DHAKA, May 26, 2025 (BSS) - Partners of Bangladesh Preparedness Partnership (BPP) at bi-monthly coordination meeting have expressed their keenness to work collaboratively to build a stronger, safer Bangladesh through disaster management and response.

The meeting was held today at a city hotel hosted by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), said a press release here.

Representatives from the government, private sector, NGOs, and academia attended the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by AKM Abdul Wadud, additional secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) and Chair of the BPP Mobilization Desk.

Secretary General of FBCCI Md Alamgir, Co-founder of IDMVS Professor Mahbuba Nasreen, Adviser to FBCCI Safety Council Brigadier General Abu Nayeem Md Shahidullah were present at the meeting, among others.

Shivani Gupta, senior project management specialist of ADPC Hq (Bangkok) joined the meeting virtually.

Abdul Wadud emphasized the need to revitalize the Disaster Management Fund (DMF) and fully mobilize the country's eight million volunteers, advocating for a national platform to coordinate grassroots resilience efforts.

He also stressed the integration of monitoring and early action into the National Plan for Disaster Management (NPDM) implementation roadmap.

While speaking, FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir said, coordinated efforts by the government, non-governmental organisations, academia, private sector as well as international partners are essential in our country's disaster management and preparedness.

"We are collectively working together to increase the country's disaster resilience," he added.

Md Alamgir said, "The role of the private sector in disaster management is very important. Through the FBCCI Safety Council, we have taken several initiatives to reduce disaster risk and enhance emergency preparedness in the private sector following the guidelines assigned to the FBCCI through the Standing Order on Disaster Management."

Academic partners, including the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies (IDMVS) and BRAC University, shared baseline study findings and updates on the Response Capacity Index (RCI).

Civil society contributions were presented by NAHAB, showcasing inclusive disaster management efforts. Senior Program Manager of ADPC Dr. Mohammad Ahsan Ullah presented summary of activities during the reporting period and upcoming key event.