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 country’s 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 March 2026, A-PAD Bangladesh has successfully benefited a total of 3,857 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 2,489 people visited to the Disaster Management Coordination Center to discuss about disaster preparedness and health related issues. Dhaka: 310 Persons Cox’s Bazar: 318 Persons Pabna: 326 Persons Bagerhat: 306 Persons Patuakhali: 313 Persons Habiganj: 298 Persons Rangpur: 307 Persons Netrokona: 311 Persons Total = 2,489 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 | 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 | 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】 | 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 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. | A-PAD Bangladesh organized disaster planning networking meeting at Pabna total 255 participants joined.
11 March 2026, Hemayetpur, Total Participants 50 12 March 2026, South Ramchandrapur, Total Participants 50+2=52 Participants 14 March 2026, Manidah, Total Participants 50+2=52 Participants 15 March 2026, Chaklakhipur, Total Participants 50+1=51 Participants 16 March 2026, Salaipur, Total Participants 50
Disaster Planning Networking Meeting held in Pabna aimed to enhance coordination and build capacity among stakeholders engaged in disaster risk management. This training convened representatives from local government, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to address critical issues pertaining to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Through participatory sessions, which included group discussions and the sharing of experiences, participants acquired a deeper understanding of local risks, early warning systems, and the significance of effective communication during emergencies. The meeting also underscored the necessity for improved resource mobilization and ongoing coordination among stakeholders. As a result, participants achieved a collective |
| (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 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.) | understanding of their roles and responsibilities, reinforcing the importance of sustained collaboration to bolster disaster resilience in Pabna.
Objectives:
· To improve understanding of disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies · To strengthen coordination among different stakeholders · To share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned · To develop a local disaster response and networking framework.
Outcomes:
· Enhanced knowledge of disaster preparedness among participants · 80% of the participants organizations Strengthened networking and communication. · Identification of local risks and available resources · Draft outline of a coordinated disaster response plan · Commitment from stakeholders to collaborate in future initiatives |
2.2 Comprehensive DRR Training for Network Partner Partici pants:25 people × 2 organizations × 2 times × 8 | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Comprehensive DRR Training for Network Partner at Habiganj and Netrokona where 103 persons have participated from 2 Organizations |
divisions = 800 people |
| 13-14 March 2026, Habiganj, Total Participants 50+3=53 14-15 March 2026, Netrokona, Total Participants 50
Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training for Network Partners, conducted in Habiganj, aimed to enhance the capacities of local organizations in their preparation, response, and recovery efforts related to disasters. The training encompassed essential concepts such as risk assessment, community-based disaster management, early warning systems, climate change adaptation, and emergency response planning. Participants engaged actively in group discussions, practical exercises, and scenario-based simulations, which significantly enriched their comprehension of real-life disaster scenarios and the appropriate interventions necessary. Furthermore, the program underscored the importance of coordination among stakeholders, inclusive methodologies, and the integration of DRR strategies into existing developmental initiatives. Overall, the training markedly improved the knowledge, skills, and confidence of the network partners, thereby enabling them to make more effective contributions to the development of resilient communities in disaster-prone regions. On the first day of the training at Netrokona, Mr. Ariful Islam, Secretary of Barhatta Social Welfare Organisation, |
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| was present as a distinguished guest. In his remarks, he |
appreciated the initiative taken by CIS to organize the | ||
training, highlighting its importance in strengthening | ||
collaboration among NGOs, government agencies, and | ||
community beneficiaries for effective disaster | ||
preparedness and strategic action planning. He noted that | ||
due to the geographical location and climatic conditions of | ||
the area, hazards such as lightning, tidal floods, erratic | ||
rainfall, cold waves, arsenic contamination, and tornadoes | ||
are common. On the second day, Mr. Enamul Haque Sohel, | ||
Branch Manager of Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK), | ||
attended the session. He also commended CIS for | ||
organizing the DRR training, recognizing it as an important | ||
step toward fostering effective partnerships among NGOs, | ||
government bodies, and local communities. Drawing from | ||
his 14 years of experience living in the area, he observed | ||
that awareness regarding hygiene remains low among the | ||
local population. | ||
2.3 Co-creation Seminar on | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Co-creation Seminar on | |
Innovating Together for | Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness at | |
Future Disaster | Bagerhat where 50 persons have participated | |
Preparedness (DRR Participants:50 people x 2 | 12 March 2026, Bagerhat, Total Participants 50 | |
org x 8 divisions x 2 times | A-PAD Bangladesh organized co-creation Seminar on | |
=960 people | Innovating Together for Future Disaster Preparedness, held | |
| in Bagerhat, brought together a diverse group of | |
| stakeholders including local government representatives, |
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| NGO workers, community leaders, youth participants, and disaster management professionals to collaboratively explore innovative approaches to disaster risk reduction. Recognizing the vulnerability of coastal regions like Bagerhat to cyclones, flooding, and climate-related hazards, the seminar emphasized the importance of inclusive, participatory planning and collective problem- solving. Through interactive sessions such as group discussions, brainstorming, and co-design workshops, participants identified key challenges including limited access to early warning systems, inadequate infrastructure, and gaps in community awareness and coordination. The seminar encouraged participants to jointly develop practical solutions such as community-based early warning mechanisms, technology-driven communication tools, and youth-led awareness initiatives. As a result, the event strengthened partnerships among stakeholders, enhanced participants’ understanding of co-creation approaches, and generated actionable ideas for improving disaster preparedness. Overall, the seminar highlighted the value of collaboration and innovation in building resilient communities capable of effectively responding to future disasters. Outcomes: o Increased understanding of co-creation approaches o Identification of practical and innovative solutions |
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| o Strengthened partnerships among stakeholders o Enhanced capacity of participants in disaster preparedness planning o Actionable recommendations for future initiatives |
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 Cox’s Bazar and Rangpur where 60 persons have participated.
09-10 March 2026, Rangpur, Total Participants 30 14-15 March 2026, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 30
A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Integrated Emergency Disaster Response Workshop held in Cox’s Bazar brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and local communities to strengthen coordinated disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. During the workshop CIS focused on enhancing collaboration, improving communication strategies, and building capacity to effectively manage emergencies such as cyclones, floods, and refugee-related crises. Participants engaged in simulation exercises, technical sessions, and group discussions aimed at |
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| identifying gaps in current response systems and developing practical solutions. Emphasis was placed on community-based approaches, early warning systems, and rapid response coordination to minimize loss of life and property. CIS set of actionable recommendations and a renewed commitment among stakeholders to ensure a more resilient and responsive disaster management framework in the region at the conclusion.
CIS focused on strong emphasis on coordinated, community-based strategies marked recent disaster management discussions in the Rangpur division. At an event in Rangpur city organized by the district administration, officials called for unified efforts among all stakeholders, including law enforcement, volunteers, and the public, to mitigate the impact of natural calamities such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes. At the event also featured practical emergency response demonstrations, including a mock drill for earthquake and fire incidents conducted by the Fire Service and Civil Defense, underscoring the value of simulation exercises in testing readiness. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a multi- faceted strategy in the region that combines community mobilization, inter-agency coordination, and practical drills to build a more effective and integrated disaster response framework.
Outcomes: o Enhanced understanding of integrated emergency response strategies among local responders. |
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| o Establishment of networking opportunities between various organizations and communities. o Development of action plans tailored to address specific risks faced |
3-1 b) Mental Health Training
Participants:25 people(3 days ) × 8 divisions = 200 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Mental Health Training at Dhaka and Pabna where 50 persons have participated.
07-09 March 2026, Pabna, Total Participants 25 14-16 March 2026, Dhaka, Total Participants 25
CIS conducted Mental Health Training on Disaster Management in Pabna aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to address psychological and emotional needs during and after disaster situations. The training highlighted the importance of integrating mental health and psychosocial support into disaster preparedness and response activities. Key topics included stress reactions during emergencies, psychological first aid, coping strategies for trauma-affected individuals, and effective communication with vulnerable populations. Through practical exercises, group discussions, and scenario-based learning, participants gained hands-on experience in managing mental health challenges in disaster contexts. Overall, the training enhanced awareness, skills, and readiness to support affected communities, contributing to more resilient and psychologically informed disaster management practices in Pabna.
CIS conducted Mental Health Training, in Dhaka, was instrumental in equipping participants with the critical skills |
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| needed to address the psychological dimensions of large scale emergencies. The training underscored that while physical first aid addresses visible injuries, psychological first aid (PFA) is essential for mitigating long-term trauma among survivors and relief workers. Participants engaged in interactive modules covering the identification of acute stress reactions, culturally appropriate de-escalation techniques, and strategies to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue issues particularly relevant given Dhaka’s high population density and recurring hazards such as flooding and building collapses. The course also facilitated a crucial shift in perspective, moving the response framework from a purely clinical model to a community-based resilience model. By the conclusion of the session, attendees from local NGOs and emergency response units demonstrated improved competency in developing actionable mental health support plans, ensuring that future disaster responses in Dhaka will address both structural and psychological recovery needs. |
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. (Indicator: A women’s group will be trained in the field of maternal and child health, hygiene and |
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b) Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Inclusive Simulation Drill for Empowering Youth, Stakeholders, and Persons with | |
with Disabilities Participants:45 persons x 8 divisions x 2 times = 720 persons | 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 through the activities, situation reports and activity reports in the event of a disaster will be published on the | Disabilities at Bagerhat where 50 persons have participated.
03-04 March 2026, Bagerhat, Total Participants 45+5= 50 Participants
CIS organized inclusive simulation drill for disaster preparedness was in Bagerhat with the active participation of youth, key stakeholders, and persons with disabilities to strengthen community resilience and emergency response capacity. The exercise aimed to promote an equitable and accessible disaster management system by ensuring that all groups, including vulnerable populations, were fully engaged in preparedness activities. Participants took part in realistic emergency scenarios such as early warning dissemination, coordinated evacuation, search and rescue coordination, and first aid response. Special arrangements were made to support persons with disabilities, including accessible communication methods and assisted evacuation procedures, ensuring their meaningful inclusion throughout the drill. Youth groups played a vital role in supporting coordination and response activities, while stakeholders contributed to planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the exercise. The simulation highlighted the |
| A-PAD BGD website. | importance of inclusive disaster risk reduction practices and strengthened collaboration among community members and institutions. Overall, the drill enhanced awareness, improved preparedness, and reinforced the commitment to building a safer and more inclusive disaster-resilient community in Bagerhat. Outcomes: o 80% of the participants improved disaster awareness among youth and communities o Stronger inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in disaster planning o Better coordination among local stakeholders o Identification of infrastructure gaps in shelters and evacuation routes o Increased community resilience in coastal disaster-prone zones |
3-2 c) Junior High School Simulation Drill Participants:40 people(2 days ) × 2 times × 8 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 Bagerhat and Netrokona where 80 persons have participated.
07-08 March 2026, Netrokona, Total Participants 40 08-09 March 2026, Bagerhat, Total Participants 40
CIS conducted Emergency Medical Response Network Drill in Bagerhat highlights coordination effort to strengthen emergency response capacity among healthcare providers, volunteers, and relevant stakeholders. The drill was organized to simulate real-life disaster scenarios, focusing on rapid medical response, patient triage, coordination among response teams, and efficient communication within the emergency network. Participants practiced establishing field medical stations, managing mass casualty situations, and ensuring timely referral of critical patients to nearby health facilities. Special emphasis was placed on improving inter-agency collaboration and readiness to respond to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and building collapses, which are common risks in the coastal region of Bagerhat. The training also helped identify gaps in resources, communication systems, and logistical support, while reinforcing standard emergency protocols. Overall, the drill significantly enhanced the preparedness and confidence of the participants in handling large-scale |
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| emergencies effectively.
Emergency Medical Response Network drill conducted in Netrokona served as a critical, full-scale simulation to assess the district’s disaster preparedness and coordinated medical response capabilities. The scenario simulated a large-scale structural collapse following a moderate earthquake, testing the rapid mobilization of first responders, triage protocols, and inter-agency communication between the local health complex, fire service, and volunteer networks. Key observations included a commendable activation time of under eight minutes for the first response team; however, bottlenecks were identified in on-scene patient triage and the radio communication link between field units and the district control room. The drill further highlighted a shortage of cervical collars and pediatric emergency supplies in the mobile medical units. Overall, while the exercise validated the basic functionality of the EMRN in a semi-urban setting, it underscored an urgent need for retraining on mass casualty triage algorithms, upgrading communication equipment, and pre-positioning specific emergency supplies to enhance resilience in Netrokona’s hazard-prone environment. |
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| Outcome o Identification of communication gaps (radio, mobile, digital systems) o Improved reporting of casualty numbers and resource needs o Enhanced inter-agency communication protocols |
3-3 Update website contents as E-resources for Disaster Management | https://apad-bd.org/completion-report-npf-2025-2026/ https://apad-bd.org/a-pad-bangladesh-activity-report- month-of-february-2026/ https://apad-bd.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/04/1.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/04/2.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/04/3.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/04/4.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/04/5.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp- content/uploads/2026/04/6.webp |
- Challenges
- During ramadan time school was remain close so that junior high school drilling could not organized
- Facing training venue
- 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
