CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT OF BANGLADESH: AN OVERVIEW

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its geographical location in South Asia and is susceptible to a variety of natural and human induced disasters. The government has made progress through preparing plans, policies and acts by gradually shifting their climate change and disaster management approach to a comprehensive risk reduction methodology based on common disaster experiences, lessons learned, and the desire to reduce future impacts. The country has a well-established community preparedness capability due to the implementation of comprehensive education and training programs by government agencies, non-governmental organizations and donor foreign agencies. Disaster management committees have been established at national and local levels and trained at all administrative levels. These committees and volunteers disseminate early warning information, effective response, recovery and evacuation instructions to rural, urban and coastal residents and assist with coordinating relief and rehabilitation activities through a comprehensive approach.