Dhaka, 29 June — The Bangladesh Preparedness Partnership (BPP), under the leadership of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), convened a crucial Communication Orientation Workshop aimed at reinforcing disaster preparedness through stronger communication networks. Supported by technical expertise from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and funding from the Gates Foundation, the workshop united representatives from government agencies, academia, the private sector, and NGOs. Together, they emphasized the power of coordinated messaging and collaboration to build safer, more resilient communities across Bangladesh.

Ms. Mst. Zannatun Ferdoush, Assistant Director, Planning Section, Department of Women Affairs (DWA), shares valuable inputs on gender-responsive communication and expresses DWA’s commitment to future collaboration with BPP. As a newly joined partner in the BPP network, DWA brings a vital gender perspective to disaster preparedness efforts.

Under the rallying cry, “We grow stronger when we communicate, collaborate, and co-create,” participants committed to a unified messaging aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness across Bangladesh, with the vision: Together, we build a safer and more resilient Bangladesh.

During the workshop, partners embraced BPP’s co-branding and communication guidelines, recognizing that consistent visuals and messaging enhance visibility. Participants identified joint communication initiatives aligned with project goals, facilitating shared actions that leverage collective strengths. It culminated in a strong recommitment to sustained partnership and collective knowledge sharing.

Participants engage in a dynamic exchange on effective use of social media for disaster communication, exploring strategies to amplify outreach, foster community engagement, and ensure timely, accurate information sharing during emergencies.

In the opening session, Abu Daud Md Gulam Mustafa, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) and member of BPP Mobilization Desk in MoDMR, emphasized the importance of the orientation saying: “Of every ten cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, at least seven impact us. While disasters are inevitable, resilient communities emerge from cohesive communication and collective action.”

Additionally, Mr. Mohammad Saiful Islam Mazomder, Joint Secretary, Policy and Advocacy component at the Local Government Division (LGD), underscored the importance of extending engagement to civil society and media to ensure that preparedness reaches every level of society. Representatives from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), including Mr. Edwin M. Salonga, Program Lead for Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), along with BPP Partnership Advisor and former Additional Secretary of MoDMR, Mr. Hasan Sarwar, highlighted the unique mix of expertise within the partnership and its potential to translate discussions into real-world impact.

Closing session of the Communication Orientation Workshop: (from left) Brig. General (Ret’d) Abu Nayem Md. Shahidullah, Advisor, FBCCI; Mr. Edwin M. Salonga, Program Lead, CBDRR and CCA, ADPC; Mr. KM Abdul Wadud, Additional Secretary, MoDMR and Chair of BPP; and Mr. Netai Chandra Dey Sarker, Director-MIM, Department of Disaster Management.

A key highlight of the event was an interactive session among communication focal points from partner organizations, where participants discussed practical ways to align efforts, amplify outreach, and break down silos. Mr. K.M. Abdul Wadud, appreciating the importance of interactive communication, stated: “As the communication environment evolves, we must create materials that communities can easily understand.’’ He suggests communication focal points to use authentic sources, adding that trust is crucial as authenticity builds confidence and saves lives.