Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and disaster management policies in Bangladesh: How far we have come to make communities resilient?

Abstract

In 2015 the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) was introduced to continue the process of developing a resilient world. Like other countries, Bangladesh is also committed to introducing interventions according to the goals, objectives, and priorities of the SFDRR which will enable the communities to reduce the risk of disasters. To have a comprehensive disaster management mechanism the first strategy would be having proper policies and plans. It is clear that Bangladesh already has progressed in developing inclusive and robust disaster management policies and plans. In this study, the available disaster management policies are reviewed in the light of priorities of the SFDRR. The objective is to analyze the current condition of the policies and gaps in the policies which should be addressed for achieving SFDRR goals. The study identified that the policies and plans are well designed aligning with the priorities of SFDRR but there are still scopes of improvement. Bangladesh needs to focus on all priority areas in updating these plans and policies with a special focus on priority areas 3 and 4. Investing more in disaster risk reduction and introducing a ‘Build Back Better’ approach will help to introduce a resilient country.