Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu -File photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 9, 2026 (BSS) - The government has significantly 
strengthened its disaster preparedness by reinforcing early warning systems, 
expanding emergency response capacity and shifting from a relief-based 
approach to a comprehensive risk reduction strategy, Disaster Management and 
Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu told Parliament today.

Responding to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Md Mostafizur 
Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3) in the House, the minister said Bangladesh remains 
highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, flash floods, river erosion, 
lightning, heatwaves and landslides due to its geographical location and the 
adverse impacts of climate change.

The day's sitting began with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the 
chair.

"The present government has transformed disaster management from a relief-
dependent approach to an integrated risk reduction-based management system," 
he said.

Dulu said the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has strengthened 
advance warning and forecasting systems while ensuring that multipurpose 
cyclone and flood shelters remain ready for use during emergencies.

He said preparedness measures also include keeping the Cyclone Preparedness 
Programme (CPP), Fire Service and Civil Defence, law enforcement agencies and 
volunteers on standby to respond swiftly during disasters.

"The ministry has procured search and rescue equipment, kept the Emergency 
Operation Centre (EOC) active and maintained adequate stocks of GR food 
assistance, cash grants, dry food, corrugated iron sheets and other relief 
materials," he said.

The minister added that the government is implementing Anticipatory Action 
initiatives, activating disaster management committees in accordance with the 
Disaster Management Act, 2012 and the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD)-2019, 
and coordinating preparedness activities with all relevant stakeholders.

"As a result, casualties and damage to property caused by disasters have been 
reduced significantly, while the disaster resilience of the people has 
increased remarkably," he told the House.

Highlighting efforts to strengthen emergency response, Dulu said that under 
the Disaster Risk Management Enhancement Project (Components 2 and 3), 
telecommunication equipment, megaphones, sirens, stretchers, life jackets, 
radio sets and first-aid kits have been supplied to 35 upazilas in 12 coastal 
districts.

He also said the government will provide one rescue speedboat to each of the 
12 coastal districts, bringing the total to 12 rescue speedboats, while 43 
shallow water rescue boats will be supplied to five flood-prone districts to 
enhance emergency rescue operations during disasters.