From disaster response to risk reduction

Bangladesh is a breeding ground for a wide array of natural disasters, owing to its geographical location, subtropical climate, and flat topography. The territory is known for the deadliest tropical cyclone ever recorded, the 1970 Bhola Cyclone, which killed at least 0.3 million people. 

A disaster occurs when an event exposes the vulnerability of individuals and communities in such a way that their lives are directly threatened, or sufficient harm has been done to their communities' economic and social structures to undermine their ability to survive. Nature-borne disasters are generating more risk to the people, as literature suggests that over 80% of the country's population is at risk from floods, earthquakes, droughts, and cyclones due to lower economic, infrastructural, and technological capacities, as well as high population density. 

With the projected increase of sea levels intertwined with the adverse effects of ongoing climate change impact, it is anticipated that the magnitude and frequency of extreme climate events will continue to hit Bangladesh.

The World Risk Index 2023 ranked Bangladesh the 7th most vulnerable country to disasters and exposure to climate change impacts. Therefore, the unprecedented climatic events compelled the reinforcement of disaster management efforts proactively through systemic and efficient collaboration and coordination among responsible authorities in government, NGOs, and the private sector. Bangladesh adopted numerous disaster management plans, policies and projects to effectively minimize adverse effects on human life, properties and infrastructure exposed to natural calamities. The extract suggests disaster management approaches are now shifted from proactive to reactive to reinforce country-wide resilience through social, infrastructural and technological advancements. Researchers also claim that effective climate change adaptation and disaster risk management strategies have successfully reduced risks and vulnerability to disaster impact in Bangladesh, thereby making it a climate-resilient territory.

Whether any disaster occurs, Bangladesh Army stands at the forefront of disaster management efforts by providing a crucial and complex range of emergency response and rehabilitation inclusive of infrastructure development. The Bangladesh Army stands at the forefront of these efforts, providing vital support through a diverse range of services that encompass both disaster response and infrastructure development.

Through these efforts, the Army enhances the nation's preparedness and fosters a sense of security among vulnerable communities, ensuring speedy recovery in the face of adversity. Additionally, the Bangladesh Army has also contributed to proactive disaster management activities. However, the Army's contribution was predominantly showcased for reactive activities, such as consistently being involved in rescuing the victims, coordinating emergency and humanitarian aid and coordinating vital rebuilding and rehabilitation activities.

Bangladesh Army's reactive role in emergency response and post-disaster reconstruction:

Bangladesh Army is not primarily trained and equipped to undertake relief and rescue operations. But the Bangladesh Army plays a crucial role in the nation's disaster response initiatives. Commitment transcends the conventional boundaries of national security, stemming from the essential nation-building efforts, such as providing assistance in disaster areas for rehabilitation. Beyond Bangladesh, there is an increasing trend to engage military assets in emergency responses worldwide, such as 1998 Hurricane Mitch in Central America, 2005 Hurricane Katrina in the US, 2007 floods in Britain, the earthquake in Sichuan province in China in 2008 and the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. Most of this work has focused on complex emergencies where many governments prefer a greater military role in disaster response.

There is hardly any disaster in Bangladesh where people from the armed forces have not been deployed, ranging from emergency disaster response to immediate post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction work. Bangladesh Army is not only involved in emergency humanitarian efforts but also extends its support to post-disaster reconstruction.

Emergency response and relief operations:

The Army also organises medical teams and relief camps, ensuring that those in need receive adequate support. In the wake of Cyclones Sidr and Aila, the Army played an essential role in disaster recovery efforts. They began by assessing the damage caused by the storms, conducting thorough evaluations to identify the impact and prioritize rehabilitation efforts, which allowed for more effective resource allocation. A major focus is providing access to clean drinking water and implementing measures to prevent epidemics. These initiatives have significantly contributed to rebuilding resilience in the communities impacted by the disasters.

More recently, the effectiveness of the Bangladesh Army's disaster response was particularly evident during the 2024 floods. Their swift and organised actions demonstrated a commitment to professionalism as they mobilised resources and coordinated efforts that significantly alleviated the challenges faced by affected communities. This response mechanism proved vital for effective crisis management.

Post-disaster reconstruction:

Urgent repairs were made to key roads and bridges, ensuring the essential movement of relief supplies and restoring vital communication networks to connect affected communities with emergency services. Additionally, the Army assisted in swiftly rebuilding homes, schools, and critical infrastructure, providing safe living conditions for those displaced by the cyclones.

Collaboration with civil authorities was key, as the Army offered technical support in logistics and crisis management, enhancing coordination and overall efficiency in the recovery process. These initiatives have significantly contributed to rebuilding resilience in the communities impacted by the disasters.

Bangladesh Army's proactive approaches:

It has been claimed that academic research has demonstrated the effectiveness of adaptation of climate change and disaster risk management strategies in reducing risks. Owing to effective risk prevention and adaptation, cyclone-related mortality in Bangladesh has fallen more than 100-fold in the last 40 years, from 0.5 million deaths in 1970 to 4234 in 2007. In Bangladesh, risk prevention and adaptation efforts significantly improved, leading to a substantial decline in cyclone-related mortality.

Recently, handing over the newly built houses to flood victims, Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus said, "the joint efforts have set an example of working together ", honestly and perfectly," to deal with any disaster effectively. This is a small project on the construction of three hundred houses, but the example we have set of working together properly and honestly through this will motivate us," he said, thanking the Bangladesh Army and others involved for completing the project on time and maintaining quality.

Joining virtually from the Chief Adviser's Office, Prof Yunus handed over the houses (keys) to the flood victims of August-September last year.

An initial allocation of Tk 500 million has been allocated from the Chief Adviser's Relief Fund for the construction of the houses. Approximately Tk 250 million had been spent on the construction of 300 houses.

Coordination and collaboration in disaster management projects:

The disaster response efforts of the Bangladesh Army are characterized by effective collaboration with a variety of stakeholders. The Army engages in close cooperation with local authorities to strategize troop deployment and to allocate resources in an efficient manner. Furthermore, partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) enhance the distribution of aid at the local level, ensuring that relief activities are executed in an organised fashion. In addition, they maintain robust communication with government agencies, particularly the Disaster Situation and Relief Activities Monitoring Cell, as well as relevant ministries, to guarantee the prompt allocation of emergency funds. This comprehensive coordination significantly bolsters their capacity to respond effectively to disasters.

Although the right trajectory of resilience to prosperity is yet to be explored, there are a few provisions which sketch a future Bangladesh on the path to achieving prosperity. On the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh, the Government prepared the Perspective Plan (2021-2041) based on Vision 2021, which provides a roadmap for accelerated economic growth, eradication of poverty, inequality, and human deprivation, therefore leading to prosperity. Vision 2021, associated with development targets, aims to transform the socio-economic status of the country, achieve a higher standard of living, and ensure climate-proof development.

Building a climate-resilient nation: challenges and the ways forward

With the continuing effects of climate change worldwide, it is anticipated that the intensity and frequency of extreme climate events will continue to hit Bangladesh. Bangladesh continues to face challenges associated with climate change and natural disasters; the Army's contribution to disaster management and infrastructure development remains essential. Their efforts, coupled with the country's proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, provide a model for other nations vulnerable to climate-related impacts, demonstrating practical strategies for building resilience against such challenges.

Being on the verge of facing extreme climatic backlash emerging from unwitting economic development, Bangladesh must comprehend that the current economic growth is not a panacea for its environmental integrity.

Also, the recent data shows that the loss of human life due to climatic extreme events is significantly reduced due to improved early warning and forecasting systems, effective use of local governance structure, active involvement of community-based organisations, risk-informed and evidence-based policy formulation and effective implementation of the policies and strategies.

Furthermore, there will be a concentrated effort to fortify infrastructure to endure the increasingly severe climate events that the country experiences. Bangladesh Army's multifaceted role in disaster response and infrastructure development has been instrumental in enhancing the nation's resilience to natural disasters. Their involvement in initiatives such as coastal embankment improvement, the construction of multipurpose disaster shelters, and urban resilience programs has significantly contributed to reducing vulnerability and enhancing emergency preparedness.

Despite the success, the country is yet to secure the livelihoods and properties of vulnerable communities from disaster-induced loss and damage. Besides, there are adaptation failures which also need to be addressed through the lessons from the past.

The Army's contributions have received widespread acclaim, both domestically and internationally, particularly for their exemplary performance in United Nations peacekeeping missions, where they have exhibited exceptional dedication and professionalism in some of the most challenging contexts. Their commitment transcends the conventional boundaries of national security stemming from the essential nation-building efforts. Duties include comprehensive disaster management and extensive humanitarian endeavors.

Though Bangladesh army's contribution is now widely recognised worldwide and their efforts has been recognised in peacekeeping missions, their willingness, enthusiasm and possibilities in delivering a climate-resilient Bangladesh has yet to be recognized and acknowledged.

The writer is a Major in the Bangladesh Army