations 15-16 February 2026, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 50+2=52 24-25 February 2026, Dhaka, Total Participants 50+1=51 Cox’s Bazar Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training was conducted in Cox’s Bazar for network partner organizations to strengthen their capacity in disaster preparedness, response, and resilience building. The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of key DRR concepts, risk assessment, and community-based disaster management approaches. Representatives from various partner organizations attended the training and actively participated in interactive sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises. Major topics included hazard, vulnerability and capacity assessment (HVCA), early warning systems, climate change impacts, inclusive DRR |
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| practices, and coordination mechanisms during emergencies. Objectives of the Training:
· To increase participants’ understanding of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) concepts and frameworks. · To strengthen capacity in risk identification, assessment, and mitigation planning. · To promote community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) approaches. · To enhance coordination and collaboration among network partner organizations. · To integrate gender, disability, and social inclusion into DRR initiatives.
Dhaka
Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training was held in Dhaka for partner organizations to enhance their knowledge and capacity in disaster preparedness, risk management, and resilience building. The training gathered representatives from various organizations involved in humanitarian and development work. The sessions covered important DRR concepts, including hazard, vulnerability, and capacity assessment, community-based disaster risk management, early warning systems, and the effects of |
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| climate change on disaster risks. Participants took part in |
interactive discussions, group exercises, and shared their | ||
experiences to gain a deeper understanding of practical | ||
DRR approaches. A special emphasis was placed on | ||
inclusive disaster risk reduction, ensuring that vulnerable | ||
groups such as women, children, and persons with | ||
disabilities are actively involved and protected. | ||
2.3 Co-creation Seminar on Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness (DRR Participants：50 people x 2 org x 8 divisions x 2 times =960 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Co-creation Seminar on Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness at Dhaka, Habiganj and Bagerhat where 154 persons have participated from 2 Organizations
10 February 2026, Dhaka, Total Participants 50 24 February 2026, Bagerhat, Total Participants 50+3=53 | |
| 28 February 2026, Habiganj, Total Participants 50+1=51 | |
| Co-creation Seminar on Innovating Together for Future | |
| Disaster Preparedness was held in Dhaka with the objective | |
| of strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to | |
| enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. The seminar | |
| brought together representatives from government | |
| agencies, non-governmental organizations, development | |
| partners, researchers, and practitioners working in disaster | |
| risk reduction and climate resilience. Several interactive | |
| sessions, group discussions, and case studies were | |
| conducted to explore innovative tools and collaborative | |
| frameworks for disaster preparedness. Participants shared |
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| experiences from their respective organizations and examined best practices in early warning systems, community-based disaster risk reduction, and digital innovation for emergency response. Co-creation Seminar on Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness, held in Bagerhat, brought together community leaders, local stakeholders, youth, and disaster management practitioners to collaboratively explore innovative approaches to disaster preparedness. The seminar emphasized community-driven co-creation, enabling participants to collectively identify vulnerabilities, share experiences, and design practical solutions for enhancing resilience against floods, cyclones, and other hazards prevalent in coastal areas. Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and collaborative problem-solving exercises, participants developed strategies for strengthening early warning systems, fostering local collaboration, and promoting sustainable preparedness practices. The seminar successfully fostered a shared vision among attendees, highlighting the importance of participatory approaches in building resilient communities for future disaster challenges. Co-creation Seminar on Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness was conducted in Habiganj 28 February 2026 by Community Initiative Society (CIS) with the aim of strengthening community resilience and |
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| collaborative disaster preparedness planning. The seminar focused on bringing together local stakeholders to learn, innovate and co-design future-focused disaster management solutions for the region’s unique risks. |
2-4 International Symposium on DRR
Participants：200 persons |
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3. Empowering Vulnerable Communities through Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Training (Outcome 3) 3-1 Capacity Building for Community Level Disaster Response in Health and Hygiene | ||
3-1 a) Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop Participants ： 30 people （ 2days ） × 2 times× 8 divisions =480 people | 【Indicator of Outcome】 3-1 a) Workshops will be held to understand emergency disaster preparedness, health response and hygiene needs in communities, schools and homes and to learn how to respond during emergencies. Networks of stakeholders will be built through the workshop.
(Indicator: Local citizens, Community leaders, Local NGO, Private sector workers)
b) Workshop for health workers from local organizations will be held to understand emergency health and hygiene needs and learn how to respond to emergencies. The health workers who finished this trainings are supposed to become member of disaster volunteer rescue team in the activity. | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop at Patuakhali and Pabna where 60 persons have participated.
15-16 February 2026, Patuakhali, Total Participants 30 22-23 February 2026, Pabna, Total Participants 30
Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop was conducted in Patuakhali to enhance the capacity of local stakeholders in responding effectively to natural disasters and emergency situations. The workshop brought together representatives from government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and volunteers to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and rapid response mechanisms in disaster-prone coastal areas. The main objective of the workshop was to improve participants’ understanding of integrated disaster management approaches, including early warning systems, emergency |
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| communication, search and rescue, first aid, evacuation planning, and relief coordination. On February 22-23, 2026, Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop was conducted at the Pabna, focusing specifically on post-earthquake rescue operations . The specialized training was organized in response to recent seismic tremors that caused casualties and widespread damage across the country, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced local preparedness. The workshop provided hands-on instruction on operating various rescue tools and equipment essential for post-earthquake response, alongside discussions on immediate emergency protocols . |
3-1 b) Mental Health Training
Participants：25 people（3 days ） × 8 divisions = 200 people |
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3-2 Strengthening Local Communities’ Emergency Response through Disaster Drill | ||
3-2 a) Women’s Emergency Response Simulation Drill Participants：25 people（2 days）× 2 times× 8 divisions =400 people | 3-2 a) Building women empower and capacity building through improving their knowledge and skills on disaster risk reduction, in order to involve them in disaster planning and policy making. A women’s group will be trained in the field of maternal and child health, hygiene and environment sanitation, nutrition. | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Women’s Emergency Response Simulation Drill at Habiganj and Netrokona where 50 persons have participated.
16-17 February 2026, Netrokona, Total Participants 25 22-23 February 2026, Habiganj, Total Participants 25 |
| (Indicator: A women’s group will be trained in the field of maternal and child health, hygiene and environment sanitation, nutrition.)
b) Drilling training session will be conduct to the local stakeholders, youth group and homes and to learn how to respond the fire, flood, cyclone, landslide and earthquake disasters and rescue at the emergencies. To conduct this training session, we will prepare a training manual and a curriculum collaboration with the department of fire service and civil defense of GoB. (Indicator: After the practical training session two disaster volunteer rescue team will be established in each divisional area.)
c) Drilling training session for the public junior high school students and teachers will conduct at the school based focusing self-protection during and after disaster. Manual will be designed for the school children in cooperation with the department of fire service and civil defense of GoB (Indicator: Participated schools will be supported to develop their emergency management plans.)
In order to widely share and disseminate the activities of this project and the experiences and lessons learned | Women’s Emergency Response Simulation Drill was conducted in Habiganj to strengthen community preparedness and enhance women’s capacity to respond effectively during emergencies. The simulation aimed to build practical skills, promote leadership among women, and improve coordination in disaster response situations. The activity brought together women volunteers, community members, and local facilitators who participated in a hands-on emergency scenario exercise. Participants received an orientation on emergency preparedness, evacuation procedures, and basic response actions before engaging in the simulation.
women-focused emergency response simulation drill was conducted in Netrokona Sadar Upazila, aimed at building the capacity of local women to serve as effective first responders during disasters. The initiative was part of a broader effort to foster inclusive community resilience through practical, hands-on training and realistic disaster simulations.
· First Aid and Emergency Health Response: Participants received training on providing immediate medical assistance, including wound dressing, bleeding control, and basic life support techniques during mock disaster scenarios. |
| through the activities, situation reports and activity reports in the event of a disaster will be published on the A-PAD BGD website. | · Community-Based Search and Rescue: Women were trained in safe techniques for locating and extricating community members trapped or injured during disasters such as flash floods, riverbank erosion, or earthquakes. · Evacuation Planning and Execution: The drill simulated the orderly evacuation of a village, with emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations, including children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. · Emergency Shelter Management: Training covered the setup and operation of community shelters, including maintaining sanitation, ensuring security for women and children, and equitable distribution of relief supplies. |
b) Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons with Disabilities Participants：45 persons x 8 divisions x 2 times = 720 persons | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons with Disabilities at Cox’s Bazar and Rangpur where 90 persons have participated.
22-23 February 2026, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 45 25-26 February 2026, Rangpur, Total Participants 45
An Inclusive Simulation Drill was conducted in Cox’s Bazar to strengthen community preparedness and promote inclusive emergency response practices involving youth, |
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| local stakeholders, and persons with disabilities. The initiative aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in disaster response while ensuring that the needs and capacities of vulnerable groups are integrated into emergency preparedness efforts. The simulation brought together youth volunteers, representatives from local institutions, community leaders, and persons with disabilities to participate in a hands-on emergency scenario. The activity began with an orientation session where participants were introduced to the objectives of the drill, basic emergency response procedures, and the importance of inclusive disaster risk management. During the simulation exercise, participants practiced evacuation procedures, basic search and rescue support, and coordination mechanisms during a simulated emergency situation. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring accessibility, communication support, and safe evacuation procedures for persons with disabilities. Youth volunteers played an active role in assisting and coordinating with stakeholders and disabilities participants to ensure |
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| inclusive participation throughout the exercise.
Inclusive Simulation Drill drilling training session was conducted in Rangpur to strengthen community preparedness and response capacity among youth, local stakeholders, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of disaster risks, improve coordination during emergencies, and ensure inclusive disaster response practices that consider the needs of vulnerable groups. A key focus of the training was inclusivity. Special attention was given to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities during emergencies. Participants discussed practical ways to ensure accessible evacuation routes, effective communication methods, and community support systems to assist individuals with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments. |
3-2 c) Junior High School Simulation Drill Participants：40 people（2 days ） × 2 times × 8 |
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divisions = 640 people |
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3-2 d) Emergency Medical Response Network Drill Participants：40 people（2 days ） × 2 times × 8 divisions = 640 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Emergency Medical Response Network Drill at Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Patuakhali and Pabna where 160 persons have participated.
10-11 February 2026, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 40 14-15 February 2026, Pabna, Total Participants 40 18-19 February 2026, Dhaka, Total Participants 40 25-26 February 2026, Patuakhali, Total Participants 40
Emergency Medical Response Network drill was conducted in Dhaka to strengthen coordination and preparedness among emergency responders, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. The primary objective of the drill was to enhance the capacity of participants to respond effectively to medical emergencies during disasters and mass casualty incidents. The training brought together healthcare professionals, emergency response teams, volunteers, youth representatives, and local stakeholders. The session began with an orientation on the Emergency Medical Response Network system, highlighting the roles |
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| and responsibilities of different actors involved in emergency medical services during disasters.
Emergency Medical Response Network drill was conducted in Pabna simulated emergency scenario formed the core of the drill. Participants practiced responding to a mock incident involving multiple casualties. Teams conducted triage, provided first aid, stabilized patients, and organized transportation to designated medical facilities. The drill also tested communication channels between responders and medical centers to ensure quick information sharing. The exercise highlighted the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and quick decision-making in emergency medical situations. Participants gained practical experience in managing medical emergencies under pressure while following established response protocols.
Emergency Medical Response Network Drill conducted in Cox’s Bazar aimed to enhance the preparedness and coordination of emergency medical services in disaster scenarios. This drill involved various stakeholders, including local healthcare providers, emergency response teams, and community organizations. The training involved hands-on simulations and exercises designed to test the efficiency of medical response protocols during emergencies. Participants practiced triage, treatment, and transportation |
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| procedures, ensuring they were well-equipped to manage mass-casualty incidents effectively.
Emergency Medical Response Network Drill by A-PAD Bangladesh in Patuakhali successfully demonstrated the value of targeted, gender-inclusive approaches to emergency preparedness. Through a combination of scenario-based learning and hands-on simulation exercises, participants gained practical skills in evacuation, first aid, and emergency response that will strengthen overall community resilience in this disaster-prone coastal district. The program represents an important step toward building a network of trained community responders who can act effectively when emergencies occur. The initiative was conducted in Patuakhali district, aimed at strengthening local disaster preparedness capabilities with an emphasis on vulnerable groups. While the search results did not contain a specific report on an Emergency Medical Response Network Drill, they did reveal a relevant disaster risk reduction training program for women in the district that included emergency response components |
3-3 Update website contents as E-resources |
- Challenges
- The recent election and political circumstances have posed significant challenges in organizing the training
- It was tough to manage
- Practice in collaboration with A-PAD Bangladesh Network Partners Please write good practice in collaboration with partner organizations
- Any contribution Funds Received and Grants Applied / Planned and Implemented Projects by CIS including Emergency Response Please write Projects name and its fund resources
- Relationship with Bangladesh Government and Japanese Embassy Please write about Meeting with Government officials
