Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 10, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to strengthen regional cooperation in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) Mostafizur Rahman made this commitment at the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, said a press release received here today.

Speaking at a high-level conference, Mostafizur Rahman emphasized the importance of partnerships, innovation, and community-centered approaches to build a safer and more climate-resilient future.

“We believe through partnership, innovation and people-centered approaches, we can translate early warnings into early actions to protect lives and livelihoods of millions,” he said.

Additional Secretary and Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) Ahmadul Haque and Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) Momenul Islam are also included in the delegation.

The 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference, hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, marks a strategic milestone for the institution as it sets the course through the adoption of the RIMES Master Plan 2026–2030.

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution for African and Asian countries.

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated the conference held with the theme “Actionable Early Warnings and Climate Services for All”.

Representatives from 62 RIMES member, collaborating states and development partners joined the conference to advance regional resilience in the face of escalating climate and disaster risks. Bangladesh is a key member of RIMES for over two decades.

 
RIMES Director General Arjunapermal Subbiah said, the ministerial has taken step to align the priorities under a shared Master Plan. In 2017, RIMES created a Data Exchange Platform and country-customized decision support systems.

RIMES is playing a critical role in building capacity for the generation and application of people-centered multi-hazard early warning information.

Through collaboration, RIMES has supported the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in utilizing advanced forecasting tools to enhance community resilience.
 
The partnership has significantly contributed to Bangladesh’s transition from reactive disaster response to proactive, anticipatory action.
The robust cooperation between the Government of Bangladesh and RIMES continues to improve the country’s forecasting capabilities, disaster preparedness, and climate service delivery.