Disaster Management for Sustainable Development: Rural Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s imperative integration of disaster management (DM) into development has been a longstanding discourse. Governance challenges have impeded the effective implementation of disaster management programmes, undermining the synergy between DM and development. The convergence of DM with development entails a comprehensive effort to mitigate the risks posed by natural forces and developmental processes. However, sustainable disaster management policies remain ineffective without practical implementation, imposing top-down directives on bottom-up responses. This study assesses the influence of political economy on governance regarding SDG 16 and institutional strengthening in Bangladesh and identifies barriers and opportunities for integrating disaster management into development (SDG 13). It also investigates the execution of community disaster vulnerability responses. Findings indicate insufficiencies in disaster management initiatives despite government efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Non-governmental organization (NGO) interventions on SDG 13 have inadvertently perpetuated dependency and poverty through high-interest loans, and there is a noticeable lack of disaster education and transparency in DRR projects. Transparency and oversight issues contributed to the failure of disaster risk reduction projects. The research offers strategic insights into improving disaster management by advocating for enhanced public awareness, increased budget allocation for DRR and climate action, and fostering collaboration between governmental and non-governmental entities to meet the SDG 2030 Agenda. It emphasizes the importance of balancing local customs with public health initiatives for building resilient, sustainable communities.