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Country Disaster Response Handbook:

Bangladesh Version: v.2

Last updated: October 16, 2012

This report is prepared and updated by the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management &

Humanitarian Assistance as part of a series of Country Handbooks planned for the Asia-Pacific region. It

is intended to provide basic country information, disaster management plans and structures, and key

information about domestic disaster response entities and indigenous and international humanitarian

actors present in the country. Inquiries and feedback should be directed to: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………... 3

Disaster Management in Bangladesh………………………………………………… 5

Disaster Profile………………………………………………………………….. 6

Disaster Statistics………………………………………………………………. 11

Policies, Laws, Plans on Disaster Management…………………………..... 12

Organizational Structure of Disaster Management…………………………. 30

Key National & Regional Agencies in Disaster & Hazard Management….. 33

Early Warning Systems………………………………………………………. 70

Military Role in Disaster Relief………………………………………………... 83

Key Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Organizations in Bangladesh………………………………………………………………………

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Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Regulation & Registration…… 93

United Nations…………………………………………………………………..

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International Organizations and NGOs………………………………………. 97

National NGOs………………………………………………………………….. 109

Country Background……………………………………………………………………. 116 Brief History…………………………………………………………………….. 117 Geographical Description……………………………………………………… 118

People & Society………………………………………………...……………… 121 Health……………………………………………………………………………..

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Government……………………………………………………………………. 130 Economy Overview……………………………………………………………... 141 Communications………...……………………………………………………… 143 Transportation…………………………………………………………………… 146 Sources/References/Further Reading…………………………………..….... 148

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Executive Summary

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world due to its geographical location. The country is also highly vulnerable to climate change. With its economy heavily dependent on agriculture, the frequency of natural disasters such as floods, cyclones and accompanying storm surges, river-bank erosion, and drought, has hindered economic growth and poverty alleviation, thereby exacerbating the population’s vulnerability to risk. Due to the regularity of major floods and cyclones, which hit the country on an annual basis, Bangladesh has in place a well-established and organized national disaster response structure integrating international aid organizations and on occasion foreign militaries. Bangladesh’s traditional disaster management model focusing on disaster relief and recovery has evolved into a more holistic approach embracing the processes of hazard identification and mitigation, community preparedness, and integrated response efforts. The disaster management approach focuses on poverty alleviation and reduction of vulnerability through sustainable risk management initiatives in all development programs and projects. To reflect this new orientation, the Ministry of Relief and Rehabilitation was renamed the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM) in 2003. The MoFDM is the primary office in Bangladesh coordinating government disaster management efforts. The Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) was created in 1992 to serve as a technical arm to the MoFDM, overseeing and coordinating all disaster management activities from the national to the grassroots level and maintaining liaison with government agencies, donors, and NGOs to ensure cooperation and coordination. Bangladesh’s current disaster plan is outlined in the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD), which has been in effect since 1997. The latest revision took place in 2010. The SOD is a basic tool to maintain coordination amongst the Ministries and other agencies concerned. The SOD details the responsibilities and activities to be undertaken at different stages of a disaster by government ministries, all relevant agencies at the national as well as local levels, and all branches of the

Bangladesh Military Forces. The SOD can be found at www.dmb.gov.bd/reports/sod_final.pdf

Bangladesh continues to strengthen its own capacity to handle natural disasters, as illustrated by Cyclone Sidr—a powerful category 4 storm which struck the southern districts in November 2007. Although the intensity of the storm was similar to that of cyclone Marian in 1991, which killed upwards of 138,000 people, the early warning system and mass evacuation of people from low-lying areas limited the number of deaths from Cyclone Sidr to about 4,000. Nevertheless, there will likely be disasters in the future that are beyond Bangladesh’s capacity to manage. While the US military is well-equipped to provide practical assistance in emergency and short-term recovery operations, it is well recognized that good coordination, communication, and cooperation are crucial factors in ensuring a effective response.

http://www.dmb.gov.bd/reports/sod_final.pdf

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Note on sources used: This report is based primarily on information gathered from open-source material available through the internet. Most of the information used was from US or other government sources and is thus considered to be in the public domain. Such sources could include the CIA Fact Book, US Department of State, and foreign governments web pages. Information that is not in the public domain has been referenced, including a link to its original electronic source. Other sources used include NGO home pages, Relief Web, UNDP or other UN agency web pages, World Bank, and ADB. Whenever further information available electronically may be relevant, a link to the original internet source is provided.

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DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN BANGLADESH

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DISASTER PROFILE

The geographical location, land characteristics, multiplicity of rivers and the monsoon climate render Bangladesh highly vulnerable to natural hazards. The coastal morphology of Bangladesh influences the impact of natural hazards on the area. Especially in the southwestern area, natural hazards increase the vulnerability of the coastal dwellers and slow down the process of social and economic development. Significant country features include: • A vast network of rivers and channels • An enormous discharge of water heavily laden with sediments • A large number of islands in between the channels • A shallow northern Bay of Bengal and funneling to the coastal area of Bangladesh • Strong tidal and wind action Natural earthquakes, river erosion, fire, infrastructure collapse, high arsenic contents of ground water, water logging, water and soil salinity, epidemic, and various forms of pollution are frequent occurrences. Climate change adds a new dimension to community risk and vulnerability. Although the magnitude of these changes may appear to be small, they could substantially increase the frequency and intensity of existing climatic events (floods, droughts, cyclones etc). Current indications are that not only will floods and cyclones become more severe, they will also start to occur outside of their “established seasons”. Events, such as drought, may not have previously occurred in some areas, may now be experienced. FLOODS Prepared by CEGIS for CDMP under the study on “Inventory of Community Risk Reduction Programme” November 2006 (find link and paste in sources) Floods are an annual phenomena, with the most severe occurring during the months of July and August. Regular river floods affect 20% of the country, increasing up to 68% in extreme years. The floods of 1988, 1998 and 2004 were particularly catastrophic, resulting in large-scale destruction and loss of lives. Approximately 37%, 43%, 52% and 68% of the country is inundated with floods of return periods of 10, 20, 50 and 100 years respectively (MPO, 1986). Four types of flooding occur in Bangladesh. Flash floods caused by overflowing of rivers in hilly eastern and northern Bangladesh (in April-May and September-November). Rain floods caused by drainage congestion and heavy rains. Monsoon floods caused by major rivers usually in the monsoon season (during June-September). Coastal floods caused by storm surges. The 1988 flood affected about two-third area of the country. The 1998 flood alone caused 1,100 deaths, rendered 30 million people homeless, damaged 500,000 homes and caused heavy loss to infrastructure. The 1998 flood lasted for 65 days from July 12 to September 14 and affected about 67% area of the country. This devastating flood had an enormous impact on the national economy, in addition to causing hardships for people, and disrupting livelihood systems in urban and rural areas. In the year 2000, Bangladesh faced an unusual flood over its usually flood-free south western plain, which also caused loss of life and massive damage to property. In 2004, floods inundated about 38% of the country (WARPO, 2005). About 747 people lost their lives. About 2,500 kilometers of embankment were damaged and about 74 primary school buildings were washed away. This flood caused economic losses of about $2,200 million (US dollars). Floods continue to

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be major hazards in Bangladesh. To mitigate the impacts of floods, the government has been developing and implementing various measures to better equip the country to deal with floods. The Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) is leading the country on flood mitigation initiatives. Important initiatives include Flood Action Plan, Flood Hydrology Study, Flood Management Model Study, National Water Management Plan, National Water Policy, Flood Early Warning System Study, and other initiatives. CYCLONES AND STORM SURGES Tropical cyclones from the Bay of Bengal accompanied by storm surges are one of the major disasters in Bangladesh. The country is one of the worst sufferers of cyclonic casualties in the world. The high number of casualties is due to the fact that cyclones are always associated with storm surges. Storm surge heights in excess of 9 meters are not uncommon in this region. Cyclone Sidr in 2007 erupted from the Bay of Bengal packing winds of 240 kilometers per hour, and swept through the southwestern coastal areas within a 155-miles radius of its eye with heavy rain. On November 15, 2007, storm surges reached up to 15-20 feet high in some places. According to the Bangladesh Metrological Department, the Sidr's eye crossed the Khulna-Barisal coast near the Sunderbans mangrove forests around 9:30 pm, while it crossed over the Baleshwar River in Barguna district at midnight. The coastal districts of Barisal Patuakhali, Borguna, Pirojpur, Jhalkthi, Bhola, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Shariatpur, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar and their offshore islands and chars received the major destructions by the SIDR. Out of 12 severely affected districts, the worst affected were Bagerhat, Barguna, Pirojpur and Patuakhali. The Government, in coordination with NGOs and international organizations, has done a commendable job in responding to the cyclone emergency and assisting the affected population. The MoFDM activated emergency response committees at the District, Upazilla, and Union levels, and established an operations center in Dhaka to coordinate relief activities. Military personnel were deployed to assist with rescue operations and the distribution of food and relief services. TORNADO The two transitional periods between southwest and northeast monsoons over the Indian sub-continent are characterized by local severe storms. The transitional periods are usually referred to as pre-monsoon (March-May), and post-monsoon (October- November). It is during the pre-monsoon period when most of the abnormal rainfall or drought conditions frequently occur in different parts of Bangladesh. Also there are severe local seasonal storms, popularly known as nor’westers (kalbaishakhi). Severe nor’westers are generally associated with tornadoes. Tornadoes are embedded within a mother thundercloud, and move along the direction of the squall of the mother storm. The frequency of devastating nor’westers usually reaches the maximum in April, while a few occur in May, and the least in March. Nor’westers and tornadoes are more frequent in the afternoon. Wind speeds in nor’westers usually do not exceed 113-130 km/hr (70-80 miles/hr), though there are cases where their speeds exceed 162 km/hr (100 miles/hr). When the winds become whirling with funnel shaped clouds having a speed of several hundred kilometers or miles per hour, they are called tornados. Nor’westers bring the much-needed pre-monsoon rain. They can also cause a lot of havoc and destruction. Tornados are suddenly formed and are extremely localized in nature and of brief duration. Thus, it is very difficult to locate them or forecast their occurrence with the methods available at present. However, high- resolution satellite pictures, suitable radar, and a network of densely spaced meteorological observatories could be useful for the prediction or for issuing warnings of nor’westers and tornados. RIVER BANK EROSION River bank erosion is an ongoing disaster and there is no specific indicator to measure the extent of damage. So the extent of damage caused by river erosion in most cases is based on various

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reports. Needless to say whatever the method used in ascertaining the extent of damage, river erosion causes huge loss of property throughout the year. According to “World Disaster Report 2001” published by IFRCS every year about 10,00,000 people are affected by river erosion and 9,000 hectare of cultivable lands are lost. Among the people affected, only a few are able to find new shelters while others become homeless for an uncertain period. River erosion in Bangladesh is no less disastrous than other sudden and devastating calamities. Though losses due to river erosion are slow and gradual, they are more destructive and far-reaching than other sudden and devastating calamities. The effects of river erosion are long-term. It takes a few decades to make up the loss which a family incurs by river erosion. There has been little progress for improving the lives of erosion-affected people due to resource constraints. Rivers in Bangladesh are morphologically highly dynamic. The main rivers are braided, and form islands or chars between the braiding channels. These chars, of which many are inhabited, "move with the flow" and are extremely sensitive to changes in the river conditions. Erosion processes are highly unpredictable, and not compensated by accretion. These processes also have dramatic consequences to the lives of people living in those areas. A study concluded in 1991 reported that: out of the 462 administrative units in the country, 100 were subject to some form of riverbank erosion, of which 35 were serious, and affected about 1 million people on a yearly basis. Every year, rivers erode around 10,000 hectares of land in Bangladesh (NWMP, 2001). EARTHQUAKE Bangladesh and the northeastern Indian states have long been one of the seismically active regions of the world, and have experienced numerous large earthquakes during the past 200 years. The records of approximately 150 years show that Bangladesh and the surrounding regions experienced seven major earthquakes (with Mb = 7). In the recent past, a number of tremors of moderate to severe intensity have already taken place in and around Bangladesh. The Sylhet Earthquake (Mb = 5.6) of May 8, 1997, the Bandarban Earthquake (Mb = 6.0) of November 21, 1997, the Moheshkhali Earthquake (Mb = 5.1) of July 22, 1999, and the Barkal (Rangamati) Earthquake (Mb=5.5) of July 27, 2003 may be cited as examples (Source: Choudhury, 2005). DROUGHT Bangladesh faces unpredictable drought hazard in the dry monsoon season due to inadequate and uneven rainfall. It varies from place to place, however, and the northwestern region suffers the most from drought. As much as 17% of the Aman crops, the main paddy crops in the wet season, may be lost in a typical year due to drought. Drought affects not only seasonal crops, but also fruit-bearing trees, forestry and the environment as a whole. Moreover, the crop environment during the monsoon (Kharif-II) season is not favorable for achieving full potential yields because of uneven distribution of rainfall, flooding etc. To combat the drought, it is essential for Bangladesh to utilize its water resources, both surface and groundwater. However, due to Bangladesh’s frequent overuse and unplanned withdrawal of ground water resources and reservoirs, arsenic contamination is occurring at an alarming rate. Drought is an abnormal condition where there is a lack of sufficient water to meet the normal needs of agriculture, livestock, industry, or human use. While generally associated with semi-arid or desert climates, droughts can also occur in areas that normally enjoy adequate rainfall, and moisture levels (ADB, 1991). It is the result of insufficient or no rainfall for an extended period that causes a considerable hydrological (water) imbalance. The ensuing water shortage leads to stream flow reduction, depletion of ground water and soil moisture, and hence, crop damage. In drought conditions, evaporation and transpiration exceed normal levels. If it continues for a prolonged period, a serious threat is posed to agricultural production. In the agricultural context drought affects rice production the most. Based on drought severity, crop loss ranges between 20->60% for T. Aman and other rice varieties (Iqbal, 2000). It is one of the most insidious causes of human misery.

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ARSENIC CONTAMINATION At present, arsenic contamination is considered to be a dangerous environmental threat and a serious health risk. It is identified as a public health emergency in Bangladesh. There is no specific treatment for chronic arsenicosis other than ceasing further intake of arsenic contaminated water and raising awareness of the population about the problem. The value (recommended limit) for arsenic in drinking water as per the guideline of the World Health Organization (WHO) is 10 mg/L while the national standard in most countries, including Bangladesh, is 50 mg/L. With varying levels of contamination from region to region, groundwater in 61 out of the 64 districts in Bangladesh is contaminated with arsenic. According to a study conducted by the British Geological Survey and DPHE, Bangladesh, arsenic concentrations in the country range from less than 0.25 mg/L to more than 1600 mg/L. This study report estimates that out of the Bangladesh population of 125.5 million, up to 57 million people drink water that has an arsenic concentration greater than the WHO guideline value and up to 35 million people consume water that has concentrations in excess of the Bangladesh standard. The waters in the southwest and southeast parts of Bangladesh are highly contaminated with arsenic. Important government initiatives to mitigate risk to arsenic contamination include development of the National Policy for Arsenic Mitigation 2003 and the Implementation Plan for Arsenic Mitigation in Bangladesh. SALINITY INTRUSION Saline water intrusion is mostly seasonal in Bangladesh. In winter months the saline front begins to penetrate inland, and the affected areas rise sharply from 10 percent in the monsoon season to over 40 percent in the dry season. Coastal districts such as Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barguna, Pataskala, Barisal are the victims of salinity intrusion. Agricultural production, fisheries, livestock, and mangrove forests are affected by higher salinity in the dry season. It is observed that sea flow (saline water) is traveling far inside the country resulting in contamination both in surface and ground water. Salinity data from Land Reclamation Programme (LRP) and Meghna Estuary Study (MES) indicate an enormous seasonal effect due to the influence of huge fresh water discharge from the Lower Meghna River on the horizontal distribution of salinity in the estuary. This distribution is strongly influenced by the fresh water flow in the Lower Meghna River. High salinity both in monsoon and dry seasons in the southwest corner and along the Pussur-Sibsa system of the area is associated with the decreasing upstream freshwater flow as well as silting of major channels (WARPO, 2005). TSUNAMI Underwater strong earthquakes, volcanic eruption or other submarine landslide usually cause tsunamis. When an earthquake occurs offshore at seduction zones (places where a tectonic plate that carries an ocean is gradually slipping under a continental plate) a tsunami can result. A tsunami consists of a series of waves. Often the first wave may not be the largest. The danger from a tsunami can last for several hours after the arrival of the first wave. Tsunamis can move faster than a person can run. Tsunamis can occur at any time, day or night. Considering the state of tsunami vulnerability and potential seismic sources, the Geological Survey of Bangladesh has divided the Bangladesh coastal belt into three zones: Tsunami Vulnerable Zone- I (Chittagong-Teknaf coastline): Most vulnerable. The intra- deltaic coastline is very close to the tectonic interface of Indian and Burmese plates. The active Andaman-Nicobar fault system is often capable of generating tsunami waves. Tsunami Vulnerable Zone- II (Sundarban-Barisal coastline): Moderately vulnerable. This old deltaic belt is extremely vulnerable to local tsunamis due to the presence of Swatch of No Ground.

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Tsunami Vulnerable Zone- III (Barisal-Sandwip estuarine coastline): Low vulnerability. The estuarine coastal belt is considered to be less vulnerable due to the presence of numerous islets and shoals in the upper regime of the continental shelf. Bangladesh needs detailed studies to scientifically assess its Tsunami vulnerability. Bangladesh also needs to develop a Tsunami early warning system and a mass awareness plan for Tsunami threat in the coastal areas. FIRE Fire hazards occur frequently in Bangladesh. Fire causes huge loss of lives and properties every year. Although termed as ‘fire accident’, most fire events are far from being accidental. Indeed, most fires are preventable. Industrial units, particularly the garment industry, produce the deadliest fires. Tragically, factory fires are all too common in Bangladesh. Whenever a fire occurs, the authorities are usually asked to investigate the fire, pay exemplary compensation to the survivors as well as to the families of those that died, take immediate steps to improve health and safety in the industry and take legal action against those found responsible for criminal negligence in allowing the existence of such unsafe conditions. Fire incidents in the country are increasing at an alarming rate. INFRASTRUCTURE COLLAPSE Incidents of infrastructure collapse are on the rise, Tragedies from previous infrastructure collapse indicate some of the following problems: Site was inaccessible to equipment; almost all the required equipment were mobilized but sitting idle due to the inaccessibility to the site, Unfamiliarity with the understanding of practical collapse condition, Lack of awareness of many people on the stages of rescue operations’ Insufficient /lack of appropriate modern equipment to rescue victims alive. Incidents of infrastructure collapse are on the rise. Prevention and preparedness programs are absolutely necessary at this time. LANDSLIDES Large and small landslides occur almost every year in nearly all regions of the world. In the past, landslides were not considered a major hazard in Bangladesh. However, recently landslides have emerged as a major hazard, particularly after the Chittagong Landslide 2007. More than 120 people have been reported dead due to the Chittagong landslide. Landslides are a complex-disaster phenomenon that can be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, heavy rainfall (typhoons, hurricanes), sustained rainfall, heavy snowmelt, unregulated anthropogenic developments, mining, and others. In Bangladesh, landslides are mostly triggered by heavy rainfall. However, underlying causes of landslide include deforestation, hill cutting, unregulated development work, etc. Moreover, poverty and landlessness force poor people to live in the risky hill-slopes. CLIMATE CHANGE: OBSERVED IN BANGLADESH The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Fourth Assessment Report concludes that human activities are leading to global warming and climate change. According to the report, human-made emissions of greenhouse gases can be blamed for the harmful effects of climate change. Bangladesh is currently ranked as the most climate-vulnerable country in the world. IPCC (2007) in its Fourth Assessment concluded that the impacts of climate change are

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visible in Bangladesh in the form of temperature extremes, erratic rainfall, and increased number of intensified floods, cyclones, droughts, and prevalence of rough weather in the Bay of Bengal. Disaster risk reduction with climate change adaptation offers a win-win opportunity: Climate system is fundamental for both issues: 75% of all disasters originate from weather-climate extremes. Disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change strategies both are aimed at enhancing sustainability, resilient societies and human security. Similar sectoral focus, complexities and challenges rely on the same type of measures and policies. Disaster risk reduction offers opportunities for “bottom-up” strategies for adaptation to current climate variability and climate extremes. In this respect, disaster risk reduction can promote early adaptation to climate risks and impacts.

DISASTER STATISTICS

NATURAL DISASTERS OVERVIEW 1980-2010

No of events: 234

No of people killed: 191,836

Average killed per year: 6,188

No of people affected: 323,480,264

Average affected per year: 10,434,847

Economic Damage (US$ x 1,000): 17,072,500

Economic damage per year (US$ x 1,000): 550,726

Source: PreventionWeb

TOP 10 NATURAL DISASTERS IN BANGLADESH 1980-2012

Disaster Date No Killed Disaster Date No Affected

Storm 1991 138,866 Flood 1988 45,000,000

Storm 1985 15,000 Flood 2004 36,000,000

Storm 2007 4,234 Flood 1984 30,000,000

Epidemic 1982 2,696 Flood 1987 29,700,000

Flood 1988 2,379 Drought 1983 20,000,000

Flood 1987 2,050 Storm 1991 15,438,849

Epidemic 1991 1,700 Flood 1998 15,000,050

Flood 1984 1,200 Flood 2007 13,771,380

Flood 2007 1,110 Flood 1995 12,656,006

Flood 1998 1,050 Flood 1993 11,469,537

Created on October 12, 2012 Source: “EM-DAT: The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database”

http://preventionweb.net/english/countries/statistics/?cid=14

http://www.em-dat.net/

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POLICIES, LAWS, PLANS ON DISASTER

Bangladesh’s regulative framework for disaster management provides for the relevant legislative, policy and best practice framework under which the activity of Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management in Bangladesh is managed and implemented.

This framework includes: Disaster Management Act A Disaster Management Act will be enacted with a view to create the legislative tool under which disaster risk and emergency management will be undertaken in Bangladesh, and the legal basis in which activities and actions will be managed. It will also create mandatory obligations and responsibilities on Ministries, committees and appointments. The objectives of the Act will be a) To help communities to mitigate the potential adverse effects of hazard events, prepare for managing the effects of a disaster event, effectively respond to and recover from a disaster or an emergency situation, and adapt to adverse effects of climate change; b) To provide for effective disaster management for Bangladesh; c) To establish an institutional framework for disaster management; and d) To establish risk reduction as a core element of disaster management. Bangladesh’s regulative framework for disaster management provides for the relevant legislative, policy and best practice framework under which the activity of Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management in Bangladesh is managed and implemented. Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD): The Government of Bangladesh formulated Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) in 1997. The Standing Orders on Disaster describes the detailed roles and responsibilities of committees, Ministries and other organizations in disaster risk reduction and emergency management, and establishes the necessary actions required in implementing Bangladesh’s Disaster Management Model. The Standing Orders have been prepared with the avowed objective of making the concerned persons understand their duties and responsibilities regarding disaster management at all levels, and accomplishing them. All Ministries, Divisions/Departments and Agencies shall prepare their own Action Plans in respect of their responsibilities under the Standing Orders for

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efficient implementation. The National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) and Inter- Ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee (IMDMCC) will ensure coordination of disaster related activities at the National level. Coordination at District, Thana and Union levels will be done by the respective District, Thana and Union Disaster Management Committees. The Disaster Management Bureau will render all assistance to them by facilitating the process. National Disaster Management Policy (NDMP) National Disaster Management Policy defines the national policy on disaster risk reduction and emergency management. It also provides a strategic policy framework and disaster risk reductions doctrine. It is strategic in nature and describes the broad national objectives and strategies in disaster management. This policy has been adopted. National Plan for Disaster Management The Bangladesh National Plan for Disaster Management is prepared by the MoFDM. It is a strategic document to be effective for a certain period of time. This is an umbrella plan that provides the overall guideline for the relevant sectors and the disaster management committees at all levels to prepare and implement their area of roles specific plans. The Disaster Management and Relief Division (DM&RD) being the focal ministry for disaster risk reduction and emergency management will take the lead role in disaster risk reduction and emergency management planning. Additionally, there will be a few hazard specific management plans, such as Flood Management Plan, Cyclone and Storm Surge and Tsunami Management Plan, Earthquake Management Plan, Drought Management Plan, River Erosion Management Plan, etc. Moreover, there will be a detailed Disaster Management Plan for each District, Upazila, Union and Pourashava and City Corporation of the country. A District Disaster Management Plan will be the compilation of the Upazila Disaster Management Plans of the District. Similarly an Upazila Disaster Management Plan will be the compilation of the union disaster management plans of that Upazila prepared by the Union DMCs. So DMCs at Union and Pourashava levels will be mainly responsible for conducting the risk assessments and prepare the ground level plans. Once developed those will be sent to the DMCs at one level higher – Upazila DMCs, whose role will be to verify and compile the union plans and identify the resource requirements for the Upazila. This remains to be enacted. Guidelines for Government at all Levels (Best Practice Models) Guidelines for Government at all levels are developed as best practice models, and are used to assist Ministries, NGOs, disaster management committees and civil society in implementing disaster risk management. Guidelines will include, among others:

- Disaster Impact and Risk Assessment Guideline - Local Disaster Risk Reduction Fund Management Guidelines - Emergency Fund Management Guidelines - Indigenous Coping Mechanism Guidebook - Community Risk Assessment Guidelines - Damage and Needs Assessment Methodology - Hazard Specific Risk Assessment Guidelines - Emergency Response and Information Management Guideline - Contingency Planning Template - Sectoral Disaster Risk Reduction Planning Template - Local Level Planning Template - National Risk Reduction Fund Management Guideline - National Disaster Reduction and Emergency Fund Management Guideline - Local Disaster Management Fund Guideline - Guideline for Road and Water Safety - Guideline for Industrial Safety - Guideline for Disaster Shelter Management - Monitoring and Evaluation Guideline for the Implementation of the Plan

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- Guideline for International Assistance in Disaster Emergency

DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLANNING FRAMEWORK

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NATIONAL PLAN FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The National Plan for Disaster Management is prepared by the Disaster Management and Relief Division. It is an umbrella plan which provides overall guidelines for all concerned sectors and institutions at all levels to prepare and implement their area of roles specific plans. The plan includes the following:

- Government of Bangladesh’s Vision for Disaster Management - Hazards profile of Bangladesh - Disaster development linkages: national and international drivers for change - Aim of the plan - Strategic goals of the plan - Conceptualizing disaster management in Bangladesh - Disaster management system in Bangladesh - The roles and responsibilities of entities involved in emergency operations and risk

reduction - Disaster management regulative framework - Action matrix for disaster risk reduction and emergency management in Bangladesh

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describing the priorities and the strategies - Review and evaluation - Implementation and follow-up - Financing of the plan - Other matters relating to disaster management as deemed necessary by the - appropriate authority for inclusion in the plan

The Plan is to be used to: - Articulate the long-term strategic focus of disaster management in Bangladesh. - Demonstrate a commitment to address key issues: risk reduction, capacity building,

information management, climate change adaptation, livelihood security, issues of gender and the socially disadvantaged, etc.

- Show the relationship between the government vision, key result areas, goals and strategies, and to align priorities and strategies with international and national drivers for change.

- Detail a road map for the development of disaster management plans by various entities. - Guide the DM&RD in the development and delivery of guidelines and programs. - Illustrate to other ministries, NGOs, civil society and the private sector how their work can

contribute to the achievements of the strategic goals and government vision on disaster management.

- Provide a framework within which to report performance and success in achieving goals and strategies.

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DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN (DDMP)

There is a District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) at the District level. The DDMC consists of the Deputy Commissioner of the District as the chairperson and members comprising all District level department heads, NGO leaders and civil society members. The District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer (DRRO) acts as member secretary of the committee. Members of Parliament act as advisors of the committees. The committee is required to meet bi-monthly during normal period and as and when necessary during emergency situation. There will be a plan for each District titled “District Disaster Management Plan” comprising both disaster risk reduction and emergency response to be prepared by the District Disaster Management Committee. This is a plan to be prepared by compilation of the Upazila and Pourashava Disaster Management Plans of the District being received from the respective Upazila and Pourashava/City Corporation DMCs. The DDMP should highlight and articulate, among others, the following:

a. The areas in the District vulnerable to different forms of hazards and risks. b. Total resource requirements and the planned action for the District.

i. To take measures for prevention and mitigation of disasters by government agencies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector within the District. ii. Capacity building and preparedness measures to be taken by government agencies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector. iii. Strengthening emergency response management system plans and procedures in the event of a disaster.

c. The response plans and procedures in the event of a disaster, providing for: i. Allocation of responsibilities to the departments of the government at District level and other DMC members ii. Procedure for mobilization of resources iii. Prompt response to disaster and relief thereof iv. Procurement of emergency supplies v. Operation of disaster shelters vi. Restoration of emergency services, such as water supply, gas supply, power, telecommunication, road links vii. Provision of emergency medical services viii. Burial of dead bodies ix. Trauma counseling x. The dissemination of information

d. Recovery plans and procedures delineating damage assessment procedure, restoration of damaged public infrastructure, resumption of educational institutions, restoration of livelihood, rehabilitation of affected people, especially the disabled, and elderly women and children

e. The DDMP shall be reviewed and updated annually. f. The copies of the DDMP shall be made available to all District level stakeholders, Divisional Commissioners, etc. g. A copy of the DDMP will be sent to the Disaster Management Bureau and all relevant ministries and divisions. h. The DMB/NDMTI will provide technical advice and capacity building services to all DMCs.

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UNION DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN (UDMP)

Union Parishad is the lowest administrative unit of Bangladesh. There is a Disaster Management Committee at the Union level. The UDMC is chaired by the elected Chairman of the respective Union Parishad. The Union Disaster Management Committee consists of the Union Parishad Chairman as the Chairperson and members comprising all the Government department head at Union level, members of Union Parishad, NGO leaders working in respective union and civil society members. Secretary of the respective Union Parishad acts as the member secretary of the committee. The committee is required to meet bimonthly during normal period and as and when necessary during emergency situation. There will be a plan for each Union titled “Union Disaster Management Plan” comprising both disaster risk reduction and emergency response to be prepared by the Union Disaster Management Committee following a proper community risk assessment procedure to be provided by DM&RD with the participation of vulnerable groups and the communities. The UDMP should highlight and articulate, among others, the following:

a. Defining and redefining community risks to hazards utilizing both traditional and scientific knowledge. b. Total resource requirements and the planned action for the District.

i. Have government agencies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector within the District take measures for prevention and mitigation of disasters. ii. Have government agencies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector.take capacity building and preparedness measures. iii. Strengthen emergency response management system plans and procedures in the event of a disaster.

c. The response plans and procedures in the event of a disaster, providing for: i. Allocation of responsibilities to the departments of the government at District level and other DMC members ii. Procedures for mobilization of resources iii. Prompt response to disaster and relief thereof iv. Procurement of emergency supplies v. Operation of disaster shelters vi. Restoration of emergency services, such as water supply, gas supply, power, telecommunication, road links vii. Provision of emergency medical services viii. Burial of dead bodies ix. Trauma counseling x. The dissemination of information

d. Recovery plans and procedures delineating damage assessment procedure, restoration of damaged public infrastructure, resumption of educational institutions, restoration of livelihood, rehabilitation of affected people, especially the disabled, and elderly women and children. e. The UDMP shall be reviewed and updated annually. f. The copies of the UDMP shall be made available to all Union level stakeholders, UNOs and DCs. g. A copy of the UDMP will be sent to the Upazila Disaster Management Committee. h. The DMB/BIDMTR will provide technical advice and capacity building services to all DMCs.

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PAURASHAVA/CITY CORPORATION DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN Pourashava is at the bottom of the urban administrative tier of Bangladesh. There is a Disaster Management Committee at the City Corporation/Pourashava level. The Pourashava Chairman is the head of the committee. The members of the Committee are all Pourashava commissioners, representatives from all the Government departments, NGOs and CBOs. Chief Executive Officer of the Pourashava is the member secretary of the committee. The committee is required to meet monthly during normal period and as and when necessary during emergency situation. Besides, metropolitan cities in Bangladesh have City Corporation Disaster Management Committees with the Mayor as the Chairman and comprising members as it is in case of Pouroshavas. There will be a plan for each Pourashava/City Corporation titled “Pourashava/City Corporation Disaster Management Plan” to be prepared by the “Pourashava/City Corporation Disaster Management Committee having linkages with the National Plan for Disaster Management. The PDMP/CCDMP should highlight and articulate, among others, the following:

a) The areas in the Pourashava/City Corporation vulnerable to different forms of hazards and risks. b) Total resource requirements and the planned action for the District.

i. To take measures for prevention and mitigation of disasters by government agencies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector within the District. ii. Capacity building and preparedness measures to be taken by government agencies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector. iii. Strengthening emergency response management system plans and procedures in the event of a disaster.

c) The response plans and procedures in the event of a disaster, providing for:

i. Allocation of responsibilities to the departments of the government at District level and other DMC members ii. Procedure for mobilization of resources iii. Prompt response to disaster and relief thereof iv. Procurement of emergency supplies v. Operation of disaster shelters vi. Restoration of emergency services, such as water supply, gas supply, power, telecommunication, road links vii. Provision of emergency medical services viii. Burial of dead bodies ix. Trauma counseling x. The dissemination of information

d) Recovery plans and procedures delineating damage assessment, restoration of damaged public infrastructure, resumption of educational institutions, restoration of livelihood, rehabilitation of affected people, especially the disabled, and elderly women and children. e) The PDMP shall be reviewed and updated annually. f) The copies of the PDMP shall be made available to all Pourashava/city corporation level stakeholders, UNOs and DCs. g) A copy of the PDMP will be sent to the District Disaster Management Committee and Disaster Management Bureau. h) The DMB/ BIDMTR will provide technical advice and capacity building services to all DMCs.

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SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS INCORPORATING DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Every Ministry/Division of the Government of Bangladesh prepares their respective Sectoral Development Plans. DM&RD with the participation of sectoral experts will prepare a general guideline to incorporate disaster risk reduction agenda for the sectors. DM&RD will also be responsible for overall monitoring and follow-up of the process to ensure that disaster risk reduction agenda are mainstreamed within the sectoral policies, plans and programs. The development plans should address, among others, the following:

a. Defining and redefining risk environment through hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, risk evaluation, risk treatment options, and risk treatments. b. Managing the risk environment by developing programs and strategies that eliminate, or reduce the level of risk. Traditionally mitigation programs were viewed as engineering solutions to eliminate risk, but it is now accepted that all activities undertaken to eliminate or reduce risk are “mitigation” strategies (e.g. community education and awareness, planning activities, development of warning systems). This includes activities previously described as the PPRR Model- Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery. c. Regularly review and update the plan; and d. Submit a copy of the plan, and of any amendment thereto, to appropriate authority including the DM&RD. e. Submit a copy of its disaster management plan, and of any amendment thereto, the concerned authority.

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HAZARD SPECIFIC MULTI-SECTORAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLANS In addition to area specific disaster management plans and sector specific disaster risk reduction plans, it is envisaged that there will be a few hazard-specific management plans, such as earthquake management plan. This type of plans will be multi-sectoral and will be divided into two components: risk reduction and emergency response. This type of plans will address specific necessities to deal with a particular hazard. EARTHQUALKE CONTINGENCY PLAN It is evident from the past history of higher intensity earthquake in this region and the mild shakes experienced recently that there is a possibility for earthquakes in major cities of Bangladesh. The over all development of these cities has taken place without any caution for the earthquake. As such, it is feared that a high intensity earthquake in these cities may result in to serious devastation and collapse of cities. Thus, a well-designed and fully coordinated plan for optimum and efficient preparedness, response and early recovery, usually known as a Contingency Plan, is needed so that each sector’s capacities and resources are best utilized to fulfill the need complimenting and supplementing other agencies. Realizing the need of coordinated and comprehensive emergency response, the United Nations has been promoting its humanitarian response activities in a cluster approach. This approach has proved to be effective and efficient in responding to recent disasters. Hence, it has been decided that this concept of response operations in functional clusters be applied in Bangladesh to prepare for possible earthquake disaster. In this approach, under the National Earthquake Contingency Plan, all response activities are grouped into nine relevant operational functional clusters based on the similarity of functions, normal and disaster time mandates of different relevant organizations, and possible complementary resources and capacities. The clusters are as follows:

1. Emergency Operations Cluster 1 – Overall Command and Coordination 2. Emergency Operations Cluster 2 – Search, Rescue and Evacuation 3. Health Cluster 4. Relief Services (Food, Nutrition and other Relief) Cluster 5. Shelter (Including Camp Management) Cluster 6. Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Cluster 7. Restoration of Urban Services Cluster 8. Transport (Road, Rail, Air, Sea) Cluster 9. Security and Welfare Cluster

The emergency operations and over all command and coordination under Cluster 1 has been detailed in Annex 2. Cyclone Shelter Plan To face the aforesaid challenges particularly cyclone and tidal surges, different governmental & non-governmental organizations have constructed about 2,852 (CDMP 2009) cyclone shelters in the coastal belts of 16 Districts of the country. Out of 2,852 shelters, investigation reveals that 2,590 shelters are useable while 262 are not. These shelters are insufficient. So it would not be possible to provide shelter to all the affected people as well as their domestic animals. A survey team captioned as Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter Program (MCSP) headed by Prof. Dr. Jamilur Reza Chowdhury recommended in its report in 1993 to construct 1,250 new cyclone shelter as priority no. 1 and 1,250 as priority no.2 for providing shelters to the affected people during disasters. The report also mentioned that the total number of 2,500 cyclone shelters including primary school, madrashas and secondary schools were proposed to be constructed. These shelters will be constructed on the government khas land/institution’s land/purchased lands.

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There is a provision for separate latrine facilities for women. One tube-well for each shelter will be set up for supplying pure drinking water. In normal periods, these shelters will be used as educational institutions. It was decided that Bangladesh’s plan of action should be a multi-hazard, all risk, and all sector approach. Therefore, the following technical options are considered as critical elements of the plan of action.

Comprehensive Risk assessment (Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability Assessment), including tsunami inundation modeling and evacuation mapping;

Warning Guidance, including seismic and sea level monitoring, data evaluation, processing and interpretation, forecasting methods and warning dissemination (a detailed plan of action is prepared);

Mitigation and Preparedness, including education and awareness programs, structural and non-structural mitigations, government policy and emergency management procedures;

Development of Rescue, Relief and Rehabilitation Plan of Action based on Comprehensive Risk Assessment, and

Existing Cyclone Preparedness Programs (CPP) should be strengthened in a way that they can prepare the community for tsunami as well as cyclones.

Management Aspects of Shelter Center in Coastal Zones DMB proposes the facilitating role of local Disaster Management Committees in forming the Cyclone Center Management Committee for each center. The committee will have the following types of representation:

• A member of local Disaster Management Committee • Locally Elected Representative (UP Member) • Head Master of local Primary School • Imam of Local Masjid • NGO representative • Women representative

DMB also proposes for multipurpose use of the Cyclone Centers by local NGOs, Civil Society Groups and community people for public functions like marriage ceremonies, meetings, training sessions and other social functions under the supervision of CC Management Committee. The users will pay a minimum fee for using CC as maintenance charge. The Management Committee will be responsible for keeping financial statement of CC. Disaster Resilient Cluster Housing Climate change is changing the nature of the acute hazards. Bangladesh is suffering from increased numbers of intensified floods, cyclones and storm surge with higher magnitudes resulting damage of assets, properties, killing life and disrupting livelihoods of the millions living in the impacted areas. The impact areas are also spreading over time and space. In order to provide shelter to the people of the impacted areas to the shelters, Bangladesh needs a large numbers of new shelters that has already been discussed in the previous chapter. However, people living in the impacted areas are facing extreme weather events one after another, which are going to increase further in the coming future due to climate change. Early warning in the community language with reasonable lead-time has yet to be developed and streamlined. Even if the warning is issued, people are not willing to shift to shelters for many reasons. First of all there is a lack of awareness and sensitization. Early warnings are not clear to them and sometimes are misleading. Finally, they are hesitant to leave their livelihood-earning assets and properties. In the present situation and in the coming future, more such events may make people fatigued to shift to shelters more frequently. As such, this is the time to create alternative and additional options for the disaster-hit community. One of the alternative approaches is to convert houses into shelters. Government shall develop cluster housing for a group of households that are living in marginalized

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hazard prone lands, initially in Khas land with necessary utilities and infrastructures that are resilient to the hazards. This set up shall have the provisions for cattle and poultry shelter, seedbeds, and schools on raised land. The architecture shall be such that it will be in a position to accommodate the adversity of the hazard impacts. Comprehensive disaster management program (CDMP) of the DM&RD shall design, develop, pilot such disaster resilient shelters and scale up upon seeing results.

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Tsunami Response Plan Following the 2004 Tsunami, and based on several exercises, workshops, seminars and meetings, a detailed draft plan of action is prepared for Bangladesh (Annex 3).

PLAN OF ACTION FOR TSUNAMI RISK REDUCTION

Proposed Action Narratives 1-3

Months

4-24

Months

25-60

Months

61-120

Months

Proposed Responsibility

Conduct a Comprehensive

Study on Tsunami Risk

Assessment (from geological,

geographical, social,

economic, political and

cultural perspectives) with the

collaboration of National and

International Experts

• Disaster Management Bureau

• Geological Survey of Bangladesh

• Institute for Oceanographic Research

Upgrade the present Non IP

link to Tokyo through New

Delhi to direct IP link to Tokyo

(Japan Meteorological

Department).

• Disaster Management and Relief

Division

• Bangladesh Metrological Department

Establish Direct

Communication link through

V-SAT with Pacific Ocean

Tsunami Warning Centre at

Hawaii.


Division


Establish Direct

Communication Link the

proposal in Indian Ocean

Tsunami Warning Centre


• DMB-Disaster Management

Information Centre (DMIC)

Install and Modernize Seismic

Equipments in 4 Earthquake

Observation Centres in

Bangladesh


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Months

4-24

Months

25-60

Months

61-120

Months


Designate one Emergency

Focal Person in Prime

Minister’s Office, Disaster

Management and Relief

Division, Disaster

Management Bureau,

Directorate of Relief and

Rehabilitation, Bangladesh

Metrological Department, Fire

Service and Civil Defense,

Bangladesh Police, Ministry of

Information, Department of

Mass Communication,

Bangladesh Red Crescent and

CPP and develop an internal

emergency communication

system at National Level.

• All concerned Ministry

• All Concerned

Directorate/Department


Organize Workshop on

“Community Based and

National Multi Hazard

Warning System

Development” with the

Participation of Bangladesh

Betar, Bangladesh Television,

Private Television Channels,

CPP, Bangladesh Police,

Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh

Army, Fire Service and Civil

Defense, Bangladesh

Metrological Department,

Bangladesh Geological Survey,

Ministry of Information,

Disaster Management and

Relief Division, Disaster

Management Bureau, Prime

Minister’s Office, Flood

Forecast and Warning Centre

and Bangladesh Red Crescent

Society.


Designate one Emergency

Focal Person in Each Disaster

Management Committee

(from National to Local)


• Directorate of Relief and

Rehabilitation

Assign roles and

responsibilities of the

emergency focal persons and

arrange necessary training


• CDMP

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Months

4-24

Months

25-60

Months

61-120

Months


Develop an Efficient and

Effective Communication

System which will enable to

disseminate emergency

messages to all focal persons

at a time without any time

loss



• CDMP

Develop Local Warning (Siren)

System, which will enable to

disseminate warning

messages very quickly to the

people at risk.

• Ministry of Local Government


• Directorate of Fire Service and Civil

Defense

Setup Disaster Management

Information Centres at

District Level



Rehabilitation

• DMIC

Setup Disaster Management

Information Centres at

Upazila Level


Division

Develop a multi channel

warning message

communication system

• Ministry of Information

• Ministry of Home Affairs

• Ministry of Defense


• Cyclone Preparedness Programme

• DMIC

• NGOs

Establish mechanism to use

the radio network of the

Bangladesh Police for

Disseminating Emergency

Warning Messages to Local

Level


• Bangladesh Police


• DMIC

Train the Bangladesh Police

on Disaster Warning Message

Dissemination



• DMIC

Provide orientation training to

Fire Service and Civil Defense,

Red Crescent, CPP, DRR

Officers and Volunteers on

Tsunami


• CDMP

• Bangladesh Red Crescent Society


• DRR

Hold a Dialogue with Water

Resource Ministry for

integrating Tsunami issues

into Coastal Zone

Management Policy and Plan

• Ministry of Water Resources


• Geological Survey of Bangladesh

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Months

4-24

Months

25-60

Months

61-120

Months


Incorporate Tsunami Risks in

land use planning in Coastal

Zone Development Plans

developed by Ministry of

Water Resources

• Ministry of Water Resources


• DRR

Prepare an Institutional

Resource Map of Coastal Zone • Disaster Management Bureau

• CDMP

Prepare Institutional

Resources for using in

warning, evacuation and

rescue work



• NGOs & DRR

Undertake mass awareness

programme in Mass Media • Disaster Management Bureau

• Directorate of Mass Communication

• CDMP

Train Local Government

Representatives, Imams and

Teachers of Coastal Zone

• Local Government Division/NILG

Arrange a workshop with

Ministry of shipping on

Inclusion of Tsunami Issues

into the Action Plan of

Ministry

• Ministry of Shipping



Conduct a mock exercise on

Tsunami Warning and

Evacuation Preparedness



Defense


• NGOs, DRR

Prepare Evacuation Route in

the Tsunami and Cyclone Risk

areas with the existing CPP

facilities and strength



• NGOs, DRR

Prepare a awareness video on

Tsunami and Cyclone and

Disseminate the Video to the

Hotels in Cox’s Bazar and

Kuakata for regular

broadcasting in satellite

channel

• Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism


• CDMP, DRR

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Months

4-24

Months

25-60

Months

61-120

Months


Motivate Education Ministry

and LGED to design and

construct schools in coastal

zone considering Tsunami and

Cyclone risks

• Ministry of Education

• Ministry of Primary and Mass

Education


• LGED

• Department of Education

Engineering

Establish s GO-NGO network

for Tsunami Risk Reduction in

Coastal Zone


• NGO Affairs Bureau

Train teachers and aware

students on tsunami issues. • Ministry of Education


Education


Incorporate tsunami issues in

disaster related acts,

curriculums, action plans,

standing orders and other

documents of government.


Division



Rehabilitation

Mass awareness among

people at risk, civil society,

journalists, volunteers, NGOs,

youth clubs, mosques,

madrashas, temples,

churches, pagodas and

professionals


Develop a guideline for

proper maintenance of

cyclone and tsunami shelters


Develop separate building

code for coastal zone

considering the tsunami,

cyclone, salinity, storm surge

and other hazards in coastal

zone

• Ministry of Housing and Public Works


Integrate Bangladesh

Metrological Department

within the Disaster

Management and Relief

Division

• Prime Minister’s Office

• Cabinet Division

Construct more multi-purpose

Disaster shelters in coastal

zone


• Ministry of Education


Education

• Disaster Management Bureau, DRR


Months

4-24

Months

25-60

Months

61-120

Months


Take initiative for introducing

community radio system in

coastal zone



Include Fire Stations of

coastal zone under radio

network




Defense


Review land use planning of

tsunami risk areas for building

of infrastructure, housings,

industries, and cities.

• Ministry of Land

• Ministry of Industry

• Ministry of Local Government


Revisit the strength of

construction of existing hotels

in Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata

beach from tsunami

perspective, and strengthen

the construction to ensure it’s

tsunami resilience

• Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism



Strengthen coastal forestry

programme (with special

emphasis on bamboo and

bush category plants)


• Directorate of Forest, BWDB

Increase the plantation of

bamboo and cane and train

the people on bamboo and

cane based small and cottage

industries.

• Directorate of Forest

• Bangladesh Small and Cottage

Industry Corporation

• NGOs

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Disaster Management Institutions in Bangladesh The Disaster Management and Relief Division (DM&RD), MoFDM of the Government of Bangladesh has the responsibility for coordinating national disaster management efforts across all agencies. In January 1997 the Ministry issued the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) to guide and monitor disaster management activities in Bangladesh. The SOD have been prepared with the avowed objective of making the concerned persons understand their duties and responsibilities regarding disaster management at all levels, and accomplishing them. All Ministries, Divisions/Departments and Agencies shall prepare their own Action Plans in respect of their responsibilities under the Standing Orders for efficient implementation. The National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) and Inter-Ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee (IMDMCC) will ensure coordination of disaster related activities at the National level. Coordination at District, Thana and Union levels will be done by the respective District, Thana and Union Disaster Management Committees. The Disaster Management Bureau will render all assistance to them by facilitating the process. A series of inter-related institutions, at both national and sub-national levels (Figure xx) have been created to ensure effective planning and coordination of disaster risk reduction and emergency response management.

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National Level:

1. National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) headed by the Honorable Prime Minister to formulate and review the disaster management policies and issue directives to all concerns. 2. Inter-Ministerial Disaster Management Co-ordination Committee (IMDMCC) headed by the Honorable Minister in charge of the Disaster Management and Relief Division (DM&RD) to implement disaster management policies and decisions of NDMC / Government. 3. National Disaster Management Advisory Committee (NDMAC) headed by an experienced person having been nominated by the Honorable Prime Minister. 4. National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) headed by Secretary,

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DM&RD and DG, DMB functions as the member secretary. This platform shall coordinate and provide necessary facilitation to the relevant stakeholders. 5. Earthquake Preparedness and Awareness Committee (EPAC) headed by Honorable minister for MoFDM and DG, DMB act as member secretary 6. Cyclone Preparedness Program Implementation Board (CPPIB) headed by the Secretary, Disaster Management and Relief Division to review the preparedness activities in the face of initial stage of an impending cyclone. 7. Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) Policy Committee headed by Honorable Minister, MoFDM and Secretary, DM&RD act as member secretary. Disaster Management Training and Public Awareness Building Task Force (DMTATF) headed by the Director General of Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) to coordinate the disaster related training and public awareness activities of the Government, NGOs and other organizations. 8. Focal Point Operation Coordination Group of Disaster Management (FPOCG) headed by the Director General of DMB to review and coordinate the activities of various departments/agencies related to disaster management and also to review the Contingency Plan prepared by concerned departments. 9. NGO Coordination Committee on Disaster Management (NGOCC) headed by the Director General of DMB to review and coordinate the activities of concerned NGOs in the country. 10. Committee for Speedy Dissemination of Disaster Related Warning/ Signals (CSDDWS) headed by the Director General of DMB to examine, ensure and find out the ways and means for the speedy dissemination of warning/ signals among the people.

Sub-national Level: 1. District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) headed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to coordinate and review the disaster management activities at the District level. 2. Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UZDMC) headed by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) to coordinate and review the disaster management activities at the Upazila level. 3. Union Disaster Management Committee (UDMC) headed by the Chairman of the Union Parishad to coordinate, review and implement the disaster management activities of the concerned Union. 4. Pourashava Disaster Management Committee (PDMC) headed by Chairman of Pourashava (municipality) to coordinate, review and implement the disaster management activities within its area of jurisdiction. 5. City Corporation Disaster Management Committee (CCDMC) headed by the Mayor of City Corporations to coordinate, review and implement the disaster management activities within its area of jurisdiction. www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/policies/v.php?id...

http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/policies/v.php?id

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KEY NATIONAL & REGIONAL AGENCIES IN DISASTER & HAZARD MANAGEMENT:

NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE: KEY ROLES OF INSTITUTIONS AS OUTLINED IN STANDING ORDERS ON DISASTER (SOD)

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NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (NDMC) At the apex level, the National Disaster Management Council is established to provide policy guidance towards disaster risk reduction and emergency response management in Bangladesh. Chaired by the Prime Minister, the Council is multi- sectoral and inter-disciplinary in nature, with public, private and civil society participation involving all concerned entities within a country including representation from the United Nations. The Council meets at least twice a year. It can constitute any committee to recommend policy, programming and/or implementation measures regarding disaster risk reduction and emergency response management. Decisions of the Council meetings are implemented by the Inter-Ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee (IMDMCC)

Responsibilities:

Review national disaster management system and provide strategic advice for disaster risk reduction and emergency response management

Review policy and planning documents on disaster management and provide strategic advice

Promote dialogue across sectors with a view to integrate disaster risk reduction into sectoral development plans and programs

Promote awareness regarding disaster risk reduction among top policy makers

Evaluate disaster preparedness measures and provide strategic advice.

Evaluate response and recovery measures, particularly after a large scale disaster and provide strategic direction towards improvement of the system and procedures

Facilitate coordination of multi-hazard and multi-sectoral measures in relation to disaster risk reduction and emergency response management.

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INTER-MINISTERIAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT COORDINATION COMMITTEE (IMDMCC)

Chaired by the Ministry of Food and Disaster management (MoFDM), the Inter-Ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee is established at the national level to facilitate policy making, planning, programming and implementing measures relating to disaster risk reduction and emergency response management in Bangladesh. Responsibilities of IMDMCC Risk Reduction:

Act on advice of the National Disaster Management Council Recommend enactment of legislation, policies, Standing Orders and

national level plans (sector and hazard specific) to the Cabinet Committee / Council of Advisers

Review, revise and approve contingency plans of various First Responding Organizations

Approve guidelines and templates prescribed by the NPDM and SOD Approve City Corporation Disaster Management Plans and District

Disaster Management Plans Recommend an appropriate regulatory mechanism for the

implementation of the Bangladesh Disaster Management Framework, including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, emergency response, recovery and rehabilitation

Approve national and sub-national programs for disaster risk reduction

Advocate and ensure disaster risk reduction is mainstreamed in development policies, plans and programmes

Monitor disaster risk reduction activities and programs, and keep the NDMC informed of their progress

Review and promote emergency preparedness and public awareness capacity development in disaster management

Promote monitoring, evaluation, education, and research on disaster risk reduction and emergency response management

Emergency Response

Evaluate emergency preparedness status and recommend corrective

measures Approve response and recovery plans Promote preparedness activities, such as fire evacuation drills,

search and rescue mock exercise, etc. Ensure whole-of-government coordination in emergency response,

relief and rehabilitation operations Approve guideline for multi-agency incident management Establish Urban Search and Rescue Taskforces.

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MINSTRY OF FOOD AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT (MoFDM) The Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM) is the focal point of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for disaster risk reduction and emergency response related issues. The Disaster Management Information Centre (DMIC) within the Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) of the MoFDM will assist the Ministry and the Government with all necessary information during normal time, warning and activation, emergency response, relief and recovery. The Ministry will provide information to the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC), the Inter-Ministerial Disaster Coordination Committee (IMDMCC), the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Response (CCDR) and the National Disaster Response Coordination Group (NDRCG), and assist them in taking decisions. The Secretary of the Ministry will coordinate the activities of all officials engaged either directly or indirectly in emergency response, relief and recovery activities.

MULTI-AGENCY DISASTER INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Management of any disaster incident will include the three clearly delineated functions of command, control and coordination. The overall control of events is the responsibility of one person known as the Disaster Incident Manager.

37

The Disaster Incident Manager is responsible for the control of the disaster incident and will assign tasks to agencies in accordance with the needs of the situation. The Disaster Incident Manager will specify: (a) what needs to be done; (b) by which agency; and (c) by what time.

The Disaster Incident Manager may assign tasks to agencies with specific response requirements but the individual agencies are responsible to determine how it is to be done.

The duties of the Disaster Incident Manager will normally include: Taking control of the disaster incident and establishing a Disaster

Incident Management Point Assessing the situation and advising the appropriate authorities and

agencies Determining priorities and time constraints Determining the structure of the Disaster Incident Management Team

(DMIT) Developing a disaster incident plan in conjunction with members of

the DIMT Tasking response agencies and supporting services Coordinating resources and support Monitoring events and responding to changing circumstances Reporting actions and activities to the appropriate agencies and

authorities Ensuring safety of all personnel at the disaster incident Establishing media liaison procedures, and Initiating recovery

actions.

The Disaster Incident Manager may form a DIMT made up of personnel to assist in the management of the disaster incident. A DIMT will assist in some or all of the following functions:

Planning-- Assessing resource requirements, maintaining status on allocated resources and developing the incident plan.

Intelligence--Gathering, maintaining, and reporting of information. Operations-- Assisting the disaster incident manager in the control

and coordination of the disaster incident, assisting in the development of the disaster incident plan, and maintaining the disaster incident log.

Logistics-- Identifying and coordinating the provision of support, equipment and supply services for the disaster incident.

Communications-- Establishing and coordinating communications between agencies at the disaster incident site and to the EOC (if activated).

Media-- Liaising with the media, and developing/implementing a media plan for the disaster incident (may not be part of the incident management team, but must have direct access to it).

The Disaster Incident Management Team (DIMT) may work from A Disaster Incident Management Point located at the incident site, if

the incident is located at a single point; or A lead agency operations centre remote from the actual sites, if the

incidents are located at various sites. If the DIMT is separated from the incident site, a site management structure will be required for the control/coordination of agencies at the sites.

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Control Arrangements-- Depending on the type of disaster incident, such as a major fire, a lead agency may have the responsibility for control of the activities within an inner perimeter with the control of the overall incident site being the responsibility of the Disaster Incident Manager.

It is imperative that all agencies responding to the disaster incident know who is the designated as Disaster Incident Manager.

IMDMCC will allocate responsibility to a lead agency for particular types of incidents. This should be reflected in emergency management arrangements and contingency plans as well as in relevant agencies’ Standing Operating Procedures (SOP).

Agency Internal Arrangements-- disaster incident management arrangements must not interfere with the internal arrangements of responding agencies. Response agencies have well established chains of command and detailed internal management arrangements, and normally have specific responsibilities during particular types of disaster incidents. This is part of the command function.

Multi-Agency Disaster Incident Management System shall follow the schematic chart as shown in Figure 01.

In case of involvement of more than three agencies, the same principles will be followed. In case of management of the incident by the lead agency only, agency control room and command components will be not applicable.

Agency Responsibilities--Agencies likely to be involved in response to a complex incident should:

Confirm their specific areas of responsibility; Undertake assigned tasks as specified by the Incident Manager in

the incident plan; Have adequate and sustainable communications to enable rapid

information exchange as this is fundamental to command, control and coordination;

Foster close inter-agency coordination to ensure effective multi-agency incident management;

Regularly review liaison arrangements to ensure that there are no gaps or duplication in areas of responsibility; and

Practice inter-agency liaison as a fundamental aspect of each agency’s training.

Noting these points, some degree of organizational autonomy may have to be sacrificed in the interests of effective coordination.

Agency Field Officers-- Agency field officers are responsible to their own agencies. However, they must also be responsive to the Incident Manager for the performance of allocated tasks and may be part of the Incident Management Team. Field Officers are usually located with their agency at the site, or they may be located either at an agency operations centre or an EOC/Control Room. They must maintain communications with the Disaster Incident Management Team. This can also be achieved through the employment of a liaison officer.

Liaison Officers-- The DIMT should include Liaison Officers from the attending response agencies. Liaison Officers are agency representatives who must be authorised to commit their agency’s resources and, therefore, must have communications with their agency. Liaison Officers are provided by the supporting agency to the supported agency and may be the field officers of agencies. When requested, Liaison Officers should locate themselves at the Disaster Incident Management Point or controlling agency operations centre, or

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both, as soon as possible. They should depart as soon as their services are no longer required

Disaster Management Bureau, MoFDM will develop a detailed Multi-Agency Disaster Incident Management Guideline.

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NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NDMAC) The National Disaster Management Advisory Committee was formed on November 19, 2009. The committee has more than 45 members representing key government and non-government institutions, international organizations and academia. The committee meets twice a year, although the chairman may call additional meetings, if needed. Sub committees may be formed for cyclone warning, flood forecasts, earthquake, risks, and participation by other people. Experts may be co-opted in the respective sub committees after formation and selection of the chairman. General Responsibilities:

Advise NDMC, IMDMCC, MoFDM and DMB on technical matters and socio-economic aspects of Disaster Risk Reduction and emergency response management.

Alert the Committee members about the risk of disaster and mitigation possibilities and encourage them in respect of workshop, training and research.

Create a forum for discussion by experts on the risk of disaster, opening opportunities for cooperation towards solution of problems relating to disaster management.

Recommend release of funds for special project works and also for introduction of special emergency methods or empowerment, if needed.

Recommend solution of problems identified by the Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) or any other agency/person. Propose long term recovery plans.

Hold post-mortem or prepare final evaluation on programmes undertaken to meet the disaster and

Submit a report with recommendations to the National Disaster Management Council.

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NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (NPDRR) The National Platform for DRR was formed on November 23, 2009. Major Functions

Coordinate various relevant stakeholders for interrelated social, economic and environmental risks and vulnerabilities

Support identification of priority needs in the area of DRR, advise for allocating resources, presenting time table for actions and monitoring and reviewing the implementation of DRR activities in line with the HFA

Provide technical support d advice for effective integration into all national regional and international policies and programs

Serve as a catalyst for national consultations and consensus building for DRR

Facilitate for allocation of resources from donors development banks financial institutions and UN agencies that are not represented in their respective countries.

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DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND RELIEF DIVISION (DM&RD)

The Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM) has been given the mandate to drive national risk reduction reform programs. The Disaster Management and Relief Division’s (DM&RD) mission relative to this agenda is: “To achieve a paradigm shift in disaster management from conventional response and relief to a more comprehensive risk reduction culture, and to promote food security as an important factor in ensuring the resilience of communities to hazards” DM&RD seeks to reduce the risk of people, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, from the effects of natural, environment and human induced hazards to a manageable and acceptable humanitarian level and to have in place an efficient emergency response management system.” Major Function

Formulation review and execution of legislation, policies, plans,

procedures, standing orders and guidelines relating to overall disaster risk reduction and emergency response management including relief, rehabilitation and safety net programs.

Maintaining database on recipient of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF), Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) and other safety net management information system.

Relief and Disaster risk reduction programs, planning, research and monitoring.

Administration of technical and non-cadre services under this Division and its attached Directorates/Bureau and subordinate offices including personnel management, control, performance appraisal and oversight functions.

Coordination of all activities relating to disaster management and relief incorporating disaster risk reduction and emergency response management.

Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction across line ministries and agencies at all levels, local governments, NGOs, CBOs, Civil society and all other stakeholders.

Implementation of the disaster related programs/projects undertaken due to adverse impacts of climate change.

Design, approval, administration, coordination and monitoring of emergency relief and rehabilitation programs including distribution of relief materials, gratuitous relief etc.

Approval, administration and monitoring of safety net programs, such as Test relief, Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF), Vulnerable Group Development (VGD), Food For Works Program. Institutional Feeding Program, Rural Infrastructure Maintenance Program, Risk Reduction Program, Road Maintenance Program, House Building Grants, etc.

Construction and Maintenance of small bridges/culverts, multi-purpose disaster shelters, Cyclone shelters, flood shelters with a view to eliminating/reducing disaster risks.

Preparation and execution of various development projects/programs on subjects allotted to this Division.

Administration and coordination of aids, loans, grants, search and rescue operation, emergency relief and technical assistance on disaster management under regional and international cooperation.

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Liaison with regional and international organizations, and matters related to treaties and agreements with other countries and world bodies relating to subjects allotted to this division.

Assessment of disaster situation and recommendation to declare State of Disaster Emergency and issuance of evacuation notices and monitor disaster early warning dissemination.

Establish, strengthen and improve the national disaster response mechanism.

Updating of Standing Order on Disaster (SOD) and its implementation.

Establish, manage and operate Disaster Management Information Centers (DMIC) at national and local levels including Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs).

Expanding prevention and preparedness measures across a broader range of hazards such as earthquake, infrastructure collapse, Tsunami, fire and events causing mass casualties.

Develop, manage and coordinate training learning and development and awareness rising on disaster management.

Matters relating to budget, accounts and finance of this Division. Implementation of the refugee related programs. All laws and rules on subjects allotted to this Division. Inquiries and information on any of the subjects allotted to this

Division. Fees in respect of any subject allotted to this Division except fees

taken in the court. All other matters relating to the Disaster Management and Relief

Division under the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management.

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EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AND AWARENESS COMMITTEE Following the verdict of High Court Division of Supreme Court, dated 29.07.2009, in order to prepare the nation for earthquake risk management, the Earthquake Preparedness and Awareness Committee was formed in December 2009. Chaired by the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM), the committee meets twice a year although the chairman may call additional meetings, if needed. Sub committees may be formed for contingency planning for earthquake risk reduction.

General Responsibilities:

Review national earthquake preparedness and awareness program and recommend suggestion for concerned organizations.

Review the equipment list supplied by the applicants for the writ petition No. 9329/2008 no. 4 of the High Court.

Prepare and recommend a list of equipment for earthquake risk reduction and search and rescue program after an earthquake.

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CYCLONE PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM (CPP)

Following a devastating storm surge in in 1970 that left an estimated 500,000 people dead, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, and the Government of Bangladesh launched the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP). The goal of the CPP is “to minimize loss of lives and properties in cyclonic disaster by strengthening the capacity in disaster management of the costal people of Bangladesh”. The CPP's Dhaka headquarters and 143 wireless stations comprise the largest wireless network in Asia, and 33,000 volunteers in local villages use megaphones and hand-cranked sirens to transmit the warnings received over this wireless system to villagers. These volunteers are also well trained in providing humanitarian relief, getting people to the 1,600 shelters that have been constructed along the coast, providing first aid and assessing the impact of cyclones. Volunteers regularly conduct simulation drills and hold meetings to raise awareness and disseminate information for disaster reduction. Major Functions:

Risk Reduction Establish a Focal Point to attend the meetings of the NDMC and

IMDMCC and other national level disaster management related committees

Incorporate disaster risk reduction considerations into the CPP policies, plans and programs

Collaborate with national committees related to disaster risk reduction

Allocate resources and arrange training on risk reduction for its staff and the volunteers

Emergency Response Normal Times

Organize preparedness programs in disaster prone areas on continuing basis and in order to assess the state of preparedness, hold drills in the months of April and September every year.

Ensure recruitment and training of volunteers before the month of April every year.

Ensure formation of Unit, Union and Upazila Committees. Ensure establishment of Union and Upazila Offices, holding of

meetings at Union and Upazila level. Ensure issue of warning signal kits to the leaders of volunteers and

use by them. Ensure wireless communication between CPP Headquarters and

Upazila Office and between Upazila Office and Union Office. Instruct local level DMCs for selection of shelters, and high rise safe

places and inform people about evacuation plans. Make public awareness about cyclone signals and with the help of

DMB, popularize preparedness plans, through discussion meetings, posters, pamphlets, films and drama etc.

Operate Fax machines for ensuring non-stop communication with meteorological department.

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Alert Stage

Establish Control Room at CPP headquarters and in regional offices and assist District, Upazila and Union authorities in the establishment of Control Rooms.

Maintain close liaison with BMD and the DMIC. Receive special weather bulletins from BMD and send them to

Upazila and regional offices and to instruct the Upazila offices to send them to Union offices as quickly as possible.

Instruct the volunteers to listen to normal radio news/CPP radio news. To communicate with Union group leaders through radio or via liaison volunteers and to advise Union leaders and their colleagues to instruct the volunteers for starting work according to guidelines of cyclone instructions booklet published by CPP.

Keep the CPP Implementation Board Chairman and the Members informed about the cyclone.

Alert the DCs, Upazila Executive Officers, Union Parishad Chairman and Members and local non- govt. organizations.

Warning Stage

Propose calling of emergency meeting of the CPP Implementation Board.

Verify whether the volunteers of the CPP have started work at field level.

Advise people about evacuation under proper protection of animals, poultry and other domestic animals to raised land and Killas.

Instruct CPP Development Officer for advising Chairman of the UzDMC to call meeting.

Instruct Development Officer for calling a meeting of Union DMC. Implement the decisions taken in the emergency meeting of the

implementation Board. Instruct Development Officer for cooperation in the implementation of

the decisions of the Upazila and Union DMCs. Send the special weather bulletins through wireless to Regional,

Upazila and Union Offices. Ensure that the people are properly warned (about the disaster)

through the Development Officer and volunteers. Keep the Chairman, Implementation Board; Director General, DMB;

DRR and BDRCS informed at regular intervals about the local situation.

Disaster Stage

Coordinate its’ own activities with those of all concerned agencies and non-govt. agencies.

Ensure rescue operations and first aid by Development Officers and volunteers in times of need.

Instruct Development Officer to maintain wireless communication and to keep touch with the Headquarters at regular intervals and to transmit loss and damage report as soon as it is received.

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Instruct the Union Group leaders to maintain wireless communication and to keep touch with the Development Officer frequently and to instruct the Development Officer to send the reports of loss and damage received from fields to Regional/Central Office.

Rehabilitation Stage

Instruct every Union leader to send a primary report of loss and damage in their respective areas to the Development Officer.

Instruct the field office to carry out the following tasks: To assist in the programs of vaccination, prevention medicines and

other health measures. Participate in the rehabilitation programs. Assist in coordinating the activities of Non-Govt. organizations

(NGOs)

Field Level CPP Risk Reduction

Establish a Focal Point to participate in all the disaster management committee meetings

Participate in the process of local level disaster risks and vulnerability mapping of the Directorate of relief and rehabilitation and preparation of the risk reduction action plans


Organize simulated drills continuously in disaster prone areas and monitor the status of preparedness drill participated by the people in April and September every year.

Select volunteers and complete their training according to rules of the CPP before April, and organize grouping of families of evacuation in times of need.

Make physical verification of equipment to facilitate allotted to the leader of volunteers and their condition and undertake their repairs/replacement, if needed.

Examine the wireless system and keep it running in order to maintain communication between CPP Headquarters, Upazila and Union level offices.

Educate and create awareness amongst the local people about the cyclone preparedness programme and the understanding of different warning signals.

Earmark shelter places, Killas and safe raised land and to keep them fit for use and to publicise the people about the evacuation plan.

Make the people and the volunteers aware of the dangers of resistance to disaster preparedness activities, in coordination with Upazila and Union Parishad administration.

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Alert Stage

Set up Control Room and maintain contact with Upazila, Union offices and CPP Headquarters

Maintain close link with the Meteorological Department and other offices and collect information about cyclone.

Receive special weather bulletins from CPP Headquarters and to communicate the same to local offices.

Alert the chairman of District/Upazila/Union DMCs, members, religious leaders, local elites, teachers and persons connected with different organizations.

Advise the CPP volunteers to listening to radio broadcasts in order to ensure that work of the volunteers specified in the booklet published by CPP by the union group leaders and their colleagues is started.

Warning Stage

Request DC/UNO/UP Chairman to call emergency meeting of the respective DMC(s).

Assist in the implementation of the decisions taken in the emergency meeting.

Depute CPP volunteers for shifting the livestock, poultry and other domestic animals to raised land, Killas under proper safety measures.

Instruct every field office to inform all offices under its control about the special weather bulletins.

Warn the people about the disaster. Advise the people to go to shelter place in the event of evacuation

order and to assist them in the process. Give the final warning to the people by using megaphone, light

signals and flash lights. Keep Upazila and District administration, CPP Central Headquarters

and Disaster Management Bureau and others concerned informed about the field level disaster situation report.

Assist other agencies and non-government organizations in the implementation of their programs.

Disaster Stage

Keep wireless in operation and to maintain communication with CPP Central Office and to send the loss and damage statement to concerned authority as soon as it is received.

Conduct rescue work in coordination with Union and Upazila authority and provide first aid according to need.

Assist local authority in relief distribution. Rehabilitation Stage

Collect data on loss and damage due to cyclone, prepare report and send it to CPP Headquarters, Union DMC, Upazila and District administration.

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Assist local administration in burying the dead bodies and dumping the carcasses under the earth.

Assist in inoculation-vaccination drive and other health measures. Participate in the rehabilitation program with Non-Government

Organizations (NGOs) and other agencies.

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DIASTER MANAGEMENT BUREAU (DMB)

The Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) was created under the Ministry of Disaster Management in 1992. The DMB is a small dynamic professional unit at national level to perform specialist support functions working in close collaboration with District and Upazila-level authorities and the concerned line ministries under the overall authority of high–level inter-ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee (IMDMCC). It is a technical arm to the Disaster Management and Relief Division (DMRD) to overview and co-ordinate all activities related to disaster management from national down to the grass-root level. http://www.dmb.gov.bd/

Roles and Responsibilities of DMB The main role of the Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) is to provide support to disaster management decision makers, planners and practitioners at all levels in Bangladesh by acting as a small dynamic professional unit at a national level to perform specialist functions in the field of disaster preparedness, local level disaster action and contingency planning, awareness training, facilitating improved information collection. During Normal Time

Developing a National Disaster Action Plan, and associated practical guidelines for those responsible for its implementation;

Helping line ministries and agencies to develop and test their own contingency/action plans;

http://www.dmb.gov.bd/

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Helping district- and thana-level authorities to develop and test their own disaster preparedness plans;

Working with local authorities, BDRCS/CPP, NGOs and others to help union councils and village communities in high-risk areas to develop their own contingency plans and increase their own coping capacity.

Collaborating with existing training institutes, training materials development units, and NGOs already engaged in relevant training activities, to co-ordinate and promote the production of curricula and relevant training materials for various target groups.

Collaborating with line agencies, local authorities, existing training institutes, and relevant NGOs, in planning organizing training for a wide variety of government personnel, elected officials and others;

Establishing facilities, information systems operating procedures, and telecommunications systems, for a national emergency operations centre (EOC) control room, for immediate use when an emergency arises;

Establishing arrangements for the mobilization of additional personnel for the EOC and to assist local authorities in the field, when required;

Providing a documentation and information services on disaster management for line agencies and others;

Working with the Planning Commission and concerned line agencies to increase awareness of disaster risks and ensure that such risks, and possibilities to reduce them, are considered and appropriate measures incorporated in development planning.;

Monitoring and reporting to the Government/Parliament on the risks faced, the vulnerability of people and economic assets to known hazards, the status of preparedness in the country and any delays/bottlenecks in the implementation of disaster prevention/preparedness programs and project.

During an Emergency

Ensuring the effective dissemination of appropriate warnings, of flood, cyclones (through collaboration with BMD, BWDB, CPP, Radio, TV, and authorities in particular).

Activating and operating the national EOC (control room), receiving, analyzing, storing, incoming information, arranging rapid reconnaissance and assess mission, where needed. - Providing secretarial services and expert advice to the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) and Inter-ministerial Disaster Management Co-ordination Committee (IMDMCC).

Providing information to and liaising with ERD concerning requirement international assistance, and with Ministry of Information.

During Post-Disaster Recovery

Co-operating with the Planning Commission and line agencies, as required in compiling data on reconstruction requirements and in coordinating the preparedness of an integrated reconstruction

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program Ensuring that risk reduction measures are built into all reconstruction

programs as much as possible; Undertaking a final evaluation, or at least a "post mortem", on the

over all operation, drawing lessons and feeding them back to the IMDMCC training activities and up-dated guidelines.

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DIRECTORATE OF RELIEF AND REHABILITATION (DRR) The role of the Directorate of Relief and Rehabilitation is to provide effective and comprehensive disaster risk management services, including post emergency response relief and rehabilitation, and to provide MoFDM disaster risk management programs at community level(District/City Corporation level and below . DRR works in partnership with the Ministries of the Government of Bangladesh, non government organizations, civil society, and business sector. This Directorate will perform the following tasks in addition to its normal duties. Risk Reduction

Develop and establish guidelines and procedures to assess hazard risks and vulnerabilities at the community level

Conduct national, district, upazila and union level hazard, risk and vulnerability assessments and mapping to identify the disaster prone Upazilas and special disaster prone areas under such Upazila and the population likely to be affected by the disaster.

Design and implement the safety net programs to contribute to the community level risk reduction efforts Introduce agency contingency planning

Organize regular training for the selected volunteers on earthquake preparedness

Organize training on earthquake preparedness and response for selected DRR officials


Ensure stock, security and maintenance of adequate materials in disaster-prone areas.

Utilize the materials received under the Food for Works Program for construction of roads to raised places and shelter places and for tree plantation.

Alert and Warning Stage

Open Control Room in the Department and maintain link with the

EOC of the Ministry. Direct all officials to remain alert. Inform the Ministry about relief preparedness in affected areas Send Daily Situation Report to the Ministry Keep information about the available quantity of relief materials and

food grains in the LSD and CSD of the affected areas. Disaster Stage

Ensure quick dispatch of relief materials to affected areas. Instruct field officers for helping the local administration in evacuation

and rescue operations. Place the water transports at the disposal of appropriate authority for

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transportation of relief materials and evacuation and rescue operations of affected people.

Inform the Ministry about the requirement of relief materials. Inform the Ministry instantaneously about special relief. Ensure proper account-keeping of the use of allotted relief materials.


Recommend allocation of relief materials after assessing the requirement by touring the affected areas with intimation to the Ministry.

Ensure quick supply of house building grants, gratuitous relief and other materials in accordance with the delegation of powers.

Recommend to the Ministry for allocation of (needed) house building grant, test relief, gratuitous relief and other materials beyond delegation of power.

Issue required government order. Continue the most essential rehabilitation work. Submit the consolidated expenditure accounts to the government.

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DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOOD (DGFood) The role of Ministry of Food is important for maintaining adequate stocks of food grains in disaster prone areas. In addition to normal function of the Ministry, the Secretary must ensure the following duties are performed through it organization DGFood. Risk Reduction

Incorporate disaster risk reduction considerations into the national food security policy of the government

Consider current and future disaster risks in the estimation of food stock requirements

Consider current and future risks while designing new storage facilities

Ensure regular maintenance of the storage facilities to avoid damages

Issue necessary orders with the instruction to the relevant departments to ensure implementation of the risk reduction policies of the Directorate General of Food


Select the Focal Point for disaster management issues and take steps for the establishment of a Control Room.

Designate one Liaison Officer for keeping link with the Control Room of the MOFDM.

Update the list of trucks, water transports, country boats etc with the names of owners and also the list of godowns with the quantity of goods stored therein. Review on a quarterly basis progress with implementation of the work plan of subordinate offices.

Alert every one about the imminent cyclone/flood in cyclone/flood prone areas and ensure security and suitable custody of food store house, silo, food stock, water transport, road transport etc.

If required, arrange for supply of food materials and their distribution on emergency basis.

Take steps for the protection of stored food materials and other materials in food godowns and shift them to safer places, if required.

Arrange adequate advance stock of food materials in secured places in disaster prone areas and examine the stock in LSDs and CSDs.

Rice and Wheat will be the main stock in disaster prone areas. Coordinate all matters with local administration well in advance

including the transportation of food materials. Inform MOFDM regularly concerning the stocks of food supplies in

disaster prone districts and Upazilas. Prepare detailed work plan and review all preparedness programs

taken beforehand in April and September every year. Maintain the updated list of trucks, water transports, country boats

etc with the names of their owners. Also maintain particulars of stocks, storehouse and the updated quantity of stored grains.

Ensure adequate security arrangement of stored food and when necessary ensure the transport of food suppliers.

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Coordinate all activities with concerned Ministry/Department and local administration well in advance and arrange for transports for the movement of food grains.

Keep advance stocks of adequate food grains in safe places in disaster prone areas and examine the stock of the LSDS and CSDs.

Arrange dispatch, supply and distribution of food supplies on emergency basis, if required.

Take adequate protective measures for food supplies kept in stock in food and other warehouses and arrange for their transfer to safer places, if required.

Alert and Warning Stage

Open the Control Room in the Directorate. Designate one Liaison Officer to keep link with the EOC of the

MoFDM. Alert all officials of the probable disaster areas about the imminent

disaster. Ensure normalcy in the food grain price.

Disaster Stage

Operate own Control Room round the clock (24 hrs) and maintain link with EOC of the MoFDM.

Collect through own sources reports of affected areas and send them daily to the IMDMCC through the DMB.

If required, operate a special rationing system and open market sale in the affected areas and ensure an adequate supply of food to the people.

Take precautionary steps against hoarding and profit mongering and ensure normal price of commodities in the market.

Assist and help the local administration in all possible ways for the evacuation, rescue and relief operations.

Arrange to deliver food supplies immediately as per Delivery Order of DC/UNO on the directive of the MoFDM or NDMC.

(Enquire about the loss or damage of food items and food godowns, quantify them and prepare plans for their quick repair and reconstruction.

Prepare a daily food stock and distribution report for the affected areas and send the same to the EOC of the MoFDM.

With the approval of the government, start operation of special rationing and open market sale of food supplies and ensure continuous supply of food supplies.

Ensure legal action against profit mongers and hoarders and keep the market price of food supplies stable and normal.

Assist and cooperate with the local administration in all possible ways for evacuation, rescue and relief operations.

Enquire about loss/damage of food supplies and storehouse and after quantifying the same prepare estimates for their quick repair and reconstruction. These should then be submitted to the MoFDM for obtaining funds from the NDMC and IMDMCC.

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Arrange for rapid assessment of the loss, damage and needs and take the required steps quickly.

Arrange to prepare adequate plans for the repair and reconstruction of storehouses and provide funds for the purpose.

Make regular announcement concerning the production of daily necessities of food items, their stock position and ensure their continuous supply.

Arrange storage space for the receipt and dispatch of relief materials. Continue efforts in all possible ways for the rehabilitation of affected

people with the cooperation of MoFDM, other Ministries and local administration until the return of normalcy.

Arrange to supply food grains in the affected areas. Start repair and reconstruction work of warehouses immediately as per approved procedure.

Arrange immediate release of food supplies as per delivery order of DCs/UNO or in consultation with MOFDM or NDMC.

Arrange warehouse space for the receipt and dispatch of relief materials.

Continue all out efforts in all possible ways for the rehabilitation of affected people in cooperation with the MoFDM, other Ministries, local councils and local administration until return of normalcy.

Strengthen the distribution program of food supplies.

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DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (DDMC) Emergency Response During Warning Period

Disseminate warnings/forecasts, evacuate the vulnerable people as per evacuation plan, check the overall preparation for rescue operation and prepare the rescue team.

Engage trained institutions, volunteers and people in the field for effective and speedy dissemination of early warnings/forecasts and to coordinate and monitor the whole warnings/forecasts dissemination system.

Visit the pre-selected emergency shelters/safe centers and ensure that different organizations and individuals are alert and ready to provide essential services and security at the centers.

Review and take alternative measures to ensure the supply of safe drinking water from the selected places nearby the safe centers/shelters.

Conduct a mock or drill, on a small scale, with the trained students, youths, club members and volunteers on the community based water-purification techniques and ensure all the relevant preparatory measures for speedy supply of water after proper purification.

Take emergency measures to fill up the stock of life saving drugs after carefully scrutinizing the stock of life saving drugs at Pourashava level.

Prepare a checklist of emergency activities including the time schedule of the assigned personnel.

During Disaster Onset Operate “Emergency Operation Centre (Information Centre and

Control Room)” for maintaining coordination of activities at all places in the interior of the district in respect of evacuation, rescue, relief and primary rehabilitation within the district.

Operate emergency rescue work with the facilities locally available and coordinate mobilization of rescue teams for rescue operations in severely affected Upazilas and Pourashavas.

Coordinate all relief activities (GO-NGO) at union, Pourashava, Upazila and district level so that relief materials are distributed impartially.

Ensure dissemination of correct information for protecting the people from being upset by rumor related to disaster.

Take necessary measures for ensuring the security of the local and outside relief workers during disaster.

Ensure the overall security of women, children and persons with disability during disaster (residing in safe shelters and other places).

Take necessary measures to protect environmental degradation by arranging quick memorial services of dead bodies and quick disposal of dead domestic animals.

Assist people to transfer their essential resources (livestock, poultry, essential food, kerosene, candle, matches, fuel, radio, etc.) to safe places.

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Post Disaster Period

Collect and verify statistics relating to loss according to instructions issued by Disaster Management Bureau and other national authorities from Upazila officials and members of the Upazila/Pourashava DMCs regarding loss due to disaster according to directives of DMB and other national authorities; to determine priority and requirements through emergency survey by officials or any other competent persons.

Supply information relating to loss, needs, available resources and priority needs for relief and rehabilitation work to the EOC at the MoFDM and DMIC of DMB.

Prepare contingency plans for rehabilitation work carefully based on priority measures for risk reduction at district level.

Allocate and distribute the materials to Upazila/Pourashava, received from local source or Relief Directorate/any other sources on realistic basis according to necessity as per directives issued from DMB and district authority.

Supervise the distribution of materials under relief and rehabilitation activities and maintain their account and send the same to national authority and other relief donor organizations.

Take necessary measures so that people can come back to their previous places after the disaster is over. In such cases, if there is any dispute regarding the legality of the land that should not be an obstacle to come back to the previous place after disaster.

Arrange counseling for the psycho-traumatic people due to disaster with the collaborative support of experts and community elites.

Instruct the health related personnel of the district and Upazila level to provide appropriate and adequate care to disaster affected people and if needed, request the district health authority for assistance.

Arrange workshop with the participation of concern institutions and individuals on the lessons learned during and after the disaster.

Perform responsibility of overall coordination among various departments at district level.

In addition, follow the “SoD” and comply with instant orders of appropriate authority.

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UPAZILA DISASTER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (UzDMC)

The Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UzDMC) is headed by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) to coordinate and review the disaster management activities at the Upazila level. Major Responsibilities: Risk Reduction

Assist union and pourashava DMC to form and activate a comprehensive DMC at Union and Pourashava level, so that the DMCs can provide proper guidance, get the right and correct information and can exploit benefits from imparted training.

Assist Union and Pourashava DMCs to increase their efficiency in developing local warning system, risk reduction programming, rescue and recovery strategy and awareness raising strategy.

Ensure that disaster risk reduction approaches are well considered during planning and implementation of development programmes of union, pourashava and Upazila.

Arrange training and workshops on regular basis on disaster issues and assist union and pourashava disaster management committees to arrange training and workshop and keep the DDMC informed of progress and constraints.

Assist union and pourashava disaster management committees to hold a hazard, vulnerability and risk analysis at Union and pourashava level; compile hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment of unions and pourashavas and prepare a hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment report for the Upazila.

Assist union and pourashava DMCs to identify the most vulnerable area or people at high risk by sex, age, physical-ability, social status, occupation and economic status, compile the list of people at high risk at different union and pourashavas and based on the lists prepare a report and location map of people at risk in the Upazila and to send the report to the DDMC.

Assist union and pourashava DMCs to prepare a short, medium and long term vulnerability reduction and capacity building action plan for the identified high-risk people with active participation of the people at risk; compile the action plans and prepare a Upazila level action plan and send a copy to DDMC.

Facilitate coordination among the development agencies and service providers through Quarterly coordination meeting and take decision about implementation of the short, medium and long term action plan for risk reduction as well as review the progress of the implementation of the RRAPs.

Assist union and pourashava disaster management committees to raise fund in legal way at local level to implement the risk reduction action plan.

Update the progress of implementation of Upazila level action plan and other related activities and report to the DDMC.

Prepare a Comprehensive Disaster Management Action Plan with a view to enabling local people, Union, Pourashava and Upazila

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authority and local organizations to increase the capacity of the poor and vulnerable people to enhance their income and other assets for risk reduction and also to take up security arrangement in the perspective of imminent danger related warnings or occurrence of disaster including the issues already mentioned under this paragraph.

Take steps for capacity building of Upazila officers, relevant persons and institutions, union and pourashava authorities, volunteers and other people so that they can forecast and publicize warnings relating to hazards (cyclones, storms, floods, droughts, tidal surge, tsunami, over- rainfall, under-rainfall, water logging, high tide, cold waves etc.) in the quickest possible way and also inform people about their responsibilities of saving their lives and properties from disaster.

Building the capacity of union and pourashava disaster management committees, local institutions, volunteers and people in a way that they can help and motivate people to adopt disaster (Cyclone/ Tidal surge/ Tsunami/ Earthquake/ Tornado/ Flood/ Water/Logging/ Salinity/ High Tide/ Cold Wave) resistant housing features.

Building the capacity of union and pourashava disaster management committees, local institutions, volunteers and people in a way that they can help and motivate people to adapt with disaster resistant agriculture and other livelihood options.

Determine specific safe centre/shelter where the population of certain areas will go at the time of need and assign responsibilities to different persons for various services and securities at the centre/shelter. Assist union and pourashava disaster management committees to be more efficient to do the same work at union and pourashava level.

Ensure supply of safe water and if necessary other services from specific points near the shelter/centre with the help of Upazila authority. Assist union and pourashava disaster management committees to be more efficient to do the same work at union and pourashava level.

Assist Union and Pourashava DMCs to train the students, youths, local clubs and volunteers on community based water purification technology, so that during disaster, they can supply water- purifying technology during emergencies in their community until external support reaches the high-risk people.

Assist Union and Pourashava DMCs to plan for preparing some community Based High land, which can be used as play ground in normal time and can be used as shelter place during disaster period where livestock, poultry, emergency food, kerosene, lamp, candle, matches, fuel wood, radio and other important resources could be shifted along with the people.

Assist Union and Pourashava DMCs to stock emergency life-saving medicines at union and pourashava level for use during disaster.

Prepare relevant plans for rescue, primary relief operation, and restoration of communication with District Headquarters and Union Authorities and local arrangement for rehabilitation of severely affected families.

Monitor the activities and Progress of Implementation of Action Plans

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of Union and Pourashava Disaster management Committees and submit a progress report of Upazila Disaster Management Action Plan to the DDMC.

Arrange for rehearsals or drills on the dissemination of warning signals/forecasts, evacuation, rescue and primary relief operations (if necessary committee can seek assistance from district Authority).

Emergency Response Warning Period

Disseminate warning and security messages, evacuate the vulnerable people as per evacuation plan, cast an eye on the last moment check of rescue team and its preparation and take effective measure to minimize gap as a high priority.

Engage trained institutions, volunteers and people in field for effective and rapid dissemination of early warning messages to the vulnerable community and monitor the whole security and warning message dissemination activities.

Visit the pre-determined emergency shelter centre and be sure that for essential services and security different organizations and volunteers are alert and ready to provide services.

Review the practicality of water supply sources nearby the shelter centre and if necessary, fill the gaps that people can get safe water supply during disaster from these water sources.

Conduct a mock or drill to be ensured that the trained students, youths, with club members and volunteers can prepare water-purification technology at their locality and can supply the victims during emergencies and to monitor that adequate materials are ready to prepare such water-purification technology.

Review the stock of life saving medicines at union level and evaluate its adequacy to supply victims during disaster.

Prepare a checklist of emergency works to-do during disaster and be sure that appropriate materials and people are available for use.

During Disaster Onset

Organize emergency rescue work by using locally available facilities in times of need and if directed assist others in rescue works.

Coordinate all relief activities (GO-NGO) in the Upazila in a manner that social justice (on the basis of who needs, what is needed and how much is needed) is ensured in relief distribution;

Protect people from upset creating rumour during hazard period by providing them correct and timely information.

Operate “EOC” at Upazila level to coordinate evacuation, rescue and relief activities.

During hazard ensure security of the local and outside relief workers. Ensure the security of women, children and person with disability

during hazard. Take necessary actions to protect environmental degradation by

quick funeral of corpses and burying the animal dead bodies. Help people to transfer their essential resources (livestock, poultry,

essential food, kerosene, candle, matches, fuel, radio, etc.) to safe places.

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Enforce Union and Pourashava DMCs to prepare water purification technology (tablet) at local level with the help of trained students, youths, clubs and volunteers; and distribute those products at emergency among the people at risk before being caught by diarrhea or other water borne diseases.

Post-Disaster Period

Collect statistics of loss incurred in disaster in the light of guidelines of Upazila Engineer, and DDMC and send the same to DDMC.

Provide data and statement to the DDMC regarding damage, need, received resources and priority for relief and rehabilitation works.

Plan the rehabilitation work in a way that essential measures for future risk reduction is well considered.

Review the stock of life saving medicines at union level and evaluate its adequacy to supply victims during disaster.

Prepare a checklist of emergency works to-do during disaster and be sure that appropriate materials and people are available for use.

Take steps for distribution of articles for rehabilitation received locally or from Relief and Rehabilitation Directorate and from any other source following the guidelines from Upazila Engineer, and UzDMC.

Supervise and keep accounts of the relief and rehabilitation materials distributed and send it to DDMC and donor agency (if the donor provided relief fund).

Ensure that due to hazard the people who were displaced can come back to their previous places; in this case, dispute (if there is any) regarding the land of the displaced people should not be an obstacle to come back to the peace after disaster.

Counsel the psycho-traumatize people due to hazard with the support of the community and experts.

Ensure that the injured people are getting fair and just treatment from health service providers, if necessary; committee can recommend for Upazila and District level assistance.

Arrange a lesson learning session with the participation of concern institutions and individuals on learning from during hazard and after hazard. Coordinate the disaster relevant activities of different departments at Upazila level.

In addition to the above follow SOD related issues and instant orders of appropriate authority.

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CITY CORPORATION DISASTER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (CCDMC)

Disaster Management is multi-sectoral in nature, which requires involvement and close cooperation of many organizations. Local level disaster management largely depends on certain local organizational response and their coordination mechanism. Especially during disaster, local coordination is recognized as a key component to disaster management. Strong institutional capacity and their coordination mechanism will then lead to a better, more effective disaster management system and ensure stronger community awareness and participation. At a City Corporation, a City Corporation Disaster Management Committee (CCDMC) is established. The CCDMC is to carry out all activities (prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response and relief) of disaster management. Similarly at district, upazila, pourashava and union level, the Disaster Management Committees (DMCs) are established, accordingly. Major Responsibilities: Risk Reduction

Arrange regular training and workshops on disaster management especially on earthquake issues by keeping the DMB informed.

Hold a hazard, vulnerability and risk analysis at City Corporation level and prepare contingency plan for earthquake and other natural and human induced disasters.

Identify community at risk based on age, sex, physical fitness, social status, profession and economic condition.

Prepare short, medium and long-term vulnerability reduction and capacity building action plan for the high-risk people with the active participation of the community at risk

Organize regular meetings on developmental issues with organizations working at City Corporation level who have development programs and who are providing services to take decisions for the implementation of short, medium and long term action plans and to review the progress.

Establish local fund for the implementation of risk reduction action plans.

Inform the DMB on the progress of implementation of the action plans

Prepare a comprehensive disaster management action plan, which will enable the local community, authority of the City Corporation and local organizations to support the poor and vulnerable community for increasing their income and other abilities for risk reduction and for taking necessary security measures against any impending warnings and disaster:

Ensure that the local people are kept informed and capable of taking practical measures for the reduction of risk at household and community levels and also disseminate widely the success stories among the local people about reducing risks at household and community levels.

Arrange speedy and effective dissemination of forecasts relating to disasters (cyclone, tidal surge, tsunami, heavy rainfall, flood, water logging, high tide, cold wave, etc.) among individuals, volunteers and target organizations and make them able to take effective roles to save their lives and property during disaster.

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Build the capacity of local institution, volunteers, and the community to adopt disaster (cyclone, tidal surge, tsunami, earthquake, tornado, flood, water logging, salinity, high tide, cold wave) resistant housing features.

Build the capacity of the local institution, earthquake volunteers, and the community to adapt with disaster resistant agriculture and other livelihood options.

Determine specific safe centre/shelter where the people of particular area will go at the time of disaster and assign responsibilities to different individuals and organizations – for providing various services and securities at the shelters.

Ensure supply of safe drinking water and if necessary, other services from specific points near the shelter/centre.

Train the students, youth, local club members and volunteers on community based water purification techniques so that during disaster, they can supply safe drinking water in their own community during emergencies.

Keep stocks of emergency life saving drugs at City Corporation and Ward level for use during disaster.

Prepare relevant plans for rescue, primary relief operation, and local arrangement for rehabilitation of severely affected families.

Arrange for rehearsals or drills on the dissemination of warnings/forecasts, evacuation, rescue and primary relief operations (if necessary, committee can seek assistance from DMB).


Disseminate warnings/forecasts, evacuate the vulnerable people as per evacuation plan, check the overall preparation for rescue operation and prepare the rescue team.

Engage trained institutions, volunteers and people in the field for effective and speedy dissemination of early warnings/forecasts and to coordinate and monitor the whole warnings/forecasts dissemination system.

Visit the pre-selected emergency safe centers/shelter and ensure that different organizations and individuals are alert and ready to provide essential services and security at the centers

Review and take alternative measures to ensure the supply of safe drinking water from the selected places nearby the shelter centre.

Take emergency measures to fill up the stock of life saving drugs after careful scrutiny of the stock of life saving drugs at City Corporation and Ward level.

Prepare a checklist of emergency activities during disaster including the time schedule of the assigned personnel.


Operate emergency rescue work with the facilities locally available and if directed, provide support services to other rescue teams.

Take emergency measures to prevent diarrhea and other water borne diseases by preparing oral-saline and water purification tablets by the trained students, youths, club members and volunteers using

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local resources or emergency assistance. Coordinate all relief activities (GO-NGO) in the City Corporation so

that relief materials are distributed impartially. Ensure dissemination of correct information for protecting the people

from being upset by rumor related to disaster. Take necessary measures for ensuring the security of the local and

outside relief workers during disaster. Ensure the overall security of women, children and persons with

disability during disaster residing in safe centers/shelters and other places.

Take necessary measures to protect environmental degradation by arranging quick funeral ceremonies of dead bodies and quick disposal of dead domestic animals.

Assist people to transfer their essential resources (livestock, poultry, essential food, kerosene, candle, matches, fuel, radio, etc.) to safe places.

Post Disaster Period

Collect and submit statistics regarding loss due to disaster according to directives from Disaster Management Bureau.

Allocate and distribute on the basis of actual needs, the materials received from local source or Relief Directorate/other sources for relief and rehabilitation work according to the directives of Disaster Management Bureau or district authority.

Submit accounts of materials received to Disaster Management Bureau and donor agency (if the donor provided relief fund).

Take necessary measures so that people can come back to their previous place after the disaster is over. In such cases, if there is any dispute regarding the legality of the land, which should not be an obstacle to come back to the previous place after the disaster.

Arrange counselling for the psycho-traumatic people due to disaster with the collaborative support of experts and community elites.

Instruct the health related personnel to provide appropriate and adequate care to disaster affected people and if needed, request the district health authority for assistance.

Arrange workshop with the participation of concern institutions and individuals on the lessons learned during and after the disaster.

In addition, follow Standing Orders on disaster management and comply with instant orders of appropriate authority.

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UNION DISASTER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (UDMC)

Responsibilities: RiskReduction

Ensure that local people are kept informed and capable of taking practical measures for the reduction of risk at household and community level and also disseminate the success stories of reducing disaster risks at household and community level widely among the local people.

Arrange training and workshops on regular basis on disaster issues and keep the UzDMC informed.

Hold a hazard, vulnerability and risk analysis at Union level. Identify the most vulnerable or people at high risk by sex, age,

physical ability, social status, occupation and economic status. Prepare a short, medium and long term vulnerability reduction and

capacity building action plan for the identified high-risk people with active participation of the people at risk.

Facilitate coordination among the development agencies and service providers through quarterly coordination meeting and take decision about implementation of the action plan for risk reduction as well as review the progress of the risk reduction action plan.

Raise fund at local level to implement the risk reduction action plan. Update the progress of implementation of action plan and other

activities and report to the Upazila Disaster Management Committee Prepare a Comprehensive Disaster Management Action Plan with a

view to enabling local people, Union authority and local organizations to increase the capacity of poor and vulnerable people to enhance their income and other assets for risk reduction and also to take up security arrangement in the perspective of imminent danger related warnings or occurrence of disaster including the issues already mentioned under this paragraph.

Take steps for capacity building of relevant persons and institutions, union authority, volunteers and people in a way that they can forecast and publicize warnings relating to hazards (cyclones, storms, floods, droughts, tidal surge, tsunami, over-rainfall under-rainfall, water logging, high tide, cold wave etc.) in the quickest possible manner and also inform people about their responsibilities of saving their lives and properties from disaster.

Build the capacity of local institutions, volunteers and people in a way that they can help and motivate people to adopt disaster (Cyclone/Tidal surge/Tsunami/ Earthquake/ Tornado/ Flood/ Water Logging/ Salinity/ High Tide/ Cold Wave) resistant housing features.

Build the capacity of local institutions, volunteers and people in a way that they can help and motivate people to adapt with disaster resistant agriculture and other livelihood options.

Determine specific safe centre/shelter where the population of certain areas will go at the time of need and assign responsibilities to different persons for various services and securities at the shelter/centre.

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Ensure supply of safe water and if necessary other services from specific points near the shelter/centre with the help of Upazila authority.

Train the students, youths, local club members and volunteers on community based water purification technology. So that during disaster, they can supply water-purifying technology during emergencies in their community until external support reaches the high-risk people.

Plan for preparing some community Based High land, which can be used as play ground in normal time and can be used as shelter place during disaster period and where livestock, poultry, emergency food, kerosene, lamp, candle, matches, fuel wood, radio and other important resources could be shifted along with the people.

Stock emergency life-saving medicines at union level (Union Health and Family Welfare Centre) for use during disaster.

Prepare relevant plans for rescue, primary relief operation, and restoration of communication with Upazila Headquarters and local arrangement for rehabilitation of severely affected families.

Arrange for rehearsals or drills on the dissemination of warning signals/forecasts, evacuation, rescue and primary relief operations (if necessary committee can seek assistance from Upazila Authority).


Disseminate warning and security messages, evacuate the vulnerable people as per evacuation plan, cast an eye on the last moment check of rescue team and its preparation and take effective measure to minimize gap as a high priority.

Engage trained institutions, volunteers and people in field for effective and rapid dissemination of early warning messages to the vulnerable community and monitor the whole security and warning message dissemination activities.

Visit the pre-determined emergency shelter centre and be sure that for essential services and security different organizations and volunteers are alert and ready to provide services.

Review the practicality of water supply sources nearby the shelter/centre and if necessary, fill the gaps that people can get safe water supply during disaster from these water sources.

On a minimum scale, conduct a mock or drill to ensure that the trained students, youths, clubs and volunteers can prepare water-purification technology at their locality and can supply to the victims during emergencies and to monitor that adequate materials are ready to prepare such water-purification technology.

Review the stock of life saving medicines at union level and evaluate its adequacy for supply among the victims during disaster.

To prepare a checklist of emergency works to-do during disaster and be sure that appropriate materials and people are available for use.


Organize emergency rescue work by using locally available facilities

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in times of need and if directed assist others in rescue work. Prepare water purification technology (tablet) at local level with the

help of trained students, youths, clubs and volunteers; and distribute those products at emergency among the people at risk before being caught by diarrhoea or other water borne diseases.

Coordinate all relief activities (GO-NGO) in the union in a manner that social justice (on the basis of who needs, what is needed and how much is needed) is ensured in relief distribution;

Protect people from upset creating rumour during hazard period by providing them correct and timely information.

During hazard ensure security of the local and outside relief workers. Ensure the security of women, children and person with disability during hazard.

Take necessary actions to protect environmental degradation by quick funeral of corpses and burying the animal dead bodies.

Help people to transfer their essential resources (livestock, poultry, essential food, kerosene, candle, matches, fuel, radio, etc.) to safe places.

Post-Disaster Period

Collect statistics of loss incurred in disaster in the light of guidelines of Disaster Management Bureau and Upazila Disaster Management Committee and send the same to Upazila Disaster Management Committee.

Take steps for distribution of articles for rehabilitation received locally or from Relief and Rehabilitation Directorate and from any other source following the guidelines from Disaster Management Bureau and Upazila Disaster Management Committee.

Send accounts of materials received to UzDMC and donor agency (if the donor provided relief fund).

Ensure that due to hazard the people who were displaced can come back to their previous place; in this case, dispute (if any) regarding the land of the displaced people should not be an obstacle to come back to the place after disaster.

Counsel the psycho traumatic people due to hazard with the support of community and experts.

Ensure that the injured people are getting fair and just treatment from health service providers, if necessary; committee can recommend for Upazila and District level assistance.

Arrange a lesson learning session with the participation of concern institutions and individuals on learning from during hazard and after hazard.

In addition to the above follow Standing Orders on disaster management related issues and instant orders of appropriate authority

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EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS Flood: For floods, it was found that a well developed flood early warning system exists in the country and has evolved historically through the various flood forecasting initiatives under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) was established in 1972 and since then, the FFWC has developed as a formidable center under the BWDB to provide flood forecasting in the country. FFWC has an operational system of collecting and processing hydrologic and related data as input to forecasting models; preparing flood forecasts and warnings on a daily basis and disseminating the forecasts and warnings to a range of government and non-government organizations, media groups and other interested parties on a daily basis. In recent times FFWC was also strengthened through multiple projects and now gradually leading towards a flood forecasting on 10 days lead time but with an operational 72 hours lead time. Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) After recurrence devastating flood of 1954 and 1955 ‘Crug Mission’ was formed in 1957 under United Nations (UN) to boost up food productivity by minimizing flood damage and water resources development & management in this region. As per mission’s recommendations, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) started its operation in 1959 as the water wing of the erstwhile ‘East Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority’ in 1959. As the principal agency of the government for managing water resources of the country it was given the responsibility of accomplishing the tasks of executing flood control, drainage and irrigation projects to increase productivity in agriculture and fisheries. After the independence of Bangladesh, the authority was restructured in 1972 into two different organizations to deal with water and power separately. BWDB was created under the Bangladesh Water and Power Development Boards Order 1972 (P.O. No. 59 of 1972) as a fully autonomous organization. The reform program and structural adjustment process were undertaken by the GoB for transformation of BWDB is the enactment of the BWDB Act, 2000 that requires the BWDB's functions be guided by the National Water Policy (NWPo)-1999 and National water Management Plan (NWMP)-2004. Policy making and overseeing the overall management of BWDB is now vested on the Governing Council (GC) with thirteen Members headed by the Minister, Ministry of water Resources. Flood Forecasting & Warning Center, Bangladesh (FFWC) Flood forecasting & warning center has been established by the Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, to monitor and forecast about the flood situation of the country, A nice informative site which describes and forecasts about the flood, water level of the rivers of Bangladesh and many more information. River Bank Erosion: For river bank erosion prediction, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) with support from CEGIS has developed a morphological and riverbank erosion prediction method. This was primarily based on satellite image processing and morphological predictions. Since 2002, this type of prediction has started through predicting morphological developments in the Jamuna River at the Pabna Irrigation and Rural Development Project (PIRDP), and FAP 21. In 2004 onward, BWDB is providing predictions for selected areas and rivers including the Jamuna and the Padma. At this point, the riverbank erosion predictions are primarily in a developmental state and river specific.

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Flash flood: At present, the flash flood situation for the northeastern districts is predicted using the river water level and rainfall estimation. FFWC takes a lead on this and the lead time is quite limited. However, there is an experimental flash flood forecasting now underway by the ADPC Regional Multi-hazard Early Warning Center in Thailand where the latest ECMWF derived climatological data are used to provide prediction on the flash flood situation for the northern Bangladesh. Extensive high computational methods are applied for this experimental flash flood forecasting system. The method has a good potential for future institutionalization and proactive incorporation into the national and regional system. Tsunami: At present, Bangladesh do not have any facilities or modeling capacity for tsunami hazard detection. Primarily, tsunami advisory or warning information is available through Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Both Japanese and US system have their own models for Tsunami detection and forecasting. BMD is the responsible agency for the tsunami receiving the warning systems from JMA and PTWC and generate warning at national level. BMD disseminates the information through Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) and other important government agencies) in the coastal areas. At this point, dissemination channel for cyclone and tsunami are quite homogenous for the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Drought: Drought and its intensity in the country are characterized primarily based on moisture retention capacity of the soil and infiltration. No major numerical prediction of drought is present in the country at the moment. BMD provides some forecasting information and based on available climatological information to the Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). It gives indication of rainfall predication and possibility of continued low/insignificant rainfall. Beside these limited forecasting, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) along with CEGIS in past few years, have developed a drought assessment model called “DRAS”. The DRAS model was piloted in various selected sites with BARC and DAE in various agro ecological zones and holds a good potential to develop on a national scale. The FFWC has also some plans for developing forecasting information on drought in future. Cyclone: The cyclone warning and preparedness model in Bangladesh is regarded in recent time as one of more successful one. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) is the responsible agency for cyclone hazard warning. The Storm Warning Center (SWC) under the BMD predicts the cyclone storm and issue the warning. Cyclone warning information includes information regarding the position of the storm, direction and rate of movement and area likely to be affected with some specific geographical locations, approximate time of commencement of gale winds (speed more than 32 km/h or 52 km/h), maximum wind speed expected and approximate height of storm surge/tide and areas likely to be affected. In the coastal areas the Cyclone Preparedness Program has been already proved to be one of the most effective programs in the region. However, there are scopes of further development of the cyclone warnings and messaging systems as well as more location specific hazard modeling with a greater lead time.

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MAJOR HAZARDS AFFECTING BANGLADESH & MANDATED AGENCIES

Hazard Rank

Hazard National Agency Mandated

Type of Hazard

Remarks

1 Cyclone BMD I

2 Storm surge BMD I

3 Thunderstorm BMD I

4 Tornado BMD I

5 Hailstorm BMD I

6 River Flooding FFWC, BMD, BWDB, SPARRSO

II

7 Flash Flood FFWC, BMD, BWDB, SPARRSO

II

8 Coastal Flooding BMD I

9 Drought BMD, BWDB, DAE II

10 Heat Wave BMD I

11 Cold Wave BMD I

12 Dense Fog BMD I

13 Landslide/Mudslide BMD I

14 Earthquake BMD I

15 Tsunami BMD III Tsunami Watch Information (TWI) Bulletins are received from PTWC and JMA

16 Turbulance/Icing BMD I

17 Strong winds BMD I

18 Wind driven surge BMD I

19 Air pollution DoE, AEC II

20 Waterborne hazards

ICDDRB, DoE II

21 River Erosion BWDB I

http://www.iawe.org/WRDRR_Bangladesh/Preprints/S4BMD.pdf AEC Atomic Energy Commission BMD Bangladesh Meteorological Department BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board DAE Department of Agriculture Extension DoE Department of Environment FFWC Flood Forecasting and Warning Center ICDDRB International Center for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh

http://www.iawe.org/WRDRR_Bangladesh/Preprints/S4BMD.pdf

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Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD)

Bangladesh Meteorological Department is the authorized Government organization for all meteorological activities in the country. It maintains a network of surface and upper air observatories, radar and satellite stations, agro-meteorological observatories, geomagnetic and seismological observatories and meteorological telecommunication system. The Department has its Headquarters in Dhaka with two regional centers i.e. Storm Warning Centre (SWC), Dhaka and Meteorological & Geo-Physical Centre (M & GC), Chittagong.”

Early Warning Signal System for Maritime and River Ports New Signal System for maritime and river ports is a unified signal system based on the wind speed where maritime and inland signals have been synchronized. Steps in the Beaufort scale have been maintained as before while devising new signal system. Now there are eight sets of signals. They are tabulated below:

New Maritime Signals

New Riverine Signals

Sig# Wind Speed (KPH)

Wind Speed (KPH)

1 Cautionary Signal No. I 51-61 Not Applicable

2 Distant Warning Signal No. II 62-88 Not Applicable

3 Local Cautionary Signal No. III

40-50 Local Cautionary Signal No. III 40-50

4 Warning Signal No. IV 51-61 Warning Signal No. IV 51-61

5 Danger Signal No. VI 62-88 Danger Signal No. VI 62-88

6 Great Danger Signal No. VIII 89-117 Great Danger Signal No. VIII 89-117

7 Great Danger Signal No. IX 118-170 Great Danger Signal No. IX 118-170

8 Great Danger Signal No. X >170 Great Danger Signal No. X >170 http://www.iawe.org/WRDRR_Bangladesh/Preprints/S4BMD.pdf

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WARNING SIGNALS EXPLANATION & RESPONSES Sig#

Signals

Explanation

Response

1 Cautionary Signal No. I There is a region of squally weather in which a storm may be forming (well marked low or depression) with surface winds up to 61km/h. (33knots))

Do not go to any water that takes more than a day to return. Monitor and check status of valuable and floating possessions. Keep livestock at a.

2 Distant Warning Signal No. II A storm has formed (Cyclonic storm with surface winds 62-87 km/h. (34-47 knots))

place nearby household Keep essential

3 Local Cautionary Signal No. III The port is threatened by squally weather (cyclonic circulation with surface winds 40-50 km/h. (22-27 knots) or squalls due Nor‟westers)

materials within reach. Listen/watch weather forecast.

4 Local Warning Signal No. IV The port is threatened by a storm, but it does not appear that the danger is as yet sufficiently great to justify extreme measures of precaution (cyclonic circulation) with surface winds 51-61 km/h. (28-33 knots))

Dig down valuables in the ground. Dig down dry food and water in the ground.

5 Danger Signal No. VI The port will experience severe weather from a cyclonic storm of moderate intensity (Cyclonic storm with surface winds 62-88 km/h. (34-47 knots))

Take women, children and the elderly to cyclone shelters ASAP. Place all livestock at high and secure ground but don’t tie them. Decide where you

6 Great Danger Signal No. VIII The port will experience severe weather from a storm of very great intensity (Severe cyclonic storm with surface winds 89-117 km/h. (48-63))

will go after receiving evacuation notice. Assist others during evacuation.

7 Great Danger Signal No. IX The port will experience severe weather from a storm of very great intensity (Severe cyclonic storm with a core of Hurricane winds with surface winds 118-170 km/h. (64-119 knots))

Listen/watch weather forecast.

8 Great Danger Signal No. X The Port will experience severe weather from a storm of very great intensity (Severe cyclonic storm with a core of Hurricane winds with surface winds 171 km/h and above (120 knots and above))

Save self & others. Evacuate ASAP use force if necessary. Follow instructions of assigned personnel.

liu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:376612/FULLTEXT01 http://www.ngoanddev.com/2012/06/early-warning-of-cyclone-signals-and.html

http://www.ngoanddev.com/2012/06/early-warning-of-cyclone-signals-and.html

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Warning Dissemination Mechanisms

Task of Issuing Tropical Cyclone Warning Storm Warning Center (SWC) of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) is responsible for the issuance of warning for the tropical cyclone and all kinds of weather warning and forecast. During the cyclone season, SWC keeps a very watchful eye on such situations for issuing timely cyclone warning to minimize the loss of life and properties. Work of Timely Detection and Warning The general task of SWC is to detect of the cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal and issuance of timely warning. The cyclone information issued by the SWC requires meteorologist detect and monitor cyclones from the formation till its landfall and forecast the cyclone’s future track. Modern technology has provided the means of early detection and constant tracking. Although more objective methods are under development, forecast and issuance of warning still depends upon the experience of the Meteorologists. Standing Orders for Cyclone: There are standing orders for cyclones to ensure that all concerned Ministries/Divisions/Department/Agencies are able to discharge their functions in a speedy and systematic manner, as time and speed of action are vital to handle the situation efficiently. There are four stages of actions: 1.Alert Stage (Signal No.1, 2,3 and 4) 2.Warning Stage (Signal No 4)

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3.Disaster Stage (Signal No.5, 6,7, 8,9,10) 4.Post Disaster Stage (Signal Immediately after the cyclone till normalcy is attained) Alert Stage: Besides normal function, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) ensures the following: a) Shall issue early warning for cyclone as early as possible between 24 and 36 hours ahead as soon as depression forms in the Bay of Bengal. b) Shall inform the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) over the telephone/FAX about the depression so as to allow CPP to take appropriate actions including dissemination of information to concerned Senior Officials of Ministry Of Disaster Management and Relief. c) Shall issue alert messages on Telephone/FAX to the concerned officials under the code address “Whirl Wind”. d) Shall issue suitable special weather bulletins to Bangladesh Betar (Radio) and the Bangladesh Television (BTV) to broadcast and telecast respectively from all stations and also to the national press for the public benefit. Adequate and constant coordination for broadcast and telecast beyond normal transmission hours will be established between the Meteorological Department and Bangladesh Betar (Radio) and Bangladesh Television (BTV) as soon as signal No.3 is hoisted. e) Shall pass special Weather Bulletins to the control room of Ministry of Disaster Management & Relief (MDMR), Disaster Management Bureau (DMB), Directorate of Relief and Rehabilitation (DRR), Cyclone Preparedness program (CPP) and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS) for taking necessary action. Warning and Disaster Stage 1.Shall issue warning message for the following stages: a) Warning : 24 hours in advance b) Danger : Minimum 18 hours in Advance c) Great Danger : Minimum 10 hours in Advance 2.Shall include the following information in warning messages: a) Position of Storm b) Direction and rate of movement c) Area likely to be affected specifying Upazillas of the district if possible d) Approximate time of commencement of gale winds (speed more than 32 mph or 52 km/hr. e) Maximum wind speed expected f) Storm surge/tide of approximate height and the areas likely to be affected 3. In case of Danger, warning, messages shall be issued telegraphically to the

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Secretariats and officials of concerned ministries/divisions/departments under code address “Hurricane”. In case of Great Danger, warning message shall have to be disseminated telegraphically to concerned officials of local administration under code address “Typhoon”. Separate appropriate message shall also be issued telegraphically to the official concerned under code addresses “Water ways” and “Authority”. 4. Shall issue warning message through FAX to Bangladesh Betar(Radio) and Bangladesh Television(BTV) to broadcast and telecast respectively from all stations as given below: a. Early Warning: Immediately on receipt, if the Radio station is operating and subsequently at 0645,1210,1755 and 2325 hours BST. b) Warning: Immediately on receipt and every one-hour there after. c) Danger/Great Danger: Frequently (Danger signal every 30 minutes and the great danger signals every 15 minutes without any break) or as advised by the Metrological Department. 5. Pass on warning messages to control rooms of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Directorate of Relief and Rehabilitation, Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS). Post Disaster Stage: a) Evaluate the impact of the cyclone and its conformity with the warning given. b) Collect data from the devastating area for research purpose. c) Evaluate opinion of the people of the area about signals issued.

Warning Signal for Maritime Ports

New Signal System for maritime and river ports is a unified signal system based on the wind speed where maritime and inland signals have been synchronized. Steps in the Beaufort scale have been maintained as before while devising new signal system. Now there are eight sets of signals. They are tabulated below:

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Signal

Meanings

1.Distant Cautionary Signal No.1

1.There is a region of Squally weather in the distant sea where a storm may form

2.Distant Warning Signal No.2

2. A storm has formed in the Distant Area

3.Local Cautionary Signal No.3

3.The port is threatened by squally weather

4.Local warning Signal No.4

4.The port is threatened by a storm but it doesn’t appear that the danger is as yet sufficiently great to justify extreme precautionary measures.

5.Danger Signal No.5

5.The port will experience severe weather from a storm of slight or moderate intensity that is expected to cross the coast to the south of Chittagong or Cox Bazar and to the east of the port of Mongla port.

6.Danger Signal No. 6

6.The port will experience severe weather from a storm of slight or moderate intensity that is expected to cross the coast to the north of the port of Chittagong or Cox Bazar and to the west of the port of Mongla.

7.Danger Signal 7 7.The port will experience severe weather from a storm of light or moderate intensity that is expected to cross over or near the port.

8.Great Danger Signal No.8 The port will experience severe weather from a storm of great intensity that is expected to cross the coast to the south of the port of Chittagong or Cox Bazar and to the east of the port of Mangla.

9.Great Danger Signal No.9 The port will experience severe weather from a storm of great intensity that is expected to cross the coast to the north of the port of Chittagong or Cox Bazar and to the west of the port of Mangla

10. Great Danger Signal No.10 The port will experience severe weather from a storm of great intensity that is expected to cross over or near the port.

11.Failure of Communication No.11

Communication with the Meteorological Warning Center have broken down and considered as devastating cyclone.

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It is observed that these warning and timely publicity, mobilization and action were effective so the loss of life and damage to properties have been reduced day by day and is now at minimum stage. It is mentioned that timely accurate forecast and its implementation is appreciated all over the world. An international award “Smith Tumsuroch” was given jointly to Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) in 1998.The role played by CPP are highly appreciated and praise worthy. CPP will continue their efforts to minimize the loss of life and properties in the days to come in future. Besides these signals/warnings, there are some warning also e.g Kalbaishakhi Squall warning, Aviation Warning, heavy rainfall warning, fog warning, cold and heat warning. A brief description is given below 1.Kalbaishakhi Squall Warning: Under certain synoptic situation when meteorologists expect wind speed exceed 60 kph or more, then BMD issues Kalbaishakhi squall warning over vulnerable regions. 2. Cold wave Warning: When minimum temperature comes down below 8-10 degree Celsius, mild cold wave 6-8 degree Celsius, moderate cold wave 4-6 degree Celsius, severe cold wave occurs. In these cases, BMD issues cold wave warning depending upon its intensity and duration. 3.Fog Warning: In presence of thin/thick fog and surface visibility reduces 3000m or less, then BMD issues fog warning for river basins and its adjoining land areas and also for the airports for smooth running of transports and aircraft. 4.Heavy Rainfall Warning: During Cyclone, monsoon depression or strong monsoon if excessive rainfall is likely to occur within short period, heavy down pour may paralyze normal life. Under this situation, BMD issues heavy rainfall warning motioning its intensity with duration e.g moderately heavy 22-44mm,heavy 45-88 mm and very heavy 89 mm or more. 5.Aviation Warning: For smooth and safety landing and take off of aviation warning is issued over an airport for hazardous weather, e. g low cloud, thunder storm, heavy rainfall, poor surface visibility and squally wind. BMD is going to be well equipped with modern technologies with the assistance of the Government of Japan under the project “ Strengthening of weather warning services related to natural disaster in Bangladesh”. It also provides radar

Signal Meaning

1.Cautionary Signal No. 1 1.The Area is threatened by squally winds of transient nature.

2.Warning Signal No.2 2.A storm is likely to strike the area (Vessels of 65 feet and under in length are to seek shelter immediately)

3.Danger Signal No.3 3. A storm will strike the area (all vessel will seek shelter immediately)

4.Great Danger Signal No.4 4. A violent storm will soon strike the area (all vessels will take shelter immediately)

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in Rangpur and another one in Dhaka, which will help to detect thunderstorms, tornadoes and other meteorological and hydrological events. The signal system is based on the wind speeds. Signal number will increase with the increasing wind of the impending cyclone. Maritime and reverie signals are unified in the new system to avoid confusion. The new proposed signal is given below:

Proposed Signals for River and Maritime Ports

Signal Wind speed(Kph) 1.Cautionary Signals No 2 20-40 2.Warning Signal 4 41-61 3.Damage Signal No 6 62-87 4.Great Signal Number 8 88-117 5.Great Signal No. 9 118-170 6.Great Danger Signal No.10 more than 171 With the inception of new equipment and modern technologies and new warning system in Bangladesh, the BMD in collaboration with CPP and other organizations related to disaster management will hopefully handle the natural disasters more efficiently and easily in near future.

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Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) The Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) was formed in 1972. In June 1973, the Government of Bangladesh undertook the financial responsibility for some of the program's recurring expenses, setting up a program management mechanism by creating a Policy Committee and Implementation Board (CPPIB).

CPP relies on technical skills and volunteers’ commitment to ensure that potential victims of an approaching cyclone are given sufficient warning, enabling them to move to safe-sites. Meteorological data is collected from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), which issues regular bulletins that are transmitted to the six zonal offices and the 30 upazila (sub-district) level offices over high frequency (HF) radio. The upazila office in turn, passes it to unions (village level) through very high frequency (VHF) radios. The unit team spreads out in villages and issues cyclone warnings. About 33,120 trained volunteers participate in the program.

The program has a network of radio communication facilities along the coast, all linked to the communication center at its Dhaka head office. The network comprises HF/VHF radios which cover most cyclone-prone areas. CPP now operates 151 HF/VHF radio stations, of which 60 are located in cyclone shelters built by the BDRCS in high-risk areas.

The program is implemented in 30 upazilas in 259 unions divided into 2,760 units. Each unit serves one or two villages with a population of about 2,000 to 3,000. Ten male and two female volunteers are recruited from each unit. In each unit the 10 male volunteers are divided into five groups, to discharge the following responsibilities.

1 Warning 2 Shelter 3 Rescue 4 First aid and 4 Food and clothing

Volunteers get comprehensive training in cyclones and their characteristics,

warning signals and their dissemination, evacuation, shelter, rescue, first aid and relief operation. Public awareness is an integral part of cyclone preparedness, and the CPP implements the following activities along the coast.

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Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) Established in 1972 as a permanent entity, the FFWC sends daily e-mail, fax, and couriered water level prediction bulletins to national and district agencies, more frequently during emergencies. Contact Information: Bangladesh Water Development Board

8th Floor, WAPDA Building, Dhaka Tel: 880 –2 955-3118, 955 0755 Fax: 880-2-955 7386 http://www.ffwc.gov.bd/

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MILITARY ROLE Military’s role is outlined in the Standing Orders on Disasters (SOD). It is an

integral component on country’s disaster management and response framework. Bangladesh Army:

Normal Times (a) Designate a Disaster Management Focal Point in Army Headquarters

and Divisional Headquarters (b) Instruct all garrison and central transport pool of Army Headquarters

for earmarking light transports, trucks, rescue vessels and motor boats for emergency duties.

(c) Undertake emergency response planning including: i. Warning and alerting signals ii. Communication systems iii. Exercises and assessment of response preparedness iv. Security of installations, equipment and personnel v. Responding to civil administration vi. Identification of resources to assist response and relief

operations vii. Identification of Task Force and reserve Task Force to

compose one infantry company, engineer, medical (first aid, doctors, nurses, medicines)

(d) Prepare and continuously update own Action Plan of the for security and safety of people, materials, installations and equipment; and review the status of preparedness. (e) Prepare operational plan for responding to the call of civil

administration during disaster. (f) Impart training on Disaster Management to officers and jawans in all

training institutes and staff colleges. (g) Hold drills on disaster preparedness and response. Alert and Warning Stage (a) Establish the Control Room for disaster in the headquarters and

concerned formation headquarters and convey the telephone no. to the Director of Military Operation (Office and Residence), control room and duty officers of the coordination cell of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the control rooms of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Navy and Air Force.

(b) Designate one Liaison Officer if necessary to the coordination cell of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and maintain liaison with the control room of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

(c) Issue warning orders to all concerned. Issue orders for the rapid mobilization of the army and assign duties to them in areas likely to be affected by disaster.

(d) Organize Task Force in each formation for working as a Disaster

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Control Unit. Each such unit should be composed of one full infantry company, engineer, adequate first aid, doctors with medicine and nursing assistants.

(e) Earmark a Reserve Task Force if needed. (f) Move the Task Force to the convenient positions if needed. (g) Task Force Commander will coordinate with local civil authority for

evacuation, rescue, relief, health care and rehabilitation activities. (h) Undertake any other preparedness activity if required. (i) Dispatch report about the situation and the activities to the

coordination cell of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Disaster Stage (a) Keep the disaster Control Room at the Army and relevant formations

headquarters operational round the clock. (b) Collect information regarding the levels of the preparedness and other

activities from the disaster prone areas and dispatch it to the coordination cell of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the EOC of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief for perusal of the National Disaster Management Council/Inter-Ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee.

(c) Move Task Forces in disaster affected areas in consultation with Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and local authority.

(d) Dispatch reports regularly to the coordination cell of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the EOC of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in order to keep the national Disaster Management Council informed about the latest situation.

(e) Take up any other activity considered indispensable from the humanitarian point of view.

(f) Undertake relief operations in all affected areas and assist local administration for implementing rescue operations.

(g) Assist local administration by the provision of:

i. Emergency evacuation ii. Collapse structure search-and-rescue operation

iii. Removal of dead bodies and debris iv. Medical services including field hospital services, if necessary v. Disease prevention vi. Temporary shelter

vii. Damages, losses and needs assessments Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Stage (a) Conduct a survey in affected areas and assess requirement of relief

and rehabilitation. (b) Assist the local administration in removing the dead bodies and debris

in affected areas and improving the environment. (c) Assist with the provision of medical services for the treatment of

wounded persons of the disaster affected area and also assist the agencies engaged in the prevention of epidemics.

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(d) Assist local administration for ensuring arrangement of pure drinking water.

(e) Set up field hospitals, if required. (f) Assist the affected people with the construction of temporary shelters. (g) Participate in reconstruction and rehabilitation operations if requested

by the civil administration. (h) Undertake any type of work from a humanitarian point of view for the

benefit of affected people. (i) Dispatch the detailed report to the coordination cell of the Prime

Minister’s Secretariat and the EOC of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief stating all the aspects of relief and rehabilitation work for perusal of the National Disaster Management Council concerning the progress of work relating to relief and rehabilitation.

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Bangladesh Navy The Bangladesh Navy will extend all assistance to the local administration of coastal areas during cyclone disasters according to their ability and resources. Such assistance should be rendered within their limitation of normal equipment and vessels. Such assistance should be in the shape of transportation of relief materials from Chittagong to off-shore islands and from Narayanganj/Khulna to Barisal/Patuakhali (only in those areas where depth of water is sufficient for such transportation). These vessels will carry medical teams composed of naval and civilian doctors and medicines supplied by or through Deputy Commissioners. In the event of a severe cyclonic situation, they should remain alert for performing any special assignment of the government due to emergency. In addition to implementing their own work plans, the Bangladesh Navy will perform the following duties: Normal Times (a) The Navy will designate three Disaster Management Focal Points at

Naval Headquarters Khulna and Chittagong. (b) Arrange training for the Naval Force on emergency response, relief

and recovery. (c) Undertake emergency response planning including: (d) Warning and alerting signals. (e) Communication systems. (f) Exercises and assessment of response preparedness. (g) Security of installations, ships, equipment and personnel. (h) Responding to civil administration. (i) Identification of resources to assist response and relief operations. (j) Identification of suitable water transports. (k) Designation of three focal points in NHQ, Khulna and Chittagong.

i. Ensure institutional arrangement for long-term relief operations at short notice.

ii. Operations Directorate of Naval Headquarters will keep contact with Meteorological Department/Ministry of Food and Disaster Management for receipt of warning signals and required

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arrangements in advance iii. Prepare a list of serviceable water transports for relief and rescue

operations for use by all concerned during a cyclone disaster iv. Impart training to staff about rescue and rehabilitation activities v. Test the effectiveness of own Action Plan adopted for Disaster

Management as per the SOD through annual drills and take steps for its improvement

(l) Prepare plans for the protection of the ships, equipment, installations, goods and personnel of Bangladesh Navy against disasters.

Alert and Warning Stage (a) Issue warning orders to all units. (b) Will collect and exchange information with IOTWS and BMD on

regular basis through Sea Level Data Monitoring unit at Chittagong, and during emergency will act accordingly.

(c) Establish disaster control room in Naval Headquarters and provide telephone numbers of Director of Naval Operations (office and residence), control room and duty officer to the Prime Minister's coordination cell, EOC at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Control Room of Bangladesh Army and Air Force.

(d) Take necessary arrangement for protection of ships and installations, personnel and equipment of Bangladesh Navy likely to be affected by the disaster.

(e) Designate one Liaison Officer to the coordination cell of the Prime Minister and keep contact with the EOC at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and Control Room of the Bangladesh Army and Air Force.

Disaster Stage

(a) Arrange requisite manpower in Control Rooms of Naval Headquarters,

Chittagong and Khulna. (b) Deploy ships as requested to assist civil administration. (c) Assist local administration by the provision of:

i. Damages, losses and needs assessments ii. Medical services iii. Transport and distribution of relief goods iv. Restoration Communications and off shore operation

(d) Keep all ships and stations ready for launching cyclone relief operations at short notice.

(e) Naval Headquarters shall keep close liaison with the Control Room of the Prime Minister's coordination cell and EOC at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

(f) Adopt all possible security steps in close cooperation and coordination with the concerned civil authority.

(g) At the directives of Naval Headquarters the ships/stations will assist the civil authorities.

(h) It will regularly send the report of the activities to the Control Rooms of Prime Minister’s coordination cell and EOC at the Ministry of Disaster

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Management and Relief.

Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Stage

(a) Determine the requirement of relief and rehabilitation after damage, losses and needs assessment (DLNA) through the affected areas and advise AFD and DMB on the necessary steps.

(b) Assist the local administration in all possible ways for relief and rehabilitation programs in the affected areas.

(c) Assist the civil authority with the distribution of relief materials among the affected people.

(d) Continue assistance with all steps undertaken by the local/civil authority until the return of normalcy.

(e) Prepare detailed reports on all aspects of relief and rehabilitation and submit the same to the National Disaster Management Council.

Bangladesh Air Force

The role of Bangladesh Air Force in combating national disaster is important. Bangladesh Air Force will have to be prepared for facing any situation created as a result of disaster. In addition to normal functions it will perform the following duties:

Normal Times

(a) Designate one Disaster Management Focal Point at Air Force

Headquarters and stations and inform all concerned including the DMB.

(b) Establish the Disaster Control Room with updated aerial maps of flood prone areas, coastal areas and offshore islands. Maintain all updated particulars/data about airstrips and helipads.

(c) Pre-arrange effective procedures, for the receipt of meteorological messages from Meteorological Department and other sources.

(d) Prepare contingency plans for the protection of own aircraft, equipment and installations and for responding to the call of the civil authority and also formulate standing orders.

(e) Undertake training on emergency response, relief and recovery. (f) Undertake emergency response planning including:

i. Warning and alerting signals ii. Communication systems iii. Exercise and assessment of response preparedness iv. Security of installations, aircraft, equipment and personnel v. Responding to civil administration vi. Identification of resources to assist response and relief operation vii. Identification of suitable airstrips, helipads viii. Identification of aircraft for transport and reconnaissance

Alert and Warning Stage (a) Issue precautionary directives to all concerned. (b) Keep transport aircraft and helicopters in readiness. (c) Take precautionary steps for keeping aircraft and equipment of the

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Bangladesh Air Force in cyclone prone areas at a safer place. (d) Designate one Liaison Officer to the Prime Minister coordination cell

according to necessity and maintain liaison with the EOC at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and Control Room of Army and Navy.

(e) Provide the telephone numbers of the Director of Air operations (Office and Residence) of control room and of duty officer to the Control Room of the Prime Minister’s coordination cell, EOC at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and Control Room of Army and Navy.

Disaster Stage

(a) Keep constant watch on the cyclone/flood situation. (b) Furnish any additional meteorological information, if collected through

own sources, to the concerned authority in order to supplement the information of Bangladesh Meteorological Department/Bangladesh Water Development Board.

(c) Keep transport aircraft and helicopters ready for primary trial flight as soon as the weather becomes normal for rescue work and assessment of loss and damage on account of cyclone.

(d) In case of severe floods, assist with airlifts according to the necessity of relief operations by civil authority.

(e) Ensure use of military airfield for emergency search, relief, response and temporary deport of relief goods.


(a) Conduct an aerial survey to assess of the nature and extent of loss

and damage in cyclone/flood affected areas and send a report of findings to the National Disaster Management Council and Inter-Ministerial Disaster Management Coordination Committee.

(b) Evacuate seriously injured persons to nearest hospitals. (c) Supply transport aircraft and helicopters for the survey/visit of affected

areas by concerned authorities. (d) Carry relief materials like food and water to the affected areas and

deliver them to people by airdrop, if required. (e) Assist the civil administration with helicopters for transportation of

essential relief materials, medicines and medical teams to affected area.

(f) Utilize wireless, radio, night vision technology, telephone communications of Bangladesh Air Force as complementary to existing civil communication network for transmission of very important messages and images.

(g) In the interest of overall relief operations, assume responsibility of any other activity as per directives of the Government.

(h) Prepare a detailed report describing all the aspects of relief operations already in hand.

(i) Provide one Liaison Officer for Relief Missions (Air Force) from friendly countries.

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KEY US AGENCIES IN BANGLADESH

US GOVERNMENT & OVERSEAS HADR The U.S. Department of State (DoS) is the lead US agency in responding to overseas disasters. Within the DoS, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for coordinating international disaster assistance. Within USAID, the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is responsible for coordinating humanitarian assistance. DoD involvement in overseas humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations must be requested and coordinated with USAID through OFDA and the relevant US embassy.

Foreign Disaster Relief and Emergency Response (FDR/ER)

Disaster Relief Program Description. Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 404, the Department of Defense (DoD) can assist foreign countries to respond to man-made or natural disaster situations when necessary to prevent loss of lives. After the local U.S. Embassy has officially declared a disaster, the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) assesses the needs and priorities of the country and may request DoD assistance. The assistance may be in the form of transportation, excess property items, Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDR), or some other commodity. The Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) appropriation or AID may fund transportation of disaster relief. Foreign Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program Process. When a foreign country suffers a disaster, it may request assistance through the U.S. Embassy. The Department of State (DoS) and Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) validate the request. If deemed necessary, the DoS requests disaster relief assistance from the DoD. Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict) ASD(SO/LIC) approves the request and forwards it to Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) for action. DSCA (Programs Directorate) identifies the required supplies (HDRs, Excess Property, etc.) and works directly with the Joint Staff Logistics Directorate (J4) to provide transportation in support of disaster relief efforts. Congressional Notification for Foreign Disaster Assistance. Not later than 48 hours after the commencement of disaster assistance activities, the President is required by law (10 U.S.C. 404) to transmit a report to Congress containing notification of the assistance (proposed or provided) and a description of the following as is available: the manmade or natural disaster for which disaster assistance is necessary; the threat to human lives presented by the disaster; the U.S. military personnel and material resources involved; the disaster assistance provided by other nations or public or private relief organizations; and the anticipated duration of the disaster assistance activities. http://www.dsca.osd.mil/samm/ESAMM/C12/12.09.htm

http://www.dsca.osd.mil/samm/ESAMM/C12/12.09.htm

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US POINTS OF CONTACT

Embassy of the United States of America The US Embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Dan Mozena has endeavors to strengthen, deepen and broaden relations between the United States and Bangladesh. It works to advance the interests of the people of America, Bangladesh and the region by promoting a Bangladesh that is peaceful, secure, prosperous, healthy and democratic. Ambassador Mozena and his staff are forging strong partnerships with the Bangladesh government and civil society to bolster Bangladeshi food security and nutrition, improve health, and increase capacity to cope with climate change, natural disasters and other security challenges

Dan Mozena, Ambassador

Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka - 1212, Bangladesh

Phone: (880) (2) 8855500

Fax: (880) (2) 9881677

E-mail: [email protected]

Open Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm*

United States Agency for International Development The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the principal U.S. Government agency providing development assistance to the people of Bangladesh. The USAID Mission in Bangladesh is one of the largest USAID development assistance programs in the world in terms of funding and staff size. Since 1971, USAID has provided more than $5 billion in development assistance, with over half of that amount in the form of food aid. With USAID support, Bangladesh has seen significant improvements in living conditions for its people, particularly in the areas of food security, disaster preparedness, rural electrification, and health. In Bangladesh, USAID makes a difference in the lives of the poor by focusing on the following areas: (1) promoting democracy, governance, anti-trafficking in persons and human rights; (2) improving maternal and child health public health and nutrition; (3) improving primary education; (4) increasing small enterprise development, particularly in agribusiness; (5) enhancing natural resource management; (6) increasing food security; and, (7) strengthening disaster management systems. USAID’s program in Bangladesh has helped communities to reduce the impact of natural disasters, improve access to markets, increase energy supply in rural areas and more effectively manage the size of their families.

Madani Avenue

Baridhara

Dhaka - 1212

Bangladesh

Phone: (880-2) 885-5500

Fax: (880-2) 882-3648

e-mail: [email protected]



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Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) conducts in-country management of Bangladesh's Security Assistance (SA) programs. The ODC provides this oversight in conjunction with its host nation counterparts, the country team within the diplomatic mission, the Commander of Pacific Command, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense — Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the Military Departments.

Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka - 1212, Bangladesh Phone: (880) (2) 8855500 Fax: (880) (2) 9881677

Defense Attaché Office (DAO) The United States Defense Attaché performs military liaison on the behalf of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the Military Services, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chiefs of the U.S. Military Services and the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command. The Defense Attaché office is responsible for planning and coordinating military-to-military conferences, exercises and high level visits between the militaries of the United States and Bangladesh. The office also performs liaison functions should the US military become involved in operational support of the Government of Bangladesh or US Mission within Bangladesh, including disaster relief operations and emergency humanitarian assistance.

The U.S. Department of State (DoS) is the lead US agency in responding to overseas disasters. Within the DoS, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for coordinating international disaster assistance. Within USAID, the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is responsible for coordinating humanitarian assistance. DoD involvement in overseas humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations must be requested and coordinated with USAID through OFDA and the relevant US embassy.

Defense Attaché Office (DAO)

US Embassy

Madani Avenue

Baridhara, Dhaka 1212

Tel: 880-2-885-5500

Fax: 880-2-988-1677

Email: [email protected]

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KEY HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, DISASTER RELIEF, AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS

IN BANGLADESH

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NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS): REGULATION & REGISTRATION

Established in 1990 through an administrative order of the Government, the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), provides one-stop service to the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating with foreign assistance and registered under the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Ordinance, 1978. In addition, it facilitates the activities of the NGOs in the country, and ensures their accountability to the state and thereby to the people of the country. Initially, it was located in the President Secretariat's Public Division and, later on, in the Cabinet Division. In 1991, with the re-introduction parliamentary form of government, the NGOAB was placed under the Prime Minister's Office as a regulatory body of the NGOs with the status of a government department. http://www.ngoab.gov.bd/About.html Key Functions:

Providing one stop service to NGOs for registration and processing of project proposals.

Approval of NGO projects, fund releases, permission for appointment of foreign expatriate consultants and fixation of their tenure.

Examination and evaluation of reports/returns submitted by the NGOs.

Coordination, monitoring, evaluation and inspection of NGO activities.

Collection of fees/service charges levied by the government.

Inspection of field level NGO activities and examining their accounts.

Liaison with the donors and the NGOs.

Formulation of reports on NGO activities and take appropriate measures.

Enlistment of Chartered Accounting Firms for auditing of accounts of the NGOs.

Approval of proposals for one-time grants (foreign contribution).

Other matters relating to NGO Affairs.

Contact Information: NGO Affairs Bureau Prime Minister’s Office Matshaya Bhaban (9th Floor) 13, Shahid Captain Mansur Ali Sarani, Ramana, Dhaka-1000 Tel: 956 2743-5 Fax: 956-2844 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ngoab.gov.bd

http://www.ngoab.gov.bd/About.html


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UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES

United Nations Country Team (UNCT) In Bangladesh, the UN Country Team (UNCT) is comprised of 12 resident UN agencies, funds and programs and IOM, convened under the UN Resident Coordinator (RC). The UNCT meets at regular intervals, generally, once a month under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator to discuss and decide on issues of common interest. Heads of Agencies are responsible for overall oversight and policy decisions for their respective agencies and the UNCT meetings serve as a forum for inter-agency discussions aimed at optimizing and harmonizing the UN System’s synergies at country-level. The UNCT is supported the the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and inter-agency thematic groups as required.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) As a knowledge organization, FAO creates and shares critical information about food, agriculture and natural resources in the form of global public goods. But this is not a one-way flow. FAO plays a connector role, through identifying and working with different partners with established expertise, and facilitating a dialogue between those who have the knowledge and those who need it. By turning knowledge into action, FAO links the field to national, regional and global initiatives in a mutually reinforcing cycle.

Contact Information: Mr. Dominique Burgeon FAO representative House 37, Road 8 Dhanmondi Residential Area Dhaka-1205 Tel: +(880 2) 811 8015-, Fax: +(880 2)8113446


Web site: www.fao.org/asiapacific/bangladesh/en

International Labor Organization (ILO) The ILO is the international organization responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labor standards. It is the only 'tripartite' United Nations agency that brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programs promoting Decent Work for all. This unique arrangement gives the ILO an edge in incorporating 'real world' knowledge about employment and work. Contact Information:

ILO Country Office for Bangladesh House-12, Road-12 (New), Dhanmondi R/A Dhaka-1209 Bangladesh Tel:+ 880 2 8114705 8117685, 9112876, 9120649, 9112907, 9140835 Fax:+ 880 2 8114211 Website:www.ilo.org/dhaka Email:[email protected]


http://www.ilo.org/dhaka


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World Health Organization (WHO) WHO Bangladesh has been providing technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh for strengthening the public health system since the beginning of its collaboration in 1972. It has been providing support for the development and strengthening of the country’s public health systems. Currently WHO support is guided by a broad framework known as the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) for six years (2008-2013). Contact Information:

World Health Organization, Bangladesh House # CWN 16, Road # 48

Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212 Tel: (880 2) 8831415 (Hunting) Fax: (880 2) 8831423 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ban.searo.who.int

World Food Program (WFP) WFP is able to draw on 37 years of operations in the country to support the Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. WFP works with the ultra-poor in areas of food security, nutritional well-being and livelihoods. WFP also is working with communities vulnerable to the impacts of Climate Change, building there resilience and livelihoods through innovative food and cash for work programs. Contact Information:

World Food Program, Bangladesh IDB Bhaban 14th, 16th and 17th Floor E/8-A Rokeya Sarani Agargaon Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 Fax: +880 2 8113147 Phone: +880 2 8119069 http://www.wfp.org/countries/bangladesh

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) UNDP embarked on its journey in Bangladesh on 31 July 1972. Since its inception, UNDP and its partners accomplished key results in the areas of governance, poverty

reduction, environment, energy and climate change, disaster management, and

achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). UNDP is engaged with various governmental agencies and partners to thrive towards economic

and social development in Bangladesh. Contact Information:

UN Offices IDB Bhaban, 18th Floor Agargaon, Sher-e Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh


http://www.ban.searo.who.int/

http://www.wfp.org/countries/bangladesh

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Tel: +(880 2) 815 00 88 Fax: +(880 2) 811 31 96 [email protected] http://www.undp.org.bd/aboutus.php

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok) OCHA’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) has sought to minimize the vulnerability of populations in the region to humanitarian crises. ROAP has provided support and assistance to governments, UN agencies, NGOs and other humanitarian actors in response to a number of major natural disasters, including through the deployment staff with a range of technical expertise. The Regional Office also works to build response capacity in the region before disasters strike, by strengthening emergency preparedness. Contact Information:

OCHA Bangladesh GPO Box 224 Dhaka, Bangladesh 1000 Tel: +88 (2) 815 0088 Fax: +88 (2) 811 7811 http://www.unocha.org/roap/about-us/about-ocha-roap/bangladesh

Executive Suite, 2nd Floor

United Nations ConferenceCentre Building

Rajdamnern Nok Avenue Bangkok 10200 Thailand Tel. + 66(0) 2288 2611 Fax: 66(0) 2288 1043

Email: [email protected] http://www.unocha.org/roap/about-us/about-ocha-roap/bangladesh


http://www.undp.org.bd/aboutus.php

http://ochaonline.un.org/roap/WhatWeDo/EmergencyResponse/tabid/4493/Default.aspx

http://ochaonline.un.org/roap/WhatWeDo/EmergencyPreparedness/tabid/4488/Default.aspx

http://www.unocha.org/roap/about-us/about-ocha-roap/bangladesh


http://www.unocha.org/roap/about-us/about-ocha-roap/bangladesh

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INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND NGOS

ACDI/VOCA ACDI/VOCA is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes broad-based economic growth, higher living standards and vibrant communities in low-income countries and emerging democracies. ACDI/VOCA provides sustainable solutions to the most pressing and intractable development problems. Its activities span the development continuum, from meeting basic needs to community stabilization, food security and nutrition, poverty alleviation, access to financial services and market integration. In May 2010, USAID’s Office of Food for Peace awarded ACDI/VOCA a five-year, $45 million dollar PL 480 Title II program to reduce food insecurity among vulnerable households in the Khulna Division of southwestern Bangladesh. The Program for Strengthening Household Access to Resources (PROSHAR) will empower communities through an integrated approach to food security by providing household members with the tools they need to improve their food security and facilitating linkages among donor, government and community activities to deepen impact and sustainability.

Contact Information:

Apprt-A/1, Plot-90, Road-10, Block-D, Niketan, Gulshan-01, Dhaka-1212. Tel: 8832178

50 F St, NW Suite 1075 Washington, DC 20001 Tel: (202)469-6000 Email: [email protected]

ActionAid Bangladesh Since its establishment in 1972, ActionAid has worked with children, families and communities across over 26 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean to overcome poverty. The most remarkable successes have been securing improved access to quality education for children and adults, long term partnership with poor communities and support through child sponsorship, participatory and holistic approach at the grass root level, and our work to strengthen the capacities of the partner organizations.

ActionAid has been in Bangladesh since 1983. Today, it has become a relatively important player of the vibrant NGO movement that seeks to fight poverty in the country. ActionAid Bangladesh also assists efforts and builds capacities of actors of civil society and partner communities for poverty alleviation and to improve sustainability of development interventions.

Contact Information: House # 08, Road # 136 Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Tel: 880-2-8837796, 9894331, 8835632; Fax: 880-2-881-5087 Email: [email protected]



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Action Against Hunger International (ACF) Recognized as a leader in the fight against malnutrition, Action Contre La Faim (ACF) International also known as Action Against Hunger International saves the lives of malnourished children while providing communities with access to safe water and sustainable solutions to hunger. With 30 years of expertise in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster, and chronic food insecurity, ACF runs life-saving programs in some 40 countries benefiting five million people each year. ACF's 4,600+ professionals work in over 40 countries to carry out innovative, life-saving programs in nutrition, food security & livelihoods, and water, sanitation, & hygiene. ACF’s humanitarian programs directly assist some five million people each year, along with countless others through capacity building programs in collaboration with government ministries. Committed to principled humanitarian action, ACF restores dignity, self-sufficiency, and independence to vulnerable populations around the world. It integrates its programs with local and national structures to help ensure long-term sustainability. ACF has been in Bangladesh since 2007 when as powerful cyclone named Sidr in the Bay of Bengal devastated the coastal areas, killing as many as 10,000 people. Since then, ACF has developed emergency water, sanitation and hygiene, food security and shelter programs to assist the population of Barguna district. ACF has also developed projects in Cox’s Bazar, in North Bengal and recently in the South West of Bangladesh that was affected by floods in August 2011.

Contact Information: House-20,

Road-117, Gulshan-2, Dhaka. Tel: 8810132, 8810347 Website: www.actioncontrelafaim.org

247 W. 37th Street, 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 Tel: 212-967-7800 Email: [email protected]

Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), formed in 1956, is an independent, humanitarian agency established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the specific purpose of individual and community development and disaster relief. ADRA has also been involved in every major disaster response in Bangladesh. The primary thrust of ADRA Bangladesh has been to provide resources to its target beneficiaries, mainly in rural areas, enabling them to be self-reliant. Presently, ADRA is operating the Women Empowerment Project, Birol Homesite resources Development Project, Empowering Flood Prone Community Project, Mirpur Mother and Child Health Project, Street Children Project, Urban Agriculture Project, Capacity Building for Farmers Family Project and Pollywog Handicraft, while also running providing clean water and sanitation facilities for rural villages, Basic shelter, AIDS education, Mother and Child Health Program, as well as several smaller projects. ADRA Bangladesh is a private non-governmental organization registered with the NGO Affair Bureau of Government of


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Bangladesh and a member of the Disaster Emergency Response (DER group) a LCG (Local Consultative Group) in Bangladesh.


ADRA Bangladesh 149 Shah Ali Bagh, Mirpur-1, Dhaka 1216 Tel: 880-2-801-4096, Fax: 880-2-801-3592 Email: [email protected]

ADRA International Headquarters 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-680-6380 Email: [email protected]

Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource-poor areas. Key characteristics of the Foundation's programmatic approach are the promotion of integrated area development, solutions-oriented models, partnerships with local counterpart organizations, and long-term relationships with donor agencies and peer organizations. The Network's agencies have individual mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. Contact Information: 1825 K Street, NW Suite 901 Washington, DC 20006 Tel: 202-293-2537 Email: [email protected]

Asian Development Bank (ADB) ADB is committed to helping developing member countries evolve into thriving, modern economies that are well integrated with each other and the world. The main devices for assistance are loans, grants, policy dialogue, technical assistance and equity investments. ADB’s Bangladesh Resident Mission (BRM) was established in 1982. BRM's primary responsibilities include:

Initiate and maintain dialogue with the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) on issues that are of relevance to ADB operations in the country

Strengthen project processing and portfolio management Prepare the country partnership strategy and its annual updates Strengthen working relations with the Government of Bangladesh, development

partners, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector Plan and prepare ADB's substantive economic and sector work for Bangladesh Promote external relations and disseminate information about ADB and its

operations


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Contact Information: Plot # E-31 Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka-1207 GPO Box 2100 Tel: +(880 2)8156000-8, 815 6009-16 Fax: +(880 2)8156018-19 6 ADB Avenue Mandaluyong City 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines Tel: + 63 2 632 4444 Fax: + 63 2 636 2444

BRAC Established in 1972 in Bangladesh, BRAC is the world's largest non-governmental development organization. BRAC is present in all 64 districts of Bangladesh, with over 7 million microfinance group members, 37,500 non-formal primary schools and more than 70,000 health volunteers. BRAC is the largest NGO by number of staff employing over 120,000 people, the majority of whom are women. BRAC operates programs such as those in microfinance and education in nine countries across Asia and Africa, reaching more than 110 million people. The organization is 80% self-funded through a number of commercial enterprises that include a dairy and food project and a chain of retail handicraft stores called ‘Aarong’. BRAC maintains offices in 14 countries throughout the world, including BRAC USA and BRAC UK. BRAC is a few years into their initiative to operate in ten African countries in the next ten years. Contact Information:

BRAC Centre 75, Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka Tel: 9881265, Fax: 9888026 Website: www.brac.net

11 East 44th Street, Suite 1600 New York, NY 10017 Tel: 212-808-5615

CARE International (Bangladesh) CARE has been operating in Bangladesh since 1955. Since the country became independent in 1971, CARE has had projects in housing, nutrition, irrigation, credit, health training assistance and agricultural development. Currently, the program areas cover agriculture and natural resources development, institutional strengthening, health, family planning and rural infrastructure. Contact Information: Pragati RPR Center (8th -13th Fl.) 20-21, Kawran Bazar Dhaka-1215. Tel: 9112315, 8114207

http://www.brac.net/

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Fax:0114183 Website: www.carebangladesh.org CARE 151 Ellis Street Atlanta, GA 30303 Tel: (404) 681-2552 Fax: (404) 577-5977 Email: [email protected]

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Through its local partner, Caritas Bangladesh, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) responds to emergencies with lifesaving aid and provide educational outreach to needy populations. CRS helps survivors start over after storms, rebuilding homes and replacing lost assets such as rickshaws or cows so that people can earn a living. CRS-supported Disaster Risk Reduction programs prepare villagers to save their families and assets during future storms. CRS also funds educational programs for disadvantaged Bangladeshi children, including those from tribal communities. CRS Bangladesh is managed by the CRS India office in Delhi. Contact Information: 228 West Lexington St Baltimore, MD 21201-3413 Website: www.crs.org Tel: 880-277-7575; 877-435-7277

Caritas (Bangladesh) Caritas has been present in Bangladesh since 1967 and at present has more than 50 projects under its two broad programs: Disaster Management and Development; and Development. Caritas Bangladesh has its National Office in Dhaka. There are seven Regional (or Diocesan) Offices in Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Khulna, Mymensingh and Rajshahi and one Area Office in Sylhet. In all these places Caritas is operational in Integrated Development, Disaster Management and Human Resource Development, under a central management. Caritas restricts itself at present to 155 upazilas (sub-districts) for integrated human development work. During emergencies, such as natural disasters, Caritas is operational in any part of the country. Caritas Bangladesh is a member of the Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Caritas Member Organizations over 200 countries and territories. Contact Information: Jyoti F. Gomes, Director of Disaster Management and Development

2 Outer Circular Rd, Shantibagh 1217 G.P.O. Box 994, Dhaka Tel: 880-2-831-5405-9, Fax: 880-2-831-4993 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Website: www.caritasbd.org

Christian Aid

Christian Aid’s main focus areas are climate change, preparing people for emergencies and helping people achieve sustainable livelihoods. Christian Aid aims to work alongside



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local and national government on all of these areas. Christian Aid started working in Bangladesh in 1972, and is currently working through partners in 35 districts. Its partners range from national level policy and advocacy organizations that focus on climate change to partners that work in the field dealing with the issue of secure livelihoods and gender. Contact Information:

6/8 Sir Syed Ahmed Road (1 st floor) Block-A, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207 Tel: 880-2-9129692, Fax: 9129692 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/asia/bangladesh.aspx Christian Aid 35 Lower Marsh Waterloo London SE1 7RL Tel: 44(0) 20 7620-4444 Email: [email protected]

Church World Service (CWS) Church World Service works with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. Its program areas include disaster response, food security, mapping, refugees, displacement & protection, water and sanitation and strategic partnerships. Contact Information:

CWS-Asia/Pacific 10th Floor, CCT Building

328 Phayathai Road

Ratchathewi

Bangkok 1 0400 Thailand

Tel: +66 (0)2 214 6077Fax: +66 (0)2 214 6078

Email: http://www.cwsasiapacific.org/

28606 Phillips Street P.O. Box 968 Elkhart IN 46515 Tel: 800-297-1516 or 574-264-3102 Fax: 574-262-0966 Email: [email protected]

Concern Worldwide (Bangladesh) CONCERN Worldwide is a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the


http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/asia/bangladesh.aspx



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ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world's poorest countries. Their mission is to help people living in extreme poverty achieve major improvements in their lives which last and spread without ongoing support from CONCERN. To achieve this they engage in long term development work, respond to emergency situations, and seek to address the root causes of poverty through our development education and advocacy work. Contact Information:

Kieron Crawley, Country Director 58, Kalabagan 1st Lane, Dhaka-1205. GPO Box 650 Dhanmondi RA Dhaka 1000 Tel: 880-2-811-2795, Fax: 880-2-811-3693

104 East 40th Street, Suite 903 New York, NY 10016 Tel: 212-557-8000 Fax: 212-557-8004 Email: [email protected]

Congressional Hunger Center CHC's mission is "fighting hunger by developing leaders" and it accomplishes this through the following means: -To train leaders at the community, national, and international levels about the causes of and solutions to hunger, poverty, and humanitarian needs. -To facilitate collaborative efforts between those organizations involved with designing policy and those developing and implementing programs aimed at ending hunger in the United States and abroad. -To increase awareness and develop strategies in the public at large as well as among those engaged in anti-hunger activities by providing specific skills and issue training to bridge the gap between service and public policy. Contact Information:

Hall of the States Building

400 North Capitol Street, NW

Suite G100 Washington, D.C. 20001

Tel: (202) 547-7022 Fax: (202) 547-7575

Development Gateway Development Gateway provides Web-based platforms to make aid and development efforts more effective around the world. It envisions a world in which the digital revolution serves people everywhere – creating opportunities through increased access to critical information; greater reliance on local capabilities; and more effective, better coordinated international aid. Contact Information:

1889 F Street NW Washington, DC 20006


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Tel: 202-572-9200 Email: [email protected]

Education Development Center Through its research and development activities and creative partnerships, EDC harnesses the power of people and systems to address some of the world’s greatest challenges in education, health, and economic development. Contact Information: 43 Foundry Avenue

Waltham, MA 02453-8313 Tel: 617.969.7100 Fax: 617.969.5979 TTY: 617.964.5448


Episcopal Relief & Development The Episcopal Relief and Development provides relief in times of disaster and promotes sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root cause of suffering. In partnership with the Church of Bangladesh, Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting health care in two impoverished areas of the country. The Thanarbaid Clinic and its sub-center in Dhorati serve 18 communities in the Madhupur subdistrict in the central part of the country. Contact Information: 815 Second Avenue

New York, NY 10017 Tel: 1.855.312.HEAL(4325) Fax: 212.687.5302 Email: www.er-d.org

Global Fund for Children

The Global Fund for Children works with the grassroots organizations for child welfare. It believes that all children have the potential to learn, grow, and thrive. Its efforts are geared toward making its vision of child welfare and empowerment a reality. Contact Information:

1101 Fourteenth Street NW Suite 420 Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 331-9003 Fax: (202) 331-9004 Email: [email protected]

Hunger Project The Hunger Project-Bangladesh: Creating a Self-reliant Future. Strategy: THP-Bangladesh works to mobilize grassroots action for a self-reliant future, as a volunteer



http://www.er-d.org/


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movement in all 64 districts of the country. Since 2001, this work is focused on strengthen local democracy. Women are the key: Bangladesh suffers the highest rate of malnutrition in the world in large measure because of the low social status of women in Bangladeshi society. Beginning at a meeting with Joan Holmes in November 1999, The Hunger Project in Bangladesh has made the empowerment of grassroots women leaders its highest priority. Contact Information:

The Hunger Project-Bangladesh 3/7 Asad Avenue Mohammadpur Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh Phone: 880-2-8112622, 880-2-8127975 Fax: 880-2-8116812 Web: www.bangladeshdir.com/webs/catalog/the_hunger_project_bangladesh.html

S Union Square West New York, NY 10003 Tel: 1 212-251-9100 Fax: 1 212 532 9785 Email: [email protected]

Islamic Relief (IR) IR began work in Bangladesh in 1991, helping the victims of a tropical cyclone. Today, IR continues its efforts in relief and development and is helping over 400,000 people. Since 2005, IR has been expanding operations in the country. Wherever IR works in a community, it designs projects that help the community to generate their own income and manage their own affairs. IR also helps people prepare for floods and to recover after the monsoon season. Current projects include income generation for farmers, cataract operations for the blind, a community health centre, vocational training in Dhaka's slums, disaster preparedness, orphan sponsorship and Ramadan and Qurbani food distributions. Contact Information:

Ahmed Toson NASR, Country Director House 24, Street 5, Baridhara Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Tel: 880 2 881 3607-9

19 Rea Street South Digbeth Birmingham, B5 6LB United Kingdom

Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been in Bangladesh since 1985. There are acute medical needs in Bangladesh, and is working in a range of contexts, treating people who would not otherwise have access to medical services. Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.


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Thousands of informal settlements have sprung up as socioeconomic and environmental pressures bring people from rural areas to the city. Most residents of these settlements lack access to good-quality health services. In Kamrangirchar, home to nearly 400,000 people, MSF runs two basic health centers offering free maternal and pediatric care, and focusing particularly on treating severe malnutrition. Staff conducted approximately 28,000 consultations and admitted more than 900 children and 580 pregnant or breastfeeding women to the nutrition program. Many patients were suffering from diarrhea and skin infections, often a direct result of poor water quality and unhygienic living conditions. MSF also responded to a measles outbreak in Kamrangirchar. In Cox’s Bazar, one of the poorest districts of Bangladesh, thousands of Rohingya who have fled Myanmar remain unregistered and are considered illegal immigrants. Many are living in and around the makeshift camp of Kutupalong. In Kutupalong clinic, MSF treated over 55,000 patients in 2011, both Rohingya from the camp and local Bangladeshis. Staff provided basic outpatient and inpatient care, maternity services, family planning, vaccinations and mental healthcare. At the end of 2011, MSF had 323 staff in Bangladesh. Contact Information:

House No. 42B Road No.41 Gulshan-2 Dhaka-1212 Tel: 8814324 Fax: 880-2-9893922 6 East 39th Street 8th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tek: (212) 679-6800 Fax: (212) 679-7016 Email: [email protected]

OXFAM Oxfam is a global movement of people who share the belief that, in a world rich in resources, poverty isn't inevitable. It's an injustice which can, and must, be overcome. Oxfam is dedicated to building a just and safer world focusing on people's basic rights. In Bangladesh, Oxfam campaigns for sustainable rural livelihoods, runs humanitarian responses; works on economic empowerment; climate adaptation; livelihoods; leadership; rights and services for marginalized people; and supports indigenous peoples’ development. During the fiscal year 2010-11, Oxfam provided direct support to some 400,000 people. Contact Information:

House# 04, Road# 03 Block-I, Banani Dhaka-1213 Tel: 8813607-9 Fax: 880-2-8817402

Oxfam House, John Smith Drive,

107

Cowley, Oxford. OX4 2JY United Kingdom

Save The Children Save the Children has worked in Bangladesh since 1970, providing relief during and after the war for independence from Pakistan. Since then, Save the Children has improved thousands of children’s lives by focusing on better nutrition, health and education. It is also active in emergency response in the aftermath of natural disasters focusing on children’s needs. In November 2007, Cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh, leaving 200,000 families homeless. Save the Children quickly set up 40 spaces where children could learn and play and provided 13,000 children with a nutritious meal every day and clean drinking water. It also provided temporary shelter for 3,000 children and their families, and supplied teaching and play materials to 500 preschools attended by nearly 53,000 children. Contact Information:

House# 1A/2 Road# 91 Gulshan-2 Dhaka-1212 Tel: 8828081 Fax: 9886372 54 Wilton Road Westport, CT 06880 Tel: 1.203.221.4030, 1.800.728.3843

Terre des Hommes Italia Terre des hommes (TDH) Italia, a non-governmental organization based in Milan and member of the International Terre des homes Federation (TDHF) works to protect the rights of children in developing countries, without racial, religious, political, cultural or gender-based discrimination. It currently manages 87 projects in 23 countries. It also carries out humanitarian relief and international development projects. It’s work includes sectors such as education, maternal health, child protection, human rights, water, sanitation, reconstruction and livelihoods The Federation is present in 67 nations and runs 1,207 projects, benefiting over 2 million children. TDH Italia has been offering financial and technical assistance to Bangladeshi partner NGOs since 1996. It has been registered under NGO Affairs Bureau since 2000. Its projects are financed by institutional donors (mainly from European Union and the Italian Government) and self financed through private sponsorship. Contact Information: House 5B, Road 84 Gulshan 2

Dhaka 1212 Tel: 88 02 8818895, 88028824982 Fax: 88 02 9887435 Email: [email protected] Website: www.terredeshommes.it


http://www.terredeshommes.it/

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Viale Monza 57 – 20125 Milano, Italy Tel: 39 02 28970418 Fax: 39 02 2613971

Email: [email protected] Website: www.terredeshommes.it

World Vision Bangladesh World Vision is a Christian humanitarian relief and development organization working in around 100 countries across the globe. World Vision became involved in Bangladesh in response to the tidal surge that occurred in the coastal areas of the country in 1970, providing relief supplies to the affected disasters victims. During Bangladesh’s liberation war (1971), World Vision carried out relief operation in Bangladeshi refugee camps in India. World Vision began work in 1972 in greater Mymensingh district (122 km north of Dhaka) to help rebuild the war-torn country. Following these responses, which concentrated mainly on relief and rehabilitation, World Vision’s programs soon expanded into child-focused activities to provide direct assistance to needy children of Bangladesh. A key feature of World Vision’s work is community development. World Vision’s child-focused programs work in children’s education and health, water and sanitation, nutrition and food security, HIV/AIDS, disaster preparedness, child rights and participation and micro-enterprise development. These programs, supported through child sponsorship, are long-term (10 to 15 years) allowing World Vision to address poverty issues and build sustainable solutions alongside the community. In addition, World Vision Bangladesh has a number of special development projects delivered in partnership with international governments and private donors. World Vision also respond to natural and man-made humanitarian disasters that so badly affect children, their families and communities, by providing emergency aid and assistance. At present World Vision in Bangladesh operates through 65 Area Development Programs (ADPs) in 62 sub-districts, city and town locations in 27 districts throughout the country and serves around 4 million people directly and indirectly with various human development activities Contact Information:

Awal Centre (4th Floor) 34 Kamal Ataturk Avenue Banani, Dhaka-1213 Tel: 8813555-7, Fax: 880-2- 8815180 World Vision 34834 Weyerhaeuser Way So. Federal Way, WA 98001 Tel: 253-815-1000


http://www.terredeshommes.it/

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National NGOs

Agency for Infectious Disease Control and Prevention (AID CAP)

AID CAP took its inception in 2000 with a view to render service to the people at the grass root level for their social and economic development. It was established in 2000 with the initiation of some likeminded educated social workers of Bhola Upazila under Bhola District. Since its inception it has been working inBhola District where many remotest areas have remained out of reach of the development activities of NGOs. AID CAP covers 25 villages of 8 unions in Bhola Upazala in the Dist of Bhola as its working areas. The people living here by the side and along the Bank of river Meghna loses their lands and property due to river erosion being victimized as grass root level every year. Contact Information:

Bangla School More Bhola Sadar Bhola 8300 Bangladesh Tel: +880 49462939 Email: [email protected]

Ashroy Foundation (AF) Ashroy Foundation is a Female headed, voluntary and non-government Organization established during 1995 by the initiative of a group of devoted courageous women and social workers in Khulna district at south west part of the country to enabling poor, hardcore poor, ethnic and marginalized sections of underprivileged and disadvantaged vulnerable women community assisting them to overcome from poverty and discrimination at family and society levels improving social status to lead dignified human life enjoying equal rights and entitlements. The organization has a General body with 21 members who select 7 members governing body in democratic processes to extend humanitarian task for development. Empower underprivileged, deprived, neglected women of the community to make their way of life and livelihood through sustainable development. Contact Information:

Address: 16, Ahsan Ahmed Road Khulna 9100 Bangladesh Tel: +880 41812113 Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.ashroyfoundation.org/

Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh (ADAB) Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh [ADAB] is the national apex organization of the local, national and international non-government organizations (NGOs) working in Bangladesh. It was founded in January 1974 as a loose coalition of some foreign aided NGOs that were engaged in relief and rehabilitation activities. It was known as Association of Voluntary agencies in Bangladesh [AVAB]. In 1976, it was renamed as Agricultural Development Agencies in Bangladesh [ADAB] as because its


http://www.ashroyfoundation.org/

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members concentrated their activities in the field of agriculture and food production. A subsequent renaming took place in December 1983 as Association of Development Agencies in Bangladesh with its acronyms ADAB remaining unchanged. Since that time ADAB emerged as the apex body and national coordinating agency of the development NGOs in Bangladesh. Coordination, monitoring, networking and advocacy for an enabling environment for non-profit development sector in Bangladesh have been recognized as the major roles of ADAB and those will continue to remain its missions to achieve its mandated goals. ADAB has 11 programs through which it extends its support and services to its member organizations. These are: Democracy Program, Social Justice Program, Members Relations Program, Grassroots People’s Organizations Program, NGO Sectoral Relations Program, Equitable Gender Relations Development Program, Environment Protection and Regeneration Program, Sustainable Agriculture Through the Practice of Ecological Agriculture Program, Disaster Preparedness and Management Program, Human Resource Development Program and Program for Sustainability of ADAB. The programs of ADAB are spread over the entire country under 16 chapter networks situated in Barisal, Bogra, Chittagong, Comilla, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Kushtia, Manikganj, Mymensingh, Patuakhali, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Tangail and Sylhet. As an apex body ADAB intends to decentralize its functions through promoting various sectoral fora of the member NGOs and Chapter Steering Commitees. Uptill now, different sectoral NGO networks have been formed on different issues like women, environment, water and sanitation, education, aquaculture fisheries, land reform etc. Contact Information:

Aminul Islam,Director 1/E Uttar Adabaor Shaymoli Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh Tel: +880-2 9126358, 91 Fax: +880-2 8113095 [email protected]

Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness Centre (BDPC) BDPC is a non-profit, non-government organization that since 1992 has provided guidance, advice, inputs and knowledge towards capacity development of actors and institutions engaged in disaster management and risk reduction activities in Bangladesh. It is engaged in the whole gamut of disaster management programs e.g. research and publication, advocacy and lobbying, strategy formulation, training, media materials development, message dissemination, post-disaster response planning and intervention, evaluation. Contact Information:

House # 15/A, Road # 8 Gulshan 1 Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh Tel: +88 029862169, Fax: +88 02886296 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.bdpc.org.bd/


http://www.bdpc.org.bd/

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Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)

In view of the value “Communication is not a privilege it has become a basic human rights”, the BNNRC trust will organize strategically important activities, studies, and advocacy so that the population of the rural areas will have easy, manageable and low cost communication facilities.


House No: 13/1, Road: 02, Shaymoli Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh Tel: +88-02-9130750, Fax: +88-02-9138501 Ext. 105 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.bnnrc.net

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) offers a range of services to deal with both national and international emergencies. As a National Society within the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the BDRCS has access to the largest voluntary network in the world and is also among the oldest humanitarian organizations in the world. The BDRCS has 68 units (branches) covering all the administrative districts of the country and the major metropolitan cities. The society has a large volunteer base, with a total of approximately 300,000 members/volunteers. The BDRCS has two disaster preparedness programs. The first, the CBDP program, aims at developing the capacity of headquarters, the branches and vulnerable communities in all high-risk, disaster-prone districts of Bangladesh to respond effectively to any kind of disaster. The second, the cyclone preparedness program (CPP), aims at creating a system of effective, well-trained and equipped community-based volunteers for awareness, warning, rescue, first aid and relief in the most cyclone-prone areas in the coastal belt. As part of its disaster preparedness, the society has so far constructed 153 cyclone shelters. As a regulated auxiliary organization of the government, the BDRCS complements governmental efforts during disaster. BDRCS will perform the following duties within the ambit of own rules and regulations and organizational structure, in association with various governmental organizations. Contact Information:

Mostafa KAMAL Disaster Management Division 684-686 Bara Maghbazar Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh. Tel +880 (02) 933 0188, Fax +880 (02) 935 2303 Email:[email protected] Website: www.bdrcs.org/

Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) CCDB was founded in 1973, immediately after the Bangladesh Liberation War, by the World Council of Churches (WCC) to succeed the Bangladesh Ecumenical Relief and

http://www.bnnrc.net/


http://www.bdrcs.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladesh_Liberation_War

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Council_of_Churches

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Rehabilitation Services (BERRS). This national organization working under the banner of the National Council of Churches of Bangladesh (NCCB) was founded to aid in relief and rehabilitation leading to mid and long-term development activities. It is governed by an inter-faith body called the Commission. Contact information:

88 Senpara Parbatta Mirpur-10 Dhaka-1216 Tel: 8011970-73, Fax: 880-2-8013556

Disaster Forum (DF) Disaster Forum (DF) is a Dhaka based National Disaster Preparedness Network of seventy humanitarian and development agencies, research institutions, government departments and independent activists who are working on various disaster and environmental issues with special focus on preparedness. Since 1994, Forum is working for ensuring the accountability of the humanitarian and development agencies and to promote the rights of all vulnerable people Contact Information:

5/1 Sir Syed Ahmed Road (1st Floor) Mohammadpur, Block – A Dhaka 1207 Tel: +88-02-9128963, Fax: 880-2-812-8146 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.disasterforum.org/

Institute of Integrated Rural Development (IIRD) IIRD is a Bangladeshi NGO founded in 1987 to implement a model of development empowering the rural poor. IIRD is people-focused and sees rural development as a participatory process which enables the poor to identify, analyze, and devise creative solutions to their own problems. Our staff members go daily to the landless poor, women and children of the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, and the marginal where they live, rather than requiring them to come to IIRD's field offices. In all things, IIRD respects the environment and works in harmony with it to achieve the dream of a self-reliant people committed to democratic principles. Contact information:

27/C Asad Avenue Block E, Mohammedpur Dhaka 1207 Tel: 8117435, Fax: 880-2-8115770


Integrated Development Association of Bangladesh (INDAB) The Organization pursues a Mission to reach and materialize the afore-said vision. the dream of setting things right and prevalence of good order for the most marginalized citizens (MMC), through a set of tasks and intervention, viz., (a) Community Mobilization, (b) Advocacy and Network, (c) Involvement of Government Agencies, Local Bodies and Civil Society in the process, (d) Community Awareness, Confidence Building and Voice-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Council_of_Churches



http://www.disasterforum.org/


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Raising, (e) MMC Orientation to social, economic and environmental dimensions of life and livelihoods, and (f) Linkage and Access to Social Protection Package and Safety Net.


Head Office: Lachin Bhaban, Alekanda Sarak, Post Box: 11, Barisal-8200, Bangladesh Cell: 01715-714109 E-mail: [email protected] Liason Office: House#: 08, Road #: 13 Flat: E-1B, (1st floor), Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209, Barisa, Dhaka Bangladesh Tel: +88-02-9117645 Email: [email protected]

Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) The Institute pursues research and capacity development in the field of water and flood management that is vital for economic development and social prosperity of the country. The Institute also provides advisory and consultancy services to government and non-government organizations.


Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1000 Tel: +88 029665601 Fax: +88 028613046 Email: [email protected] Website: http://teacher.buet.ac.bd/diriwfm/index.html

National Alliance for Risk Reduction and Response Initiatives (NARRI) National Alliance for Risk Reduction and Response Initiatives (NARRI) is a consortium of six INGOs viz ActionAid International, Concern Universal, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB and Plan International working on Disaster Risk Reduction.


Website: http://www.narri-bd.org Email: [email protected]

Network for Information, Response And Preparedness Activities on Disaster (NIRAPAD) NIRAPAD is an initiative of Disaster Management Component of the Integrated Flood Security Program of CARE Bangladesh. To enhance its outreach capabilities as well as to strengthen the disaster response capacities of local organizations, the Disaster Management Unit of CARE Bangladesh picked up partners among local NGOs. With 18 such partners in 1997, a national network was created under the banner, Network for Information, Response and Preparedness Activities on Disaster (NIRAPAD). Each of the member organization of the network has had long experience in disaster mitigation. All


http://teacher.buet.ac.bd/diriwfm/index.html

http://www.narri-bd.org/

http://www.nirapad.org/members.php

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have set up disaster management units within their organizational folds, which is now an integral component of their development programs. Contact information:

NIRAPAD 1/12-A Humayun Road, 2nd floor, Block-A, Mohammadpur Dhaka-1207 Tel: 8143729

Participatiory Research & Action Network (PRAN) PRAN is a non-profit organization searching development alternative to strengthen people’s initiative by promoting human rights, economic rights, governance, trade justice and sustainable livelihood.

Contact Information: House # 08, Road # 30 Maidee Housing state Maijdee, Noakhali, Bangladesh Tel: +880 321 61920 Fax: +880 321 61016 Email: [email protected]

PROSHIKA Established in 1975, The PROSHIKA is one of the largest NGOs of Bangladesh. Since its inception, PROSHIKA has created 12.33 million employment/self-employment opportunities for the poor and brought over one million households out of poverty while making over one million people literate and planting nearly one billion trees towards the greening of Bangladesh. The name ‘PROSHIKA’ is an acronym of three Bangla words, which stand for training, education, and work.


I/1-GA, Section 2 Mirpur Dhaka-1216 Tel: 8015945-6, Fax: 880-2-8015811 Email: [email protected] Website: www.proshika.org

Rural Mother & Child Health Care Society The Rural Mother & Child Health Care Society was officially formed in 1996 to broaden support to rural mother and child health and education, mother and child human rights, emergency relief/disaster management, maternal health, Hiv/aids, malaria, family planning, nutrition, water & sanitation, expanding immunization program, human rights, legal aids, social justice, women empowerment, advocacy, gender equality, training, shelter, emergency preparedness, relief & rehabilitation, poverty alleviation and economical problems facing rural areas of Bangladesh. It has undertaken campaigns and collaborations that promote women human rights, economic justice and the women empowerment of low-income workers, their families and communities.



http://www.proshika.org/

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Contact Information: House 35/D, Block G Road 07, Banani Dhaka 1213 Bangladesh Website: www.rmchcs.webnode.com

SAARC Meteorological Research Centre (SMRC) SMRC concentrates primarily on the research aspects of weather forecasting and monitoring. In addition it is also engaged in developing a networking system among member states. SMRC ongoing activities include collating data from national meteorological services and other up-to-date climatological information for the compilation of a Directory of meteorological professionals and technicians in South Asia; bringing out newsletters regarding its programmes; and collating required meteorological data from sources outside the region for its research programmes. Contact Information:

Website: http://saarc-sdmc.nic.in/saarc_centres.asp Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sebika Songstha (SS) SS is a local small NGO, established in 1987 with the collaboration of some like-minded social workers with an aim to promote the socio-economic and cultural status of the poor and vulnerable people, emphasizing the women, disabled and children. Its main activities are: awareness raising, group formation, savings accumulation, credit support, child and adult education, primary health and nutrition education, handicrafts development works, adolescent girls life education, tree plantation and environment development, rural water and sanitation, women development, disabled children development, prevention of trafficking, drug and violence, prevention of HIV/AIDS, arsenic awareness raising and mitigation, disaster preparedness and management etc.

Contact Information: 246/1/B, West Agorgon, Mohammadpur Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1207 Tel: +88 028153944 Email: [email protected]

http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/contacts/www.rmchcs.webnode.com

http://saarc-sdmc.nic.in/saarc_centres.asp


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COUNTRY BACKGROUND

117

BRIEF HISTORY

Modern-day Bangladesh has its roots as the Bengal region of the Indian sub-continent, which was ruled by Moghul viceroys from the 12th century until the arrival of European powers in the 16th century. The British ruled until 1947, when the sub-continent gained independence.

Tensions in the region between Hindus and Muslims led the British to partition the continent along religious lines into India and Pakistan. The Muslim-dominated eastern province of Bengal, along with part of Assam, became East Pakistan. However, they were governed by West Pakistan, which happened to be on the opposite side of India. Economic tensions between the two regions grew as West Pakistan was perceived to be exploiting East Pakistan’s agricultural resources for its own benefit. When the governing administration in West Pakistan decreed that the national language would be Urdu, Bangla-speaking East Pakistan began to push for independence. In the 1971 election, the Awami League, a nationalist party, won a majority of votes. The President of Pakistan postponed the opening of the National Assembly, leading to riots and strikes in East Pakistan. East Pakistan declared independence and a war between the East and the West ensued. Once West Pakistan withdrew its troops, East Pakistan was renamed Bangladesh.

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GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION

Latitude: 24 00’ North

Longitude: 90 00’ East Land Mass: 51,703 sq mi (133,911 sq km) Total area: 55,598 sq mi (144,000 sq km) Bangladesh is divided into 7 administrative divisions each named after their respective divisional headquarters. Divisions are divided into districts (zila). Districts (Zila) are further divided into subdistricts (upazila) or thana (police stations).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bangladesh_divisions_english.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bangladesh_divisions_english.png

119

Division Area Population (2011)

Population Density

Zila (Districts)

Barisal 13,644.85 sq. km

8,147,000 597.1/sq km Barguna, Barisal, Bhola, Jhalakathi, Patuakhali, Pirojpur

Chittagong 33,771.18 sq. km

28,079,000 831.4/sq km Bandarban, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chittagong, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Khagrachari, Lakshmipur , Noakhali, Rangamati

Dhaka 31,051.39sq km

46,729,000

1,504.9/sq km Dhaka, Faridpur, Gazipur, Gopalganj, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Madaripur, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Netrakona, Rajbari, Shariatpur, Sherpur, Tangail

Khulna 22,285.41 sq km

15,563,000 698.3/ sq kn Bagerhat, Chuadanga, Jessore, Jhenaidah, Khulna, Kushtia, Magura, Meherpur, Narail, Satkhira

Rajshahi 18,174.40 sq km

18,329,000 1,008.5/ sq km Bogra, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Natore, Nawabganj, Pabna, Rajshahi, Sirajganj

Rangpur 16,320.26 sq. km

15,665,000 959.8/ sq. km Dinajpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Panchagarh, Rangpur, Thakurgaon

Sylhet (until 1995 was part of Chittagong)

12,595.95sq km

9,807,000

778.6/ sq km Habiganj, Maulvibazar, Sunamganj, Sylhet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmanbaria_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandpur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comilla_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cox%27s_Bazar_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feni_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khagrachari_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmipur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noakhali_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangamati_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhaka_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faridpur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazipur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopalganj_District_%28Bangladesh%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamalpur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kishoreganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madaripur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manikganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mymensingh_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayanganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narsingdi_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netrakona_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajbari_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shariatpur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherpur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangail_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagerhat_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuadanga_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessore_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhenaidah_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khulna_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kushtia_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magura_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meherpur_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narail_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satkhira_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogra_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naogaon_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natore_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nawabganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pabna_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajshahi_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirajganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habiganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maulvibazar_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunamganj_District

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylhet_District

120

Climate: Tropical, with warm temperatures throughout the year. Prone to cyclones between April and May and between September and November.

Winter (December – February) : warm-hot, dry

Coolest month: January (average temp: 78 F (26 C)) Summer (March – June): hot, muggy

Warmest month: April (average temp: 91-96 F (33-36C)) Monsoon season (June – November): Rainy. hot, humid (80% of

Bangladesh’s rain falls during monsoon season)

Bordering countries:

Bordered by India to the West, North, and East, for 2,518 miles (4,053 km) Bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the south east for 119 miles (193 km) Bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the south (coastline of 360 miles (580 km))

Natural Resources: Natural gas, timber, coal, arable land

Natural hazards:

Floods (*see note below)

Cyclones

Earthquakes (**see note below)

Tornadoes

Riverbank erosion

Water logging

Drought

Salinity

Storms Landslides

Environment - current issues: Many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; waterborne diseases prevalent in surface water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe overpopulation Environment - international agreements: Bangladesh is a signatory to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands.

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Risk Levels, areas:

According to the World Risk Report 2011, Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable countries to disasters. It ranks 6 on the World Risk Index (WRI) following Vanuatu, Tonga, Philippines, Solomon islands and Guatemala that rank 1-5 respectively on the WRI.

People and Society: Bangladesh Nationality: noun: Bangladeshi(s) adjective: Bangladeshi Ethnic groups: Bengali 98%, other 2% (includes tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims) (1998) Languages: Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English Religions: Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9% (2004) Population: 161,083,804 (July 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 Age structure: 0-14 years: 34.3% (male 27,551,594/female 26,776,647) 15-64 years: 61.1% (male 45,956,431/female 50,891,519) 65 years and over: 4.7% (male 3,616,225/female 3,778,119) (2011 est.) Median age: total: 23.3 years male: 22.7 years female: 23.7 years (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 1.579% (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 Birth rate: 22.53 births/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 Death rate: 5.71 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

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Net migration rate: -1.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 Urbanization: urban population: 28% of total population (2010) rate of urbanization: 3.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.) Major cities - population: DHAKA (capital) 14.251 million; Chittagong 4.816 million; Khulna 1.636 million; Rajshahi 853,000 (2009) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

HEALTH Maternal mortality rate: 340 deaths/100,000 live births (2008) country comparison to the world: 42 Infant mortality rate: total: 48.99 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 47 male: 51.48 deaths/1,000 live births female: 46.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.06 years country comparison to the world: 147 male: 68.21 years female: 71.98 years (2011 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.55 children born/woman (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 Health expenditures: 3.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 173 Physicians density: 0.295 physicians/1,000 population (2007) Hospital bed density: 0.4 beds/1,000 population (2005)

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HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 6,300 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 HIV/AIDS - deaths: fewer than 200 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101 Major infectious diseases: Degree of risk: high Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever Vector-borne diseases: dengue fever and malaria are high risks in some locations Water contact disease: leptospirosis Animal contact disease: rabies Note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009) Hospitals: 1999-2004: 26 physicians per 100,000 people Dhaka:

Health centres: Government hospitals: 44 Private hospitals and clinics: 1072 Upazila health complexes: 119 Child and maternity welfare centres: 278 Satellite clinics: 805 Family planning centres: 705 Diabetic centre: 7 National heart foundation: 1 Mission hospitals: 5 Veterinary hospitals: 129

List of Dhaka Private hospitals can be found at:

http://www.bdgateway.org/private_hospitals.php# Al-Manar Hosptial Lalmatia, Dhaka Tel: (02) 9121387, 9121588 Apollo Hospitals, Dhaka

Aysha Memorial Specialized Hospital

http://www.bdgateway.org/private_hospitals.php

http://www.apollodhaka.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhaka

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Mohakhali, Dhaka

Tel +880 9122689-90

Bangbanhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital

Dhaka

Tel: 880-86-12550

Bangladesh Eye Hospital Limited

House # 19/1, Road # 6,Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Phones : +8802 8651950 -3

Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in

Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM)

Ibrahim Memorial Diabetes Centre 122 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka 100 Tel: +880 8616641-50

Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, Dhaka

House No. 35, Road 14/A

Dhanmondi Residential Area, Dhaka 1209

Tel: +880 9118202/8115443 Fax: 880-2-912-5655

Bari-Ilizarov Orthopedic (BIO) Centre Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Tel +880 9120309

Basundhura Hospital Lalmatia, Dhaka Tel: (02) 9115600

Central Hospital Dhanmondi, Dhaka Tel +880 9660015-19

Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed PO CRP, Chapain, Savar, Dhaka

Christian Medical Hospital

Gulshan

Tel +880 9886298 City Dental College and Hospital

Malibagh, Dhaka Tel +880 9341662-4

City Hospital Panthapath Tel: 02-9129354 Conscious Health Services, Ltd Tel: (02) 9665544/9667604 Crescent Gastroliver and General Hospital Tel: (02) 91137181/9137182

Dhaka Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Tel +880 8613936

Dhaka Hospital, Dhaka Dhaka Medical College Hospital

100 Ramna, Dhaka 1000

tel: 880-2-500-698/880-2-318202

http://www.bdeyehospital.org/

125

Dhaka Shishu Hospital (Main childrens’ hospital in Dhaka) Shar-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

Dhanmondi South East Hospital Tel: (02) 9669904,9671739 Dr. Salauddin Hospital (02) 9669904 Eden Multi-Care Hospital Tel: 08-8150507-10 Farabi General Hospital (02) 8122471/9140442

Faridpur Medical College, Faridpur, Dhaka 7800 Tel: +880 631 64911

General Medical Hospital Elephant Road, Dhaka (02) 8611932 Gonoshastaya Nagar Hospital Dhanmondi, Dhaka

Tel: 8617208/8617383 Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital

Eskaton, Dhaka Tel +880 8311721-25

Ibn-Sina Hosptial Tel: (02) 811-9513-5

Institute of Child and Mother Health Matuail, Dhaka-1362 Ph: 7542820-3

Institute of Postgraduate Medicine and Research Dhaka

Tel: +880 2 865010

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B),

Mohakhali, Dhaka Jahurul Islam Medical College,

Dhaka University, Bhagalpur, Bajitpur, Kishoreganj Tel: +880 2 966 1900 Fax: 2 861 5583

Jebel-E-Nur General Hospital, Ltd.

Tel: 02-811703 (?)

Labaid Cardiac Hospital, Dhaka

Laila Shahkoor Memorial Hospital

Panthapath

Tel: 029667762

Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

Medical College for Women Road 8, Sector 1, Uttara, Dhaka 1230

Tel: +880 2 893 939 Fax: 2 893 939

National Institute of Cardiac Vascular Disease Ser-e-Banglanagar, Dhaka

Tel +880 9122560

National Medical College

126

53 Johnson Road, Dhaka 1100 Tel: +880 2 233 469

Naz-E-Noor Hospital, Ltd Dhanmondi Tel: 02-8118226/9130152 New Al-Razi Hospital Dhanmondi

Tel: 02-8628820/8628821 Pancare Hospital

Tel: (02) 818394,9142422

Pentastar Hospital Kalabagan Tel: 02-9113131,9143515,8151394 PG Hospital, Dhaka

Red Crescent Holy Family Hospital, Dhaka

(see Holy Family Red Crescent Hospital above)

Renaissance Hospital and Research Institute, Ltd. Tel: (02) 8611455, 9663677 Samorita Hospital Panthapath, Dhaka Tel: 02-913190-5 Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC),

Midford, Dhaka Tel +880 2 236 486

South Asia Hosptial Limted Panthapath Tel: 02-9665 852

Square Hospital Ltd., Dhaka United Hospital Limited

Plot # 15, Road # 71, Gulshan-2 (Dhaka)

Yamagata Dhaka Friendship Hospital

Lalmatia, Dhaka

(02) 9129 354

Zainul Haque Sikder Women’s Medical College,

Monika State, West Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209 Tel: +880 2 815 951 Fax: 2 815 965

Chittagong:

Health centers: Hospitals and clinics: 91

Upazila health complexes: 77

Maternity and child welfare centres: 27

Union health/family planning centres: 504

Satellite clinics: 114

Community hospitals: 58

Military hospitals: 2

TB hospitals: 10

Police hospitals: 9

Railway hospitals: 4

http://www.squarehospital.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhaka

127

Charitable dispensary: 38

Veterinary hospitals: 11

Chittagong Diabetic Hospital

Batali Road, Chittagong

Tel +880 031 617 495

Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Hospital

Chittagong Maa-Shishu O General Hospital

Agrabad

Chittagong Medical College Hospital

KB Fazul Kader Road, Chittagong 4203

Tel: 880-312-12155

Comilla Medical College

Comilla

Tel: +880 818 583

Cox's Bazar Hospital for Women & Children

Holy Crescent Hospital

Zakir Hossain Road, Chittagong

Tel +088 031 616 001-4

Institute of Community Opthalmology

Pahartoly, Chittagong

Tel +880 031 654 051

Rajshahi:

Health centres: Government hospitals 17

Private hospitals and clinics 83


Child welfare and maternity centres: 25

Family planning/union health centres: 675 Satellite clinics: 244


Diabetic hospitals 10

Chest diseases hospital: 1

Police hospitals: 7

Railway hospitals: 5

TB hospitals: 9

Community clinics: 10

Eye hospitals: 7

Mental hospitals: 1

Mission hospitals: 4

Nursing institutes: 37

Dinajpur Medical College

Dinajpur, Rajshahi Division

Rajshahi Medical College Hospital Rajshahi 6000

128

Tel: +880 741 772 150/ +880 721 5051

Rangpur Medical College

Rangpur 5400

Tel: +880 10 521 2288

North Bengal Medical College Hospital

Sirajgang

Barisal:

Health centres: Medical college hospitals: 1

Private hospitals: 7


Private clinics: 6

Union health/family planning centres: 75

Family welfare centres: 37


Barisal Medical College Hospital

Barisal

Tel: 880-431-52151

Sher-E-Bangla Medical College

Band Road, Barisal

Tel: 880-431-52151

Sylhet:

Health centres: Hospitals and clinics: 52 Upazila health complexes: 29 Union health/family planning centres: 76 Satellite clinics: 30 Maternity and child welfare centres: 5 Mission hospitals: 4 Leprosy hospitals 3 Family welfare centres: 37 Veterinary hospitals 10

Sylhet Medical College Hospital

Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College,

Sylhet 3100

Tel: +880 821 714 368

Khulna:

Health centres: Government hospitals: 12

Non-government hospitals and clinics: 34


Maternity and child welfare centres: 14

Family planning centres: 183

129



Union health complexes: 148

Eye hospitals: 6

Chest diseases hospitals: 3

Diabetic centres: 4

Missionary hospitals: 5

Jessore Medical College,

Tel: +880 421 5509

Khulna Medical College

Jessore Road, Khulna

EDUCATION Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 56.8% male: 61.3% female: 52.2% (2010 est.) Education expenditures: 2.4% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 149 School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 8 years male: 8 years female: 8 years (2007) Total number of government primary schools: 37,672 Source: Directorate of Primary Education http://www.dpe.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=464&Itemid=538# Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 9.3% country comparison to the world: 106 male: 8% female: 13.6% (2006) Source: CIA World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html

http://www.dpe.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=464&Itemid=538

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html

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GOVERNMENT Type of government:

Parliamentary democracy based on English common law with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Organization/Structure:

Executive branch:

Chief of state: President Iajuddin AHMED (since 6 September 2002) note: the country has a caretaker government until a general election is held; Iajuddin AHMED remains as President and Minister of Defense, and all other Cabinet portfolios are held by Caretaker Advisers (CAs); the Chief CA, Fakhruddin AHMED, is roughly equivalent to a prime minister Elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats is usually appointed prime minister by the president. Elections scheduled for January 2007 were postponed and a state of emergency was declared following widespread unrest.

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are appointed by the president)

Legislative branch:

Unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300 seats elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies; members serve five-year terms Elections: last held 1 October 2001 (the scheduled January 2007 election has been postponed)

Political parties and leaders:

Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA] Bangladesh Communist Party or BCP [Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK] Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP [Khaleda ZIA] Islami Oikya Jote or IOJ [Mufti Fazlul Haq AMINI] Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh or JIB [Matiur Rahman NIZAMI] Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction) [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD] Jatiya Party (Manzur faction) [Naziur Rahman MANZUR] Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Badrudozza CHOWDHURY and Oli AHMED] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/bg.html

Military:

18 years old for voluntary military service (no conscription)

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/bg.html

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Branches: Bangladesh Defense Force Bangladesh Army (Shena Bahini) – est. 200,000 personnel Chief of Army: General Moeen U Ahmed Divided into 8 corps: Armored Artillery Signals Engineers Infantry Services Special Operations forces Aviation Bangladesh Navy (Nou Bahini) – est. 24,000 personnel Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral Sarwar Jahan Nizam Bangladesh Air Force (Biman Bahini) - est. 16,000 personnel Rapid Action Battalion – anti-crime/anti-terrorism elite force

Consists of members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and Police.

Participation in International Organizations: ARF

Asian Development Bank (AsDB) Bay of Bengal Initiative for MultiSectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Commonwealth Customs Cooperation Council Developing 8 (D-Eight) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) G-77 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International Criminal Court (ICC)/ ICCt (signatory) International Development Association (IDA) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) International Finance Corporation (IFC) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS) International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) International Labor Organization (ILO) International Monetary Fund (IMF)

132

International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) International Olympic Committee (IOC) International Organization for Migration (IOM) Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) International Standards Organization (ISO) International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ITUC Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP) United Nations (UN) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Universal Postal Union (UPU) WCL World Customs Organization (WCO) World federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) World Health Organization (WHO) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) World Trade Organization (WTO)

Names of officials, contact information President: Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed

Office of the President Bangabhaban

1000 Dhaka, Dhaka Division Bangladesh Tel: +880-2 956 8041 Fax: 880 2 956 6593

Chief Adviser/Prime Minister:

Appointed by the President, usually the leader of the largest party of coalition in the parliament (Jatiya Sangsad).

Fakhruddin Ahmed (Interim caretaker) Prime Minister’s Office Old Airport Road, Tejgaon

133

Dhaka, Dhaka Division Bangladesh Divisional Commissioner (Chittagong): Mr. Md. Mokles Ur Rahman Court Building Chittagong, Chittagong Division Bangladesh Divisional Commissioner (Dhaka): Mr. Mahfuzur Rahman Collectorate Building Dhaka, Dhaka Division Bangladesh Divisional Commissioner (Khulna): Mr. Md. Eunusur Rahman Divisional Commissioner’s Office Khulna, Khulna Division Bangladesh Tel: 041-62130, fax: 041-22023 Divisional Commissioner (Rajshahi): Mr. Md Anis Uddin Monsur Court Building Rajshahi, Rajshahi Division Bangladesh Divisional Commissioner (Barisal): Mr. Mohammad Haroon Chowdhury Divisional Commissioner (Sylhet): Mr. Md. Aziz Hassan Ministry of Agriculture: Chief Advisor: Dr. Chowdhury Sajjadul Karim Building No. 4, 4th Floor Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000 Tel: 880-2-716-0778, 7167474 Fax: 880 2 0716 7040

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Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs: Chief Advisor: Iftekhar Ahmed CHOWDHURY

Building No. 4, (6th Floor) Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka 1000

Tel: (880 2) 861 3214 Fax: (880 2) 956 5300

Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism: Chief Advisor: M.A. Matin

233 Airport Road Tejgaon, Dhaka 1215 Tel: 880-2-811-7855-9

Fax: 880-2-812-6501

Building No. 6 (19th floor)

Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka-1000

Telephone : (+880 2) 7167244

Fax : (+880 2) 7169206

Ministry of Commerce:

Chief Advisor: Mirza Azizul ISLAM Secretary: Feroz Ahmed

Building No. 3 Bangladesh Secretariat

Dhaka-1000

Telephone : (+880 2) 7169679, 7164523, 7169006

Fax : (+880 2) 9615741 e-mail : [email protected]

Ministry of Communications:

Chief Advisor: Maj Gen (Ret) MA Marin

Building No. 7 ( 8th floor)


Telephone : (+880 2) 7162866, 7168752, 8115028

Fax : (+880 2) 7166646, 8113496

e-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

Ministry of Cultural Affairs Chief Advisor: Ayub QUADRI

Building No. 6


Tel: (+880 2) 7168977, 7162138

Fax : (+880 2) 7160290

e-mail : [email protected]

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Ministry of Defense: Chief Advisor: Iajuddin Ahmed (President) Ganabhaban Complex Sher-e-Banglanagar Dhaka - 1207 Tel: 880-2-8116955 (Secretary) Fax: 880-2-8117945

Ministry of Education

Educ. Adviser : Mr. Ayub QUADRI

Tel: 716-1395 Secretary: Mr. Md. Momtajaul Islam Tel: 716-8711 Building #6, Floor #17th & 18th Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Telephone : (+880 2) 7161395, 7169659, 7168711

Fax : (+880 2) 7167577, 7168871


Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources: Chief Advisor: Tappan CHOWDHURY

Building No. 6 (1st & 2nd floor)


Telephone : (+880 2) 9616188, 7165918 Fax : (+880 2) 7165097, 7160464

Ministry of Environment & Forest: Chief Advisor: Sajjudul KARIM Chamber # 1307, Building #6, Level 13 Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka Tel: 88-0-7167240/88-02-7160856 Fax: 88-02-7169210

Ministry of Finance: Chief Advisor: Dr. A.B. Mirza Azizul Islam

Building No. 7 ( 3rd floor) Building No-6 (14th floor)


Telephone : (+880 2) 7160406, 7165950

Fax : (+880 2) 7165581, 8113088, 866200

e-mail : [email protected] Website

Finance Division-www.mof.gov.bd National Board of Evenue-www.nbr-bd.org


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Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock



Telephone : (+880 2) 7162430, 7161555 7164700,

7164118, 7163930

Fax : (+880 2) 7161117

e-mail : [email protected] Ministry of Food and Disaster Management: Chief Advisor: Tappan CHOWDHURY

Building No. 4 (2nd floor)


Telephone : (+880 2) 7167877, 7161545 7162894,

7169313, 9563285

Fax : (+880 2) 7169623 Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Chief Advisor: Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury

Segun Bagicha Dhaka-1000

Tel : (+880 2) 9562122, 9556020-9 Fax : (+880 2) 7167448 e-mail : [email protected]

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:

Chief Advisor: Maj Gen (ret) Dr. A S M Motiur Rahman

Building No. 2 (3rd floor)


Telephone : (+880 2) 7166979, 7168188, 7165515

Fax : (+880 2) 7169077


Ministry of Home Affairs: Chief Advisor: Fakhruddin AHMED

Building No. 8, (Gr. & 4th floors)


Telephone : (+880 2) 7164611 7160405, 7168199

Fax : (+880 2) 7169667, 7164788

Ministry of Housing and Public Works: Chief Advisor: Mainul HOSSEIN

Building No. 5 (2nd floor),



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Tel : (+880 2) 7160585, 7160465

Fax : (+880 2) 7167125

Ministry of Industry

Chief Advisor: Geeti Ara Safiya Chowdhury

Shilpa Bhaban No. 3 (3rd floor) Motijheel C/A

Dhaka-1000

Telephone : (+880 2) 9567024 9563549, 9564250,

9567024

Fax : (+880 2) 9563553, 956364 Ministry of Information: Chief Adviser: Mainul Hossein Building No 4 (8th floor) Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka 1000

Tel: 88-02-7168555/7165468 Fax: 88-02-7166231

Ministry of Labor and Employment: Chief Advisor: Anwarul IQBAL

Building-7, 5th Floor Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka, Bangladesh Tel: 716-9215 Fax: 716-8660

Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs: Mainul HOSSEIN

Room No. 721, Floor – 7th Building No. 4 Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka – 1000

Telephone : (+880 2) 7160577, 7160627, 7160560

Fax : (+880 2) 7168557

e-mail : min of law @bdonline.com

Ministry of Land: Chief Advisor: Mainul HOSSEIN



Telephone : (+880 2) 7169644, 7165914, 7164131

Fax : (+880 2) 8312045, 7162989



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Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives :

Chief Advisor: Md Anwarul Iqbal

Building No. 7 (6th & 7th floor)


Telephone : (+880 2) 7169176, 7162159, 7169174

Fax : (+880 2) 7164374 Ministry of Planning: Chief Advisor:

Block – 7, Sher-e-Banglanagar, Dhaka-1000

Tel: (+880 2) 8115497, 9114112, 8115142

Fax : (+880 2) 8114638, 8117581

e-mail : [email protected] Ministry of Post & Telecommunications: Chief Advisor: Mirza Azizul ISLAM Building No-7 Bangladesh Secretariat Abdul Gani Road Dhaka – 1000 Bangladesh Tel: 88-02- 716-2160/88-02-716-9033 Fax: 88-02-716-5775/88-02-716-6670 Ministry of Power Energy and Mineral Resources: Chief Advisor: Tappan Chowdhury

Building No. 6 (1st & 2nd floor)

Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka-1000

Telephone : (+880 2) 9616188, 7165918 Fax : (+880 2) 7165097, 7160464

Ministry of Religious Affairs: Advisor: Major General Dr. A S M Motiur Rahman 1st Floor, Bhaban No – 8 and 15 Floor Bhaban No – 6, Dhaka Tel: 8112308/7160682/7160761

Ministry of Science, Information and Communication Technology:

Chief Advisor: Tappan CHOWDHURY



Telephone : (+880 2) 7166484, 8812422, 7161967,

7166144

Fax : (+880 2) 7169606

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e-mail : [email protected] Ministry of Shipping: Chief Advisor: M A MATIN



Tel : (+880 2) 7168155, 8112309, 7168033

Fax : (+880 2) 7168122, 7162462, 9660311

Ministry of Social Welfare:

Chief Advisor: Geetiara Safiya CHOWDHURY



Telephone : (+880 2) 7169766, 7161011, 7160452

Fax : (+880 2) 7169869

Ministry of Textiles and Jute: Chief Advisor: Geetiara Safiya CHOWDHURY Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka 1000

Tel: 716-4388 Ministry of Water Resources: Chief Advisor: Motiur RAHMAN



Telephone : (+880 2) 7168688,7162640, 7166500 Fax : (+880 2) 7162400, 7167040

Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MWCA): Chief Advisor: Geetiara Safiya CHOWDHURY

3rd Floor, Building #06 Bangladesh Secretariat Osman Goni Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Tel: 880-2-71639-43, 7163645-49 Fax: 880-2-71628-92

Ministry of Youth and Sports: Chief Advisor: Tappan CHOWDHURY


Bangladesh Secretariat , Dhaka-1000

Telephone : (+880 2) 7164299, 7160683, 7168607

Fax : (+880 2) 7162344


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Bangladesh Election Commission: Box 5/6 Election Commission Secretariat Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 Tel: 880-2-8115212-6 Fax: 880-2-8117834

Rangamati Hill District Council Tel: 0351-62134 Khagrachari Hill District Council Tel: 0371-61613 Bandarban Hill District Council Tel: 0361-62302 Legislature:

Jatiya Sangasad (Parliament) Sher-e-Banglanagar Dhaka-1207 Telephone: (+8802) 8111499, 8111500, 8111600, 8111578 Facsimile: (+8802) 8112267 Webside: www.Bangladeswh-Parliament.Org Speaker - Barrister Muhammed Jamiruddin Sircar Deputy Speaker - Akhtar Hamid Siddiqui

Judiciary:

Supreme Court Dhaka-1000 Telephone: (+8802) 9562792 Chief Justice - Mr Justice Syed J.R Hossain

Foreign Relations:

Bangladesh has enjoyed cordial relations with the main global powers influential in the region: The United States, Japan, and China. Relations with these countries have centered on trade and economic assistance. Since 1975, Bangladesh has sought close relations with other Islamic states and has had a prominent role in the OIC. Bangladesh has also participated extensively in numerous international peacekeeping activities. Despite the war with Pakistan in1971, Bangladesh’s relations with Pakistan have been cordial, with agreements on the repatriation of Pakistani war prisoners and an airlift of Bangalis from Pakistan to Bangladesh and non-Bengalis from Bangladesh to Pakistan. The status of more than 250,000 non-Bengali Muslims

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(known as Biharis) remaining in Bangladesh by seeking resettlement in Pakistan has not been resolved.

Relations with India following Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan were very strong, as India had assisted refugees from East Pakistan, intervened militarily in Bangladesh’s war for independence, and provided relief and reconstruction aid following the war. However, relations were strained in 1976 over India’s diversion of waters from the Ganges River. The signing of the Ganges Waters Agreement the following year eased tensions. In 1996, Bangladesh and India signed a 30-year treaty delineating a flow agreement to help reduce regional tensions over water rights, but use of water under extreme conditions has not been addressed.

Conflict Areas/Issues

The International Crisis Group (ICG) highlights two threats to Bangladesh’s democracy and stability: possibility of deadlock over elections and the growing challenge of militant Islamism which has grown in the context of popular discontent and dysfunctional politics. Transfer of power has caused problems, as power struggles manifest violently. Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has had 8 changes from one system of government to another. Of these, on only 2 occasions was the transfer peaceful. All other transfers were brought about by assassinations, military coups, popular upheaval, or under “emergency regulations” (Peiris). Bangladesh is currently being run by a military-backed interim government headed by former central bank chief Fakhurddin Ahmed after caretaker President Iajuddin Ahmed stepped down on January 11, 2007 amid political turmoil in the country that led to the declaration of a state of emergency. Emergency rule is likely to continue through 2008, as elections that were originally scheduled for January 22, 2007 have since been postponed. http://coe-dmha.org/apdr/index.cfm?action=process3&news=21968&Sub_ID=0&criteria=bangladesh&timeinterval=33&pubdate=04/04/2007

ECONOMY OVERVIEW Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed nation. Major impediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned enterprises, inadequate port facilities, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting energy resources (natural gas), insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Reform is stalled in many instances by political infighting and corruption at all levels of government. On an encouraging note, growth has been a steady 5-6% for the past several years.

GDP - real growth rate: 6.4% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

http://coe-dmha.org/apdr/index.cfm?action=process3&news=21968&Sub_ID=0&criteria=bangladesh&timeinterval=33&pubdate=04/04/2007



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$2,300 (2006 est.) Unemployment rate:

2.5% (includes underemployment) (2006 est.) Population below poverty

line: 45% (2004 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

31.8 (2000)

Currency (code): taka (BDT)

Exchange rates: taka per US dollar - 69.031 (2006), 64.328 (2005), 59.513 (2004), 58.15 (2003), 57.888 (2002)

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html#Econ

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html#Econ

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COMMUNICATIONS

Telephones, lines

# Telephone main lines in use: 1.134 million (2006) Landline Telephone Density: 7.7 telephones per 1,000 people

The landline telephone system is state owned. Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB), which enjoyed a state monopoly until 1972, when private operators were allowed, is the controlling authority. Besides BTTB which operates in all urban areas, there are two private operators. Bangladesh Rural Telecom Authority and Sheba Telecommunications provide telephone services to rural areas.

Mobile / Cell phones

# mobile cellular telephones in use: 19.131 million (2006) Mobile telephone density: 129 phones per 1,000

Mobile telephone companies:

GrameenPhone (Operated by the Grameen Bankl) CityCell Sheba Aktel

Radio stations

Number of stations (1999) AM: 12 FM: 12 Shortwave: 2

Television stations Number of stations (1999): 15 Internet Users 450,000 (2006)

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(Below is excerpted from: Rahman, F., Emergency Telecommunications for Disaster Mitigation in Bangladesh http://web.ptc.org/library/proceedings/ptc2001/sessions/test_area/wednesday/w23/w233/index.html)

BTTB Networks Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB)’s long route transmission systems are mainly composed of Microwave, UHF and VHF radio links. The use of optical fibre is presently limited within some city areas for interconnecting local exchange and Remote Switching Units (RSU) in Multi Exchange Network. All the Districts are connected with the Capital Dhaka with Microwave Links. Major backbone transmission links in Bangladesh are presently using star formation network structure. BTTB is converting them into mesh networks with a view to having redundancy in the network and to make it more resilient. All Thana headquarters (the smallest administrative units) are connected with their respective Districts through UHF Radio links. Most of such UHF links are now digital radio system. Some of the District headquarters are connected through digital UHF links. Beyond Thana headquarters BTTB has little or no reliable communication links. BTTB has recently taken up Digitalization of all the exchanges in District Headquarters, with provision of Wireless Local Loop (WLL) services from all the exchanges of the Districts of the country. Therefore, soon it will be possible to extend Digital Telephone connections at Upazilla / Thana headquarters and important Village Bazaars. This should provide quality telecommunication services in remote areas of the country.

Networks of Private Operators Grameen Phone is upgrading the Fiber Optic Cable Network of Bangladesh Railway, available along the Railway route all over Bangladesh. It is establishing the most extensive transmission network in the private sector. Grameen Phone has also established a 140 MBit/s Microwave link between Khulna and Chittagong via Barisal. Grameen Phone has planned to provide Cellular coverage in all the villages of Bangladesh in next 3-5 years period. However, it is not certain, whether this coverage will extend to the areas where Cyclone Shelters are located. Private Telephone Operators of Bangladesh, namely, Grameen Phone Limited (GP), TM International Bangladesh Limited (TMIB), Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited (PBTL), Sheba Telecom Limited (Sheba) have Licenses to provide Cellular Services all over Bangladesh. Bangladesh Rural Telecom Authority (BRTA) and Sheba Telecom Limited provide PSTN services in rural areas of Bangladesh. Another Operator, namely, Bangladesh Telecom Limited (BTL) provides Paging and Riverine Telephone Services.

http://web.ptc.org/library/proceedings/ptc2001/sessions/test_area/wednesday/w23/w233/index.html

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Emergency Telecommunications Although the National Telecommunication Network of BTTB and the Telecommunication Networks of the Private Operators are independent of each other, and thus providing redundancies, Bangladesh has established two separate Disaster Proof High Frequency Communication Systems for (i) Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) and (ii) Red Crescent Society. Operations of the Emergency Operation Centre / Control Room For better coordination between different Ministries and other stakeholders, the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) is located at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MDMR). EOC is connected with all the District headquarters with HF Radio Links. There is one such link with Disaster Management Bureau (DMB) as well. In addition, DMB as well as EOC shall be connected with BTTB Telephone as well as a Cellular Telephone connection from a Private Operator.

Alternate telecommunication facilities (HF Radio connection, BTTB connection and Cellular Telephone connections from Private Operators) at EOC and at DMB shall ensure fully functional telecommunication links between EOC and District headquarters during emergencies.

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TRANSPORTATION Airports

According to the CIA World Factbook, Bangladesh has 16 airports with paved run-ways, including 2 international airports (Chittagong and Dhaka). The largest, Zia International Airport at Dhaka, is capable of handling 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually.

Town Airport name ICAO IATA Usage

Cus-toms Runway IFR

Rwy length

Barisal Barisal VGBR BZL Civ. No Paved Yes 5000 ft

Chittagong M.A. Hannan Intl VGEG CGP Civ. Yes Paved Yes 10000 ft

Comilla Comilla VGCM CLA Civ. No Paved No 2100 ft Cox's Bazar Cox's Bazar VGCB CXB Civ. No Paved Yes 6700 ft Dhaka Tejgaon VGTJ Mil. No Paved Yes 2100 ft Dhaka Zia Intl VGZR DAC Civ. Yes Paved Yes 10400 ft Ishurdi Ishurdi VGIS IRD Civ. No Paved Yes 4700 ft Jessore Jessore VGJR JSR Civ. No Paved Yes 7900 ft Rajshahi Rajshahi VGRJ RJH Civ. No Paved Yes 6000 ft Saidpur Saidpur VGSD SPD Civ. No Paved Yes 6000 ft Shamshernagar

Shamshernagar VGSH ZHM Civ. No Paved No 2100 ft

Sylhet Osmany VGSY ZYL Civ. No Paved Yes 8500 ft

Explanations on technical data

ICAO-code International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a 4-letter airport location indicator. The field above is left blank if no ICAO location indicator is available for the selected airport. IATA-code International Air Transport Association (IATA), a 3-letter identifier for the relevant airport. The field above is left blank if no IATA code is available for the selected airport. Usage Airports are classified in three categories: civil airports open for public use, military airports and private airports not open to the public. Airports that are joint use, both civil and military, are shown as civil airports. Civ. Civil airport, open for public use (including joint use). Mil. Military airport, not open for public use. Priv. Private airport, not open for public use. Customs Yes: Customs service available during airport operating hours. No: Customs service not available. O/R: Airport has customs service, prior notification is required. Pto.: airport has part-time customs service available, not necessarily identical to the airport hours. ADCUS: An airport within the USA for which the FAA 'ADCUS' method of prior notification may be used. ADCUS O/R: An airport within the USA for which the FAA 'ADCUS' method of prior notification may be used but where restrictions apply.

147

Runway Identification of the surface of the longest runway available: Paved: Paved (hard surface) runway Unpaved: Unpaved (soft surface) runway (Only lighter aircraft) Water: Water (for float planes) IFR This field indicates if the airport has any officially published instrument approach procedure. Yes: Instrument approach procedure is published. No: Instrument approach procedure is not published. (Airport not suitable for traffic during bad weather or darkness.) Runway Length Shows the length in feet of the longest runway available at the selected airport, rounded down to the next full hundred feet. If the airport has both hard (paved) and soft (unpaved) runways, the length of the longest hard surface runway is shown. If the longest runway is both, hard and soft surface, the length of the hard surface portion is shown. http://www.aircraft-charter-world.com/airports/asia/bangladesh.htm

Roads

Bangladesh is served by a network of 201,182 kilometers (125,014 miles) of primary and secondary roads, but only around 10 percent of them, or 19,112 kilometers (11,876 miles) are paved. Traffic drives on the left. Road safety is poor.

Railroads

Bangladesh has a railway system of about 2,745 kilometers (1,706 miles), of which only 923 kilometers (573.5 miles) is a broad gauge (1.676 meter gauge) and the remaining 1,822 kilometers (1,132 miles) is narrow gauge (1.000 meter gauge). Major links run from the largest Bangladeshi port, Chittagong, to Dhaka and further to the north of the country; other links connect such centers as Khulna and Rajshahi.

Rivers

The waterways are an important mode of transportation, especially to some remote areas of the country, as no other mode of transportation is available during monsoon season. Bangladesh has about 5,240 miles (8,433 km) of navigable waterways. Ferries operate between southern coastal ports and the Ganges River delta. Bangladesh has 3 major seaports, at Chittagong, Dhaka, and Mongla, and several smaller ports. The largest and most important port is Chittagong, situated around 200 kilometers (124 miles) southeast of Dhaka.

http://www.aircraft-charter-world.com/airports/asia/bangladesh.htm

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SOURCES/REFERENCES/FURTHER READING Alam, Dhurshid and Siddiqi, Masroor-ul Haw, Disaster Preparedness for Natural Hazards: Current Status in Bangladesh, 2007 http://books.icimod.org/index.php/search/publication/289 Alam, M. Aslam, Role of Armed Forces in Disaster Management: Coordination and Cooperation, 2011. http://www.biiss.org/seminar%202011/papers/aslam.pdf

Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Disaster Management Information Link Report,

2008.

http://www.preventionweb.net/files/22229_22229dminseriesreport1dminfolinkrep.pdf Beck, Learning Lessons from Disaster Recovery: The Case of Bangladesh Disaster Risk Management Working Paper Series No 11, The World Bank, 2005 http://www.proventionconsortium.org/themes/default/pdfs/recovery_Bangladesh.pdf

Dhaka, Bangladesh, Disaster Risk Management Profile, 2006

http://emi.pdc.org/cities/CP_Dhaka-July2006.pdf Directory of Development Organizations, Asia and the Middle East, Edition 2007 http://www.lcgbangladesh.org/pages/Directory%20of%20Dev%20Org.pdf

Disaster Management Bureau, National Plan for Disaster Management, 2010-2015.

www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/.../resource_en_200642.pdf Disaster Management Bureau Strategic Plan, 2005-2006, http://www.cdmp.org.bd/publications/dmb_strategic_plan.pdf

Disaster Management Bureau, Ministry of Disaster Management & Relief

http://www.dmb.gov.bd/ Emergency and Humanitarian Action: Country Report http://searo.who.int/LinkFiles/EHA_CP_Bangladesh.pdf Farazmand, Ali, Handbook of Crisis and Emergency Management, New York, 2001 Floods. Prepared by CEGIS for CDMP under the study on “Inventory of Community Risk Reduction Programme” November 2006 http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/bangladesh/ International Crisis Group http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4457&l=1

Irish, Leon and Simon, Karla, NGOs in Bangladesh: Legal & Regulatory Environment,

2005.

http://www.iccsl.org/pubs/bangladeshfinalreportmay15.pdf McCarthy, Paul A, Operation Sea Angel: A Case Study, RAND, 1994

http://books.icimod.org/index.php/search/publication/289

http://www.biiss.org/seminar%202011/papers/aslam.pdf

http://www.preventionweb.net/files/22229_22229dminseriesreport1dminfolinkrep.pdf

http://www.proventionconsortium.org/themes/default/pdfs/recovery_Bangladesh.pdf

http://emi.pdc.org/cities/CP_Dhaka-July2006.pdf

http://www.lcgbangladesh.org/pages/Directory%20of%20Dev%20Org.pdf

http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/.../resource_en_200642.pdf

http://www.cdmp.org.bd/publications/dmb_strategic_plan.pdf

http://www.dmb.gov.bd/

http://searo.who.int/LinkFiles/EHA_CP_Bangladesh.pdf

http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/bangladesh/

http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4457&l=1

http://www.iccsl.org/pubs/bangladeshfinalreportmay15.pdf

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http://stinet.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA282393&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Corporate Plan, 2005-2009, http://www.mofdm.gov.bd/mofdm_corporate_plan.pdf

Ministry of Information, Country Profile. http://www.bdpressinform.org

Multi-Hazard Early Warning System in Bangladesh with Emphasis on the Cyclone

Preparedness Programme, 2009.

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/drr/events/MHEWS-

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