Bangladesh

Key findings and conclusions at the national level

• There is a need to adopt integrated and coordinated approaches for government development and risk reduction programmes, especially for river basin management
• There is a need to increase the capacity of communities and local government representatives to undertake assessments, planning, implementation and monitoring activities for risk reduction
• Monitoring systems need to be more effective and applied at the local level

Surveys undertaken in Bangladesh

Our Views from the Frontline surveys in Bangladesh were undertaken in 2019.

Who was surveyed?

We surveyed 1,329 random households, 159 civil society organisations, 151 local government representatives, and undertook 77 community consultations.

Risk locations prioritised

We prioritised four risk areas:

• Borguna
• Satkhira
• Chottogram
• Gaibandha

Communities surveyed

We surveyed people from 15 communities: Charcoloni Ward No. 1, Joyalbhanga, BFDC Ward No.4, Noltona, Nakipur, Gainbari, Kulia, Townshripur, Beribandh, Talbaria, Motijharna, Premasia Village, Munshipara, Debit Company Para, Satalia.

Our impact

Activities undertaken in response to community-level findings and conclusions

• Addressed the issue of safe drinking water and its accessibility through harvesting rain water by installing tanks, and repairs of tube wells and existing water tanks
• Formed a Civic Engagement Alliance as a platform for engagement and dialogue between communities and the local government to address the issues faced by the communities
• Plantation of trees to act as bio-shields to protect communities from landslides, river bank erosion and floods
• Training and capacity building for communities (including women and youth) on disaster risk reduction to build their resilience against cyclones, floods and storm surges

Impact of activities

•  A sustainable ‘Community Advocacy Platform’ was been established which provides a space for communities to engage and participate in decision making processes at the local level
• Use of nature-based solutions such as rain water harvesting has become a good model to ensure accessible safe drinking water at the community level
• Trained communities are now aware of their role in the decision making processes, meaning they are able to communicate their risks and put forward concrete actions towards risk-informed development

Our project partners in Bangladesh

Our Views from the Frontline programme is implemented by GNDR member organisations and partners in the country.

National coordinating organisation

• Participatory Development Action Program

Partner organisations

• Jago Nari
• Voice of South Bangladesh
• SONGSHOPTAQUE
• Udayan Swabolombee Sangstha