Bangladesh is facing escalating risks from natural hazards, including floods, cyclones, and an emerging threat of earthquakes. Between 21 and 26 November 2025, the country experienced seven earthquakes, the strongest being a magnitude 5.7 tremor. This unprecedented event caused severe damage across affected areas, resulting in 10 fatalities and leaving more than 600 people injured. Globally recognized as one of the most disaster-prone countries, Bangladesh ranked 7th in the 2023 Global Climate Risk Index.

Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Abu Nayeem Md. Shahidullah, Safety Council Advisor, FBCCI, the country’s largest apex business forum and a key private sector partner, delivering the welcome speech as the host organization at the All Partners Coordination Meeting.

The Bangladesh Preparedness Partnership (BPP), led by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) with technical assistance from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and funding support from the Gates Foundation, is a multi-stakeholder platform promoting a whole-of-society approach to disaster preparedness. The partnership brings together six core ministries and departments, two leading universities, the country’s apex business forum, and seven local non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) rooted in local communities. To ensure effective day-to-day coordination, a high-level BPP Mobilization Desk has been established at MoDMR.

Participants were divided into four groups to reflect on BPP Phase II, discussing best practices, identifying gaps, and providing recommendations for Phase III. Pictured: the government sector group.

On 11 December 2025 in Dhaka, BPP convened its Quarterly All Partners Coordination Meeting, hosted by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). The meeting served as a critical platform for partners to share progress, identify gaps, and agree on priority actions. Key discussion areas included the development of Business Continuity Plans, activation of disaster management funds, revival of the Disaster Management Information Center, strengthening earthquake preparedness, and endorsing recommendations from the BPP baseline study to enhance coordination at the district and grassroots levels.

During the meeting, partners agreed to nominate both a focal person and a co-focal person to ensure smooth coordination and continuity. It was also decided that the NGO sector would collaborate with the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) and the National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute (NDMRTI) to work toward the institutionalization of the BPP model, with progress expected by March 2026. Furthermore, partners committed to initiating the next co-creation process for a potential third phase of the program, scheduled to take place between January and June 2026.

Chaired by Brigadier General (Retd.) Abu Nayem Md. Shahidullah, the meeting highlighted BPP’s role as a unified platform for shared action and responsibility. Mr. Abu Daud Md. Gulam Mustafa, Joint Secretary and BPP Mobilization Desk representative, emphasized that disaster management requires multi-sector collaboration, with issues raised by partners being addressed through policy and ministerial channels. Speakers from government, academia, and ADPC reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening national preparedness and expanding engagement, particularly with the media.

All partners’ representatives pose for a group photo after the BPP Coordination Meeting

A key outcome was the approval of three women-led organizations—BNPS, B-SCAN, and Nari Maitree—as new BPP partners, enhancing gender-responsive preparedness. Partners also decided to form a working group to advance strategic collaboration with the media and agreed to sign the BPP Governance Protocol by December 2025, which will take effect on 01 January 2026.

As Bangladesh confronts increasing risks from floods, cyclones, and earthquakes, the BPP Quarterly All Partners Coordination Meeting reaffirmed the power of coordinated, multi-sector collaboration. Through shared leadership, inclusive participation, and strong institutional partnerships, BPP continues to advance a more disaster-resilient Bangladesh—ensuring that no one is left behind.