Union Disaster ManagementDisaster management Committees (UDMCs) have been formed in collaboration with local government institutions to effectively implement disaster managementDisaster management activities at the local level in Bangladesh. This study investigates community perceptionsCommunity perceptions of the UDMC and its role and functions in disaster managementDisaster management in the coastal regions of Bangladesh. Due to the susceptibility to cyclones and storms, three coastal villages from three districts within three separate coastal zones in Bangladesh were purposively selected. Data was collected from household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The findings indicate that community awarenessCommunity awareness and participation of the UDMCs remain low, which hinders effective disaster managementDisaster management in coastal Bangladesh. During the cyclone and post-cyclone phases, the UDMC engaged in various activities, including meetings, relief distributionRelief distribution, and shelter managementShelter management; nonetheless, it only assumed a ceremonial role and failed to execute its designated obligations. Moreover, the UDMCs fail to meet people’s expectations due to political bias and a lack of transparency in the activities of disaster managementDisaster management at the local level. The majority of UDMC members are unaware of their designated tasks, leading to inefficiencies in disaster managementDisaster management. The outcomes of this study are anticipated to offer valuable suggestions to policymakers focused on enhancing sustainable disaster managementDisaster management through strengthening the UMDCs in Bangladesh’s coastal regions.