International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026 Observed in Mongla
Mongla, 13 October 2026: The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026 was observed in Mongla under the theme “Building a Disaster-Resilient Nation Starts at Home,” with a series of activities highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience.
On Tuesday morning, the Mongla Upazila Administration and the Upazila Disaster Management Department, in collaboration with Waterkeepers Bangladesh, BRAC, Friendship, Uttaran, CARE Bangladesh, and other government and non-government organizations, organized a rally, discussion meeting, and disaster response drill to mark the day.
The discussion meeting, held at the Upazila Parishad premises, was chaired by Sharmin Akter Sumi, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Mongla. Among the speakers were Md. Noor Alam Sheikh, Mongla Regional Representative of Waterkeepers Bangladesh and Pashur River Waterkeeper, along with officials from various government departments and local representatives.
Speakers highlighted Mongla’s vulnerability to multiple hazards, including salinity intrusion, cyclones, storm surges, and riverbank erosion. They noted that climate change is further intensifying these risks, leaving local communities increasingly exposed to disaster-related impacts.
The speakers also emphasized that Bangladesh contributes very little to global climate change but faces severe consequences. They called for fair compensation for climate-induced loss and damage, stressing the need for climate justice for vulnerable communities.
Before the discussion meeting, a rally marched through the streets of Mongla town to raise awareness about disaster risk reduction. The programme concluded with a disaster preparedness and response drill conducted by the Fire Service and Civil Defence.
The observance underscored the importance of strengthening community-level preparedness, raising public awareness, and ensuring climate justice to build a more disaster-resilient future.
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