Program Concept:

Bangladesh is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change and disasters including flooding, tropical cyclones, earthquakes, and landslides. These events result in average annual losses estimated at about US$3 billion, which is close to 2% of Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP). The country accumulates various vulnerabilities from its densely populated and rapidly growing urban areas to coastal cities including the ones accommodating the Displaced Rohingya Population. To enhance disaster risk management, more effective EP&R operations are needed through improved legal frameworks, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and active community participation. Additionally, mechanisms and incentives are necessary to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure design and construction.

Through this program, the delegation will study Japan’s operations and best practices in EP&R and resilient infrastructure. Delegates will include representatives from the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD), Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), and RAJUK (Capital Development Authority) (alphabetical order). This initiative is supported by the Japan–World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries, funded by the Government of Japan and technically supported by the Tokyo Disaster Risk Management Hub of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).

The delegation will gain insights from government officials and experts at the Cabinet Office (Disaster Management), Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Kyoto Prefectural Government, and the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience. Topics will include inter-agency coordination across government levels, information management, and capacity-building through training programs.

A workshop at the University of Tokyo will feature expert lectures and a demonstration of post-disaster emergency management. The program also includes a visit to the Kyoto City Fire Training Center to observe its firefighting and rescue training facilities and programs. In addition, participants will visit key infrastructure sites such as the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel and Amagase Dam in Kyoto.

This multi-agency knowledge exchange provides opportunities to learn and discuss tools, systems, processes, necessary training, as well as success factors for enhancing EP&R and resilient infrastructure development. Participation is by invitation only for the Bangladesh delegation.