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 October 2025, A-PAD Bangladesh has successfully benefited a total of 3,640 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 2,348 people visited to the Disaster Management Coordination Center to discuss about disaster preparedness and health related issues. Dhaka: 300 Persons Cox’s Bazar: 285 Persons Pabna: 315 Persons Bagerhat: 308 Persons Patuakhali: 306 Persons Habiganj: 284 Persons Rangpur: 290 Persons Netrokona: 260 Persons Total = 2,342 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 497 persons have participated. Total 4 times training organized at each divisional areas. Dhaka:15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60 Participants Cox’s Bazar: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+2=62 Participants Pabna: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+1=61 Participants Bagerhat: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+3=63 Participants Patuakhali: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+3=63 Participants | |
people |
| Habiganj: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+2=62 Participants Rangpur: 15 Participantsx 4 Sessons= 60+1=61 Participants Netrokona: 15 Participants x 4 Sessons= 60+5=65 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. |
|
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） |
|
2-2 Disaster Preparedness Campaigns Target：Partner organizations and local communities 50 people × 2 times × 8 divisions = 800 people | A-PAD Bangladesh organized Disaster Risk Reduction Day on 13 October 2025. 13 October 2024, Dhaka, Total Participants 50 13 October 2024, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 50 13 October 2024, Pabna, Total Participants 50 13 October 2024, Bagerhat, Total Participants 50 13 October 2024, Patuakhali, Total Participants 50 13 October 2024, Habiganj, Total Participants 50 13 October 2024, Rangpur, Total Participants 50 13 October 2024, Netrokona, Total Participants 50 The primary goal of a disaster preparedness campaign is to empower individuals, families, and communities to | |
|
| act before a disaster strikes. It aims to shift the mindset from passive fear to proactive readiness, thereby reducing risks, saving lives, minimizing injury, and protecting property. o Know the specific risks in different areas. o Assemble an emergency supply kit with enough non- perishable food, water, and essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. o Encourage community participation. o Promote a sense of shared responsibility. |
2-3 Network Partners Capacity Strengthening (DRR) Target ： Partner organizations 20 people × 2 organizations × 2 times × 8 divisions = 640 people | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Networking Partner Capacity Strengthening DRR at Pabna where 42 persons have participated from 2 Organizations.
06-07 October 2025, Pabna, Total 40+2=42 Participants
Two days training program organized in Pabna where 42 participants joined. Uddipona Mohila Somiti (UMS) and Mojaddediya Sayadat Mission (MSM) had joined the training. The objective is to enhance the technical expertise, operational capabilities, and collaborative effectiveness of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) network partners in Pabna, ultimately improving community-level preparedness, response, and recovery regarding disasters. This will involve the development and periodic revision of Union-Level Disaster Management Plans, as well as the execution of community risk assessments and the establishment of early warning dissemination systems. Additionally, simulation exercises will be conducted to practice |
|
| evacuation procedures, basic search and rescue techniques |
(non-technical), and the setup and management of temporary | ||
shelters. Partners will also engage in the formulation and | ||
dissemination of clear, actionable messages in local languages | ||
tailored to address various hazards. | ||
2-4 Seminar for Developing New Disaster Prevention Solutions Target ： NGO, Disaster | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Seminar at Dhaka where 30 persons have participated.
07-08 October 2025, Dhaka, Total Participants 30 Participants | |
prevention related government organizations, Private sector personnels 30 people （ 2days ） × 8 | Dhaka’s disaster vulnerability is a complex product of its geography, extreme population density, and rapid urbanization. A practical solution requires moving beyond | |
divisions × 2 times = 480 people | traditional response mechanisms to a multi-hazard, data- driven, and hyper-local approach that prioritizes its most at-risk | |
| communities. It was discussed about the location of tectonic | |
| plate located in a seismically active zone, Dhaka is considered | |
| extremely vulnerable due to its weak, unplanned infrastructure | |
| and high population density. A moderate earthquake could be | |
| catastrophic. Launch a mandatory city-wide audit of critical | |
| buildings (schools, hospitals, mosques) and high-risk residential | |
| buildings, especially in Old Dhaka. Promote and subsidize | |
| retrofitting. The seminar concluded that making Dhaka | |
| disaster-resilient is an immense but achievable task. It requires | |
| a fundamental shift from ad-hoc responses to strategic, | |
| integrated, and continuous investment in prevention. The time |
|
| to act is now, before the next major disaster strikes. The future |
of one of the world’s most densely populated cities depends on | ||
the decisions made today. | ||
2-5 International Symposium on DRR | CIS and A-PAD are organizing an International Symposium on “Heating Planet, Conflict, and Crisis Management: Building Resilience and International Cooperation in a Changing World” in connection with the project in Dhaka on October 21, 2025 at Padma Hall Room, Pan Pacific Sonagaon, Dhaka with participants from Government of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Police, A-PAD partners, universities and private sectors, civil society and stakeholders.
21 October 2025, Dhaka, Total Participants 200 Participants
1. To explore strategies for enhancing resilience in the face of global disruptions such as climate change, pandemics, and economic crises. 2. To highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing transboundary challenges. 3. To identify best practices, policy innovations, and community-based approaches to resilience building. | |
Target ： Government, Local government, private company, NOG, partner organization, representative of A-PAD member countries, etc. 200 people |
|
| 4. To promote dialogue among stakeholders’ governments, civil society, academia, and international organizations for collaborative action. |
4. Practical training to improve resilience of local communities | ||
| （ Outcome 3 ） Contribute to improving the disaster resilience of local communities through practical training. |
|
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.） |
|
3-1 a) Workshop on Disaster Management and Emergency Health Response | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Workshop on Disaster Management and Emergency Health Response at Bagerhat where 28 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 | 11-12 October 2025, Bagerhat, Total Participants 25+3=28 Participants
To enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of local officials, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers in the face of natural disasters and public health emergencies CIS organized 2 days workshop in Bagerhat. Enhance the collaboration between various government agencies, health departments, and non-governmental |
| 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 volunteer teams during actual disasters. （Indicator：Drilling Manual, Cases of activities in emergency disaster response） | organizations (NGOs) to create a more integrated approach to emergency health responses. It is essential to provide timely updates to all participants regarding the current national and local policies and protocols associated with disaster management. Focus on building practical and hands-on skills necessary for effective emergency health response. This training should encompass critical areas, including the proper techniques for triage to prioritize patient care, comprehensive first aid procedures, and strategies for efficiently managing and containing disease outbreaks. |
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） | Additionally, it’s crucial to engage in a thorough discussion about the unique vulnerabilities that the Bagerhat region faces. By identifying specific local challenges, we can collectively formulate targeted and context-sensitive strategies to bolster our preparedness and response capabilities. This will ensure that the community is better equipped to handle emergencies and health crises effectively. | |
3-1 b) Training of Local Health Workers on Disaster Health Activities |
|
|
Target ： Health workers who belong to local NGOs or civil organizations 20 people （ 3 days ） × 8 |
|
divisions = 160 people |
|
|
3-2 Strengthening disaster response capacities of local communities through disaster drilling training |
| |
3-2 a) Women Empowerment and Capacity Building | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Women Empowerment and Capacity Building at Netrokona and Rangpur where 47 persons have participated. | |
Target ： Women’s groups in target villages 20 people （ 2 days ） × 8 divisions × 2 times = 320 people | 08-09 October 2025, Netrokona, Total Participants 20+2=22 Participants 14-15 October 2025, Rangpur, Total Participants 20+3=25 Participants | |
| Netrokona, a district in northern Bangladesh, is highly | |
| vulnerable to recurring natural disasters like flash floods, river | |
| erosion, and seasonal droughts. These events | |
| disproportionately affect women and children, exacerbating | |
| risks related to health, safety, and livelihoods. In response, | |
| several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and | |
| government bodies have pioneered DRR programs that | |
| place local women at the forefront. A key component of these | |
| initiatives involves women-led and women-participatory |
|
| disaster preparedness drills. Women actively plan and conduct mock disaster drills. The drills build muscle memory, ensuring communities know exactly what to do when a real disaster strikes, thereby reducing panic and saving lives. By taking on leadership roles, women gain confidence, skills, and greater respect within their families and communities. This empowers them to participate in local decision-making processes. The women-led disaster drills in Netrokona are a powerful example of effective, community-based disaster risk reduction. By empowering the most vulnerable group to become leaders in preparedness, these programs not only save lives and protect assets but also foster a more inclusive and resilient society capable of withstanding the challenges posed by a changing climate. Rangpur division in northwestern Bangladesh is a region critically vulnerable to river erosion, flash floods, and seasonal droughts, particularly around the Brahmaputra and Teesta River basins. These disasters severely impact agriculture and livelihoods, with women often bearing the heaviest burden due to socio-economic vulnerabilities. In response, DRR programs in Rangpur have increasingly focused on empowering women as frontline responders through community-based disaster preparedness drills. This approach recognizes that women’s participation is not just beneficial, but essential for effective and inclusive disaster management. drills are tailored to |
|
| Rangpur’s specific hazards. For instance, they focus heavily |
on flood response, including rapid evacuation to flood shelters, | ||
protecting livestock and vital documents, and managing water- | ||
borne diseases that proliferate after flooding. Women are not | ||
just participants but are trained to lead and organize the entire | ||
drill process by operating community alert systems to notify | ||
residents of an impending flood or storm. | ||
3-2 b) Disaster Drilling for the Youth and Local Stakeholders Target：Youth in the local | A-PAD Bangladesh conducted Youth and Local Stakeholder Drilling at Cox’s Bazar where 45 persons have participants.
11-12 October 2025, Cox’s Bazar, Total Participants 45+3=48 Participants | |
private and civic sector 45 people （ 2 days ） × 8 |
This targeted drilling session was designed to strengthen local | |
divisions × 2 times = 720 people | resilience in the disaster-prone district of Cox’s Bazar. Recognizing the unique pressures on the region including | |
| annual cyclones, monsoon flooding, landslides, and its complex | |
| socio-demographic situation the program actively engaged | |
| youth and local stakeholders in a practical DRR drill. The focus | |
| was on building coordinated response capabilities between | |
| host communities and local institutions, ensuring that disaster | |
| preparedness plans are grounded in local knowledge and | |
| owned by the community itself. In the drilling programs | |
| participants collaboratively mapped local hazards: identifying | |
| cyclone surge zones, historical landslide sites, flood-prone |
|
| roads, and the location of all cyclone shelters and safe sites. Clarified the roles of youth, CPP volunteers, and local leaders in a coordinated evacuation, with special attention to assisting the elderly, persons with disabilities, and women-headed households. drill in Cox’s Bazar successfully transformed abstract DRR plans into a tangible, community-owned action framework. By harnessing the energy of its youth and the wisdom of its local stakeholders, the community is now better prepared, not just to respond to a disaster, but to do so in a coordinated, resilient, and inclusive manner. |
3-2 c) Disaster Drilling for Junior High Schools Target：School Children 40 people （ 2 days ） × 8 divisions × 2 times = 640 people |
|
|
| content/uploads/2025/10/img20251027_10472444.webp https://apad-bd.org/wp- content/uploads/2025/10/img20251027_10444535.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
