Yet, despite its well-documented vulnerability, disaster risk management (DRM), climate change mitigation and adaptation (CCMA) often remain underrepresented in the strategic priorities of many social organizations and political parties. It is high time to change that.
Approaches to disaster risk management
The command-control disaster management model has its roots in military strategy and has historically dominated emergency response systems, particularly in the mid-20th century. This model operates through a centralized, top-down hierarchy where decisions are made by authorities and disseminated down to responders and communities. However, this approach often marginalized local communities, overlooking indigenous knowledge and grassroots resources.
In contrast, community-based disaster management (CBDM) emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the limitations of the command-control model. CBDM prioritizes local participation, empowering communities to assess their vulnerabilities. This approach gained traction, particularly in developing countries, where formal disaster response mechanisms were often inadequate or delayed. It evolved through grassroots movements, NGOs, and international development organizations, recognizing the importance of bottom-up planning in reducing disaster risks.
Communities as effective first responders
Catastrophic disasters damage transport and communication networks, isolating affected communities from national and regional support centres. Communities often depend on self-help and mutual support to survive during emergency periods. During the 1991 super cyclone, Bangladesh’s remote coastal and island areas were disconnected entirely from the national communication system. External help from the district and national government could not be reached during the first five days after the super cyclone landfall. Community members supported burial, medical assistance, food, water, and housing for each other. Self-help initiatives were pivotal during the 2008 earthquake in China, when communities organized to provide immediate assistance.
Communities in remote areas self-organized rescue teams, aiding trapped individuals before external help arrived. Local knowledge of terrain and resources enabled a swift response and facilitated early recovery efforts. During the 2017 Rangamati landslides, locals participated in recovery efforts before the civil defence and army teams arrived. Our research suggests that when professional rescue teams are struggling to identify the location of victims, locals who often visit families and live in kinship ties, can even help to the local specific room of a house where victims were trapped by landslides.
These examples illustrate that effective disaster risk management integrates disaster education, self-help initiatives, and mutual aid, fostering community empowerment and resilience. By learning from past experiences and leveraging local knowledge, communities can better prepare for and respond to future disasters, minimizing loss of life and livelihoods.
An unavoidable reality
From the deadly cyclone Sidr in 2007 to the more recent impacts of cyclone Amphan and repeated flash floods, which have led to child drowning and dengue fever — are sobering reminders of the need for proactive resilience-building. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly flagged Bangladesh as one of the most at risk from climate-induced displacement, food insecurity, and livelihood loss.
The broader political apparatus, including most mainstream parties and grassroots social groups, has yet to fully integrate climate resilience into its agendas and operations. However, it is more deeply rooted within the community and has better opportunities to be aware of it. Not all disaster risk reduction and public health challenges require expert, academic, and professional knowledge. Political parties and social group leaders who emerge from the community can quickly generate awareness and capacity building on an extensive scale at no cost.
Why political and social organizations matter
We have seen the overwhelming participation and response of political parties in major historical disasters, such as the 1988 floods and the more recent 2024 Southeaster flash floods. A World Bank estimate suggests that investment in preparedness is eight times more cost-effective than the cost of damages incurred when early warning systems are not in place. Put simply, every dollar invested in preparedness can save up to eight dollars in disaster-related losses. Most political manifestos still give climate and disaster issues a token mention, mainly engaging in post-disaster response.
Hope from the grassroots
Encouragingly, some social movements in Bangladesh are beginning to engage more deeply with climate issues. From youth-led climate strikes to local women’s groups developing cyclone preparedness plans, the seeds of a broader civic movement are already growing. These efforts, however, need institutional support and political recognition to scale and sustain their impact. Bangladesh cannot afford to view climate change and disaster risk through a narrow lens. The challenges are too complex, and the stakes are too high. Climate resilience must not be treated as a specialist agenda, it must become a national mission embraced by every political party, social group, and citizen. In doing so, Bangladesh will not only safeguard its future but also stand as a global example of how a vulnerable nation can lead with vision, unity, and resilience.
Budgetary constraints remain one of the key challenges in addressing climate change and disaster risk management in Bangladesh. Preventing avoidable deaths such as those from child drowning requires substantial financial resources, manpower, logistical support, and time, which cannot be met by government agencies and NGOs alone.
Political parties, which are deeply embedded within communities, can serve as cost-effective channels for public mobilization and awareness. Mass gatherings and sporting events organized by political parties routinely draw large crowds. While academic literature often advocates for integrating such awareness efforts into everyday practice, they are typically undertaken only after disruptions occur. Organizing similar events through NGOs or public institutions requires significant funding, whereas political platforms offer existing, free-of-cost opportunities. If political parties are aware of their potential role in environmental protection, disaster prevention, and public health advocacy, they can redirect resources towards meaningful engagement. Dr Edris Alam is a professor in the department of geography and environmental studies at the University of Chittagong.