Project Title: Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Disaster Management Network by involving multi-sectoral platform Project Period: 17 January, 2024– 16 January, 2025 (12 month)
- Project Activities and Accomplishments
Bangladesh’s historical narrative, both before and after its independence, is heavily influenced by a range of disasters, largely driven by natural hazards. Situated near the Bay of Bengal, the nation faces the frequent threat of tropical cyclones that originate in the Indian Ocean. These powerful storms intensify as they approach the Southeast Asian region, with Bangladesh being one of the most affected countries. Storms are the most common disaster type encountered by the nation and have historically caused widespread devastation. The geographical makeup of Bangladesh, characterized by its extensive river delta systems and a monsoon climate, significantly heightens the risk of flooding. These floods rank as the second most common disaster affecting the country, often exacerbated by storm surges associated with cyclones. In addition to these challenges, Bangladesh is also vulnerable to landslides that typically occur in the wake of storms and heavy rainfall, alongside other hazards like earthquakes, extreme temperatures, and widespread epidemics that can arise in the aftermath of such disasters. The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, further exacerbating Bangladesh’s susceptibility to these hazards.
A-PAD Bangladesh initiated its project in January 2023, with ongoing efforts continuing from January 17, 2025, aimed at enhancing capacity in disaster management. The organization engages with various sectors, including local communities, community leaders, stakeholders, and government officials, through continuous training sessions focused on disaster management. To facilitate these training programs, A-PAD Bangladesh staff organized small community meetings to share insights on disaster preparedness and to introduce participants to the activities of A-PAD Bangladesh. The organization operates across eight divisional areas.
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 June 2025, A-PAD Bangladesh has successfully benefited a total of 3,456 individuals.
A-PAD Bangladesh also participated in coordination meetings held in the eight divisions at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner. These meetings included various NGOs that presented their activities and discussed future initiatives in collaboration with government bodies and NGO partners.
1. Strengthening of disaster risk reduction and disaster response system functions through the Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center | ||
Activities | ( Outcome 1 ) The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center operated under this project will function as a disaster response base in each region, leading to the disaster risk reduction in the community and the strengthening of its disaster response system.: | Project Status: Achievements vs Outcome: If the activity is behind the schedule, please write the reason. |
1-1 Operation of Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Centers Target:Local communities 10 people×25 days×8 divisions×12 months =24,000 people | 【Indicators of Outcome】 1-1 The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center will be used for coordination meetings among partner organizations and relevant stakeholders during normal times, and will also serve as a center for health and public health guidance for the local residents. In the time of emergency, health services will be provided by emergency health workers. The Emergency Disaster Management Coordination Center will be used by 24,000 local residents (annual average) in the target area. (Indicator:number or visitors, record of services provided)
1-2 Through the Disaster Management Awareness Program, community residents will receive the latest disaster information and knowledge on how to respond to disasters, and people’s awareness of disaster prevention and response will be increased. (Indicator:Community disaster preparedness report) | Total 2,414 people visited to the Disaster Management Coordination Center to discuss about disaster preparedness and health related issues. Dhaka: 285 Persons Cox’s Bazar: 282 Persons Pabna: 324 Persons Bagerhat: 300 Persons Patuakhali: 320 Persons Habiganj: 325 Persons Rangpur: 298 Persons Netrokona: 280 Persons Total = 2,414 Persons |
1-2 Disaster Management Awareness Program Target:Local communities, Community leaders, Local NGOs, Private company workers, government officials 15 people × 8 divisions × 4 times ×12 months =5,760 | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Disaster Management Awareness programs at the 8 divisional areas where 491 persons have participated. Total 4 times training organized at each divisional areas. Dhaka:15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+4=64 Participants Cox’s Bazar: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60 Participants Pabna: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60 Participants Bagerhat: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+2=62 Participants Patuakhali: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+5=65 Participants |
people |
| Habiganj: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60 Participants Rangpur: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60 Participants Netrokona: 15 Participants x 4 Sessons= 60 Participants |
2. Expansion of disaster management network to improve community vulnerability | ||
| (Outcome 2)The network of NPF will be expanded and the capacity of each region for disaster prevention and response will be strengthened. |
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2-1 Network Partner Meeting Target : Local communities, Community leaders, Local NGO, Private Company Workers, Government officials 50 people × 5 villages × 8 divisions = 2,000 people | 【Indicator of Outcome】 2-1 Strategies, mechanisms, and action plans for disaster reduction cooperation are developed in each region through discussions at network partner meetings, and a framework for disaster reduction cooperation is established. (Indicator:Strategic Plan) 2-2 MOUs signed with at least 5 new organizations, including private companies, in A-PAD Bangladesh NPF to expand the network (Indicator:number of new MOUs signed) 2-4 Resources possessed by A-PAD BGD partner organizations are provided in emergency disaster response, and play the role of that organization in times of emergency. (Indicator:List of resources such as supplies, human resources and donations provided by partner organizations for emergency disaster response) | A-PAD Bangladesh organized Network Partner Meeting at Patuakhali. Total 260 Participants joined the Network Partner Meeting. 10 July 2025, Atkhali, Total Participants 50+1=51 Participants 13 July 2025, Moddho Dakua, Total Participants 50+3=53 Participants 14 July 2025, Chiknikandi, Total Participants 50+1=51 Participants 15 July 2025, Kachua Hat, Total Participants 50+3=53 Participants 16 July 2025, Moddho Atkhali, Total Participants 50+2=52 Participants
Community Initiative Society (CIS) organized a five-day Networking Partners Meeting across different locations in Galachipa Upazila, Patuakhali. The meetings aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in this highly disaster-prone coastal region. A total of 250 participants from various unions and villages—including NGO representatives, teachers, public leaders, social workers, volunteer groups, and |
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| local residents—took part in this initiative. Discussions were held around key disaster issues such as flood, cyclone, river erosion, waterlogging, climate change, and health emergencies, with the goal of developing an effective one-year action plan. On Day 1, the meeting was focused on cyclone preparedness and disaster-resilient infrastructure. As Galachipa frequently faces severe cyclones and tidal surges, participants stressed the urgent need for building and maintaining multipurpose cyclone shelters that can serve both as schools and emergency shelters. There were also discussions on improving drainage systems, re- excavating canals and rivers, and elevating roads to ensure year-round accessibility. On Day 2, held the topic was the impact of climate change on the region. Participants discussed how rising sea levels are increasing salinity in agricultural land, contaminating freshwater sources like tube wells and ponds, and displacing families due to coastal erosion. On Day 3, focusing on river erosion. River erosion is a major threat in many parts of Galachipa, causing the loss of agricultural land, homes, and critical infrastructure. Participants shared stories of families becoming landless overnight and the social instability that follows such displacement. Proposed solutions included constructing and maintaining permanent embankments using geo-bags and concrete blocks, regular river dredging to maintain the river’s natural flow, and afforestation along riverbanks to prevent soil erosion. On Day 4, , the growing |
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| threat of dengue fever in rural and coastal areas was the |
primary topic. Previously considered an urban issue, dengue | ||
outbreaks are now affecting areas like Galachipa during the | ||
monsoon season. Participants discussed preventive measures | ||
such as eliminating stagnant water sources, cleaning | ||
surroundings, using mosquito nets and repellents, and | ||
spreading awareness at the community level. The symptoms | ||
and critical warning signs of severe dengue were shared in | ||
detail, along with treatment and recovery advice. On Day 5, the | ||
final meeting was held at focusing on flooding and | ||
waterlogging, which are regular problems during the monsoon | ||
season. Heavy rainfall and upstream runoff flood vast areas, | ||
disrupting everyday life. Homes, schools, roads, and health | ||
centers are submerged; food and clean water become scarce, | ||
and waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases spread rapidly. | ||
2-2 Disaster Preparedness Campaigns Target:Partner organizations and local communities 50 people × 2 times × 8 divisions = 800 people |
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2-3 Network Partners Capacity Strengthening (DRR) Target : Partner organizations | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Networking Partner Capacity | |
Strengthening DRR at Cox’s Bazar where 45 persons have | ||
participated from 2 Organizations. | ||
12-13 July 2025, Patuakhali, Total Participants 40+5=45 | ||
Participants |
20 people × 2 organizations × 2 times × 8 divisions = 640 people |
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On the 1st day focused on cyclone preparedness and post- cyclone response strategies. He emphasized that meteorological disasters such as cyclones not only destroy physical infrastructure but also affect public health by increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases. Initial flooding can wash away existing mosquito breeding grounds, but stagnant water left behind often creates new breeding sites—leading to a rise in disease transmission if not properly managed. Participants learned the importance of early warning systems, personal safety measures, and community coordination during cyclones. On Day 2, Program Officer at UTTC Cox’s Bazar, conducted a session on extreme weather events, particularly thunderstorms. He explained that thunder and lightning are dangerous and often overlooked hazards, with Cox’s Bazar being a high-risk zone. Thunderstorm events typically occur during March to April and September to November, coinciding with early summer and the late rainy season. He highlighted the need for localized preparedness plans and encouraged participants to assess community vulnerabilities and improve their understanding of threats. Throughout the training, participants were introduced to key disaster management concepts, including types and classifications of disasters, vulnerabilities, mitigation strategies, and the link between disasters and development. The sessions also included a review of the disaster history and risk profile of Cox’s Bazar, helping |
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| participants understand local contexts. They learned the |
importance of data collection and risk analysis in disaster | ||
planning essential for issuing early warnings and prioritizing | ||
interventions. | ||
2-4 Seminar for Developing New Disaster Prevention Solutions Target : NGO, Disaster | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Seminar at Habiganj where 33 persons have participated. 16-17 July 2025, Habiganj, Total Participants 30+3= 33 Participants | |
prevention related government organizations, Private sector personnels 30 people ( 2days ) × 8 |
On 1st day of the program, discussed on warning systems, flooding, & global warming. Community leader emphasized on exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation as the result of global | |
divisions × 2 times = 480 people | warming as people of Hobiganj suffering from heat wave badly now a days that overexposure to UV radiation as the result in | |
| painful sunburn. It can also lead to more serious health effects, | |
| including skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and other | |
| skin disorders; cataracts and other eye damage; and immune | |
| system suppression. 2nd day of the Seminar, focused on the | |
| impact of disaster on children should be thought of in terms of | |
| their developmental age and not their chronologic age. | |
| Preschoolers are still exercising some normal separation | |
| anxiety. Increased arousal, sleep disturbances, clinging & fear | |
| of being alone all become manifest. | |
| The Seminar for Developing New Disaster Prevention Solutions | |
| aims to achieve the following objectives: |
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1. Facilitate knowledge exchange: The seminar aims to bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers from different sectors to share their knowledge and experiences in disaster prevention and management. 2. Foster collaboration: The seminar aims to promote collaboration and partnerships among different stakeholders, including disaster management agencies, NGOs, academics, engineers, architects, and urban planners. 3. Identify new approaches and technologies: The seminar aims to explore new approaches and technologies to improve disaster prevention and management. 4. Enhance societal resilience: The seminar aims to contribute to building a safer and more resilient society that is better equipped to face the challenges posed by disasters. |
2-5 International Symposium on DRR
Target : Government, Local government, private company, NOG, partner organization, representative of A-PAD member countries, etc. 200 people |
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5. Practical training to improve resilience of local communities | ||
| ( Outcome 3 ) Contribute to improving the disaster |
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| resilience of local communities through practical training. |
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3-1 Disaster response capacity building of local community level in Health and hygiene field | 【Indicator of Outcome】 3-1 a) Establish networks of community leaders who can lead disaster response and emergency health response in all districts of Bangladesh. (Indicator:Number and the List of community leaders for disaster response/emergency health in each 8 districts.) |
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3-1 a) Workshop on Disaster Management and Emergency Health Response | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Workshop on Disaster Management and Emergency Health Response at Netrokona where 27 persons have participated. | |
Target : Local residents, Community leaders, Local NGO workers 25 people ( 2 days )× 8 divisions × 2 times = 400 people | b) Networks of human resources with the skills and know-how to respond to health emergencies will be established in all districts of Bangladesh to provide health services to the local residents in times of emergency. (Indicator:Data of NGO health personals who can respond in emergency. Number of residents who received the services in the cases of activities during emergency disaster in each 8 districts.)
3-2 a) Disaster preparedness training and drills will be documented in a manual, and women, youth groups, and local stakeholders who participate in the drills will be granted certificates of completion and work as disaster | 09-10 July 2025, Netrokona, Total Participants 25+2=27 Participants
CIS Conducted a workshop program in Barhatta, Netrakona on 9th & 10th July-2025, Two days. On first day of the meeting, Chip Guest Bipul Sarkar Head Teacher Mohommad Ali Government Primary School. He Said Emphasized on the recent flood and Lightning situation in Netrokona district areas. Over 200 of people have been affected, with many displaced from their homes. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is severely Compromised, Increasing the risk of waterborne Diseases. In addition, houses, trees, electrical wires, and other infrastructure may also be damaged for Lightning. On 2nd day, Hafizur Rahman liton, Community Leader said that Access to remote and flood-affected areas remains a challenge due to damaged infrastructure and |
| volunteer teams during actual disasters. (Indicator:Drilling Manual, Cases of activities in emergency disaster response) b) Disaster drills at junior high schools will be documented in a manual so that students who participate in the drills will have the skills to take appropriate action in the event of a disaster. (Indicator:Drilling Manual, Report of emergency disaster response) | ongoing Rainfall. Funding constraints also limit the scale and scope of humanitarian assistance, necessitating increased support from international donors and partners. So we people must be aware them to protect from floods and lightning. Access to remote and flood affected areas remains a challenge due to damaged infrastructure and ongoing rainfall. Funding constraints also limit the scale and scope of humanitarian assistance, necessitating increased support from NGO’s and Government Organisations. CIS is playing an important role by creating awareness program and conducting such training and worksop on disaster reduction. At the training, it was discussed on Increase funding and resources for emergency response efforts to meet the immediate needs of flood affected communities. The recent flooding in Bangladesh has had a devastating impact on millions of people, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and posing significant, Immediate Action is required to address the urgent needs of affected people and support their recovery and resilience building efforts in the long term. |
3-1 b) Training of Local Health Workers on Disaster Health Activities Target : Health workers who belong to local NGOs or civil organizations | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Local Health Workers training at Dhaka where 24 persons have participated.
20-22 July 2025, Dhaka, Total Participants 20+4=24 Participants
The first day of the training session focused on the vital role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in fostering inherent |
20 people ( 3 days ) × 8 divisions = 160 people |
| resilience during disasters. On the training it was highlighted the significant responsibilities of Local Health Worker’s in |
| emergency scenarios, particularly in providing immediate care | |
| to choking and unconscious patients. | |
| Participants were divided into three groups to facilitate | |
| interactive feedback sessions. Each group selected a team | |
| leader to present their insights. One of the groups focused on | |
| health maintenance strategies during extreme heat events and | |
| emphasized hydration, early symptom recognition, and the | |
| importance of community education in reducing heat-related | |
| illnesses. The second day centered on the critical role CHWs | |
| play in emergency health response during disasters. It was | |
| raised ethical concerns regarding the expectations placed on | |
| Local Health Workers during pandemics, emphasizing that | |
| while they receive health-related training, it is neither practical | |
| nor ethical to obligate them to serve as primary medical | |
| responders during large-scale infectious disease outbreaks. | |
3-2 Strengthening disaster response capacities of local communities through disaster drilling training |
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3-2 a) Women Empowerment and Capacity Building | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Women Empowerment and Capacity Building at Rangpur where 22 persons have participated. |
Target : Women’s groups in target villages 20 people ( 2 days )× 8 divisions × 2 times = 320 people |
| 16-17 July 2025, Rangpur, Total Participants 20+2=22 Participants
Rangpur district, located in Bangladesh, is significantly vulnerable to various types of natural disasters due to its geographical features and climatic conditions. In response to this pressing issue, Community Initiative Society (CIS) is set to host a Women Empowerment Capacity Building Training on July 16 and 17, 2025. The primary goal of this training is to minimize the impact of disasters on communities by enhancing the ability to respond swiftly and efficiently in emergency situations. While it is not feasible to entirely prevent natural disasters such as cyclones, tidal floods, irregular rainfall, cold waves, arsenic pollution, and tornadoes, collective efforts can significantly reduce the associated losses and suffering. Through this drilling session, CIS aims to strengthen the emergency response capacity of women participants, focusing on their roles before, during, and after a disaster. The training will gather a total of 24 participants from Rangpur Sadar, providing them with practical tools and strategies that can be implemented in real-life situations. By fostering a community of empowered women, the initiative hopes to create a robust support system that can effectively handle the challenges posed by natural disasters. |
3-2 b) Disaster Drilling for the | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Youth and Local Stakeholder Drilling at Bagerhat and Pabna where 50 persons have |
Youth and Local Stakeholders Target:Youth in the local private and civic sector 45 people ( 2 days ) × 8 divisions × 2 times = 720 people |
| participated.
14-15 July 2025, Bagerhat, Total Participants 45+3=48 Participants 19-20 July 2025, Pabna, Total Participants 45+5=50 Participants
Bagerhat district is one of the disaster-prone areas in Bangladesh Sarankhola Upazila, located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is prone to multiple natural disasters, including cyclones, flooding, and coastal erosion. The impact of these disasters is felt most by the vulnerable populations, including youth and local communities, who often lack the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to these events. Therefore, disaster preparedness drills targeting youth and local stakeholders are essential to improving community resilience and disaster response and two days Training program, 14&15 July-2025 Community Initiative Society (CIS) Sharankhola, Bagerhat Disaster Drilling for the Youth and Local Stakeholder Venue: Rasulpur Government Primary School, In short its main objective is to minimize human suffering and damage as much as possible. Because it is not possible for us prevent natural disaster, if we try sincerely and collectively, changing our habits my reduce its frequency. For geographic location and weather condition, cyclone, tidal flood, erratic rainfall, cold wave, arsenic contamination, and tornado are common in this area. The main focus on training workshop was |
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| on build up on capacity on emergency response during and |
after disaster. CIS conducted a training program in Sarankhola, | ||
Bagerhat. Total 48 participant’s Disaster Drilling for the Youth | ||
and Local Stakeholder | ||
CIS organized disaster drilling program was successfully | ||
conducted in Pabna to enhance the preparedness and response | ||
capacity of local youth and stakeholders on 19-20 July 2025 | ||
where 50 participants joined. The training focused on practical | ||
simulations and awareness-building activities, engaging | ||
students, community leaders, local government officials, and | ||
NGO representatives. Participants were trained on key disaster | ||
response techniques, including evacuation procedures, first | ||
aid, and coordination during emergencies such as floods, fires, | ||
and earthquakes. The drill emphasized the vital role of youth as | ||
first responders and raised awareness about local hazards and | ||
community resilience. The program fostered stronger | ||
collaboration among stakeholders and highlighted the need for | ||
continued capacity-building to ensure effective disaster risk | ||
reduction in the region. | ||
3-2 c) Disaster Drilling for Junior High Schools Target:School Children | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Disaster Drilling for Junior High School at Netrokona where 42 persons have participated.
21-22 July 2025, Netrokona, Total Participants 40+2=42 | |
40 people ( 2 days ) × 8 | Participants | |
divisions × 2 times = 640 people | Netrakona district is one of the disaster-prone areas in |
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| Bangladesh. For Geographic location and weather condition, cyclone, tidal flood, erratic Rainfall, cold wave, arsenic contamination, and tornado are common in this area. The main focus on drilling program was on build up on capacity on emergency response during and after disaster. CIS conducted a drilling program for the Junior High school students in Barhatta, Netrakona on 21th, and 22th of July- 2025, Two days. On first day of the meeting, Head Teacher, Md. Musahidur Rahoman appriciated, CIS role along with community volunteers role in very important in natural disaster management. He said that this type of Demonstration by volunteers can safe life and livelihoods and if disaster happen. Bangladesh is making remarkable progress in disaster management. He also expressed hope that this kind of exercise will help the local people what to do before the disaster. He also expressed that these type of support will be Continuing in Barhatta Upazila. On 2nd Day Present, Md. Zubaidur Rahoman Assistant Teacher said that such activities will help to prepare the local people during disaster. He thanked CIS team and expressed his gratitude to organize such kind of training. He also added that local people as well as students will be able to protect their lives and property during disaster by the learning of the event. They have demonstrated what to do during cyclones, landslide floods, floods caused by heavy rains, making stoves during floods, how to keep safe drinking water, what to do in case of fire, etc. They have demonstrated what to do during cyclones, |
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| landslides, floods, floods caused by heavy rains, rules for keeping dry food, Making stoves during floods, how to keep safe drinking water, what to do in case of fire, etc. After all, the meeting was very lively with simultaneous participation of CIS Participants. |
3-3 Update website contents as E-resources for Disaster Management | https://apad-bd.org/a-pad-bangladesh-activity-report-month-of- june-2025/ https://apad-bd.org/print-media/ https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-11-2025- 16-08-0001.png https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-11-2025- 16-11-0002.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-11-2025- 16-11-0003.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-11-2025- 16-11-0005.jpg https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-11-2025- 16-11-0006.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-11-2025- 16-09-0001.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08-11-2025- 16-11-0001.webp |
- Challenges
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 office





