Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 15, 2025 (BSS) - Most of the Disaster Management Information Centres (DMICs) in the country remain underutilised due to the lack of skilled human resources, outdated equipment, staff shortages, lack of digital integration, absence of legal recognition and insufficient funding, according to new study.

The findings of the study were revealed at a high-level workshop held at a hotel in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday.

Between 2018 and 2024, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief constructed 65 multi-storied DMIC buildings at district levels, a press release said today.
 
These centres were envisioned as crucial hubs for collecting, collating, storing, analysing, and disseminating disaster-related information at both national and local levels. The core objective was to ensure timely and reliable communication before, during, and after disasters to support coordinated action, risk mitigation, and resilience-building. 

The study, titled "Strengthening Disaster Management Information Centres," was conducted on DMICs in Cox's Bazar, Kurigram and Bagerhat, by international expert James Longton of ADPC in collaboration with district administration.

The study recommended a clear, phased roadmap for revitalisation - starting with the immediate activation of three pilot DMICs, equipped with solar-powered systems, satellite phones, geospatial tools, and real-time information dashboards along with software and skill development support.
 
It further called for a formal policy framework, appointment of disaster information officers at all levels, and the creation of a centralised National Disaster Dashboard.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the study stressed appointing dedicated disaster information officers at the national, district, and upazila levels.
 
Union Digital Centres, local volunteers, and grassroots organisations can serve as vital conduits for both receiving and disseminating early warnings and critical information, the study said.
 
With support from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and Gates Foundation, Bangladesh Preparedness Partnership (BPP), led by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, arranged the workshop.

Chaired by Jahangir Alam, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer (DRRO) of Cox's Bazar, the event was attended, among others, by Prof Md Solaiman, Principal of Cox's Bazar Government College; Abu Murshed Chowdhury (Khoka), President of the Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Dr Mohammed Ahsan Ullah, Senior Program Manager at ADPC and Shivani Gupta from ADPC Bangkok.