SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - The government has proposed an allocation involving  Tk 10,350 crore for the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in the national budget for fiscal year 2026–27, aiming to strengthen disaster preparedness, reduce disaster risks and minimise losses from natural calamities. 

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today placed the national budget for the FY 2026-27 in the Parliament.
The proposed FY2026–27 allocation of Tk 10,350 crore marks an increase from the revised allocation of Tk 9,069 crore in FY2025–26.

Presenting the budget, the minister highlighted Bangladesh’s continued vulnerability to natural disasters, including floods, cyclones and tidal surges, which cause significant damage to lives and property every year.
 
Under the Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest (EGPP), employment opportunities have been ensured for approximately 20 lakh rural workers, with women accounting for one-third of the beneficiaries.

During the current fiscal year, more than Tk 1,510 crore was allocated under the Cash for Work (Kabita) programme, while over Tk 1,454 crore was spent under the Rural Infrastructure Maintenance (TR) programme to keep rural infrastructure functional.

The government also distributed more than 5 lakh metric tons of food grains through the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and Kabikha programmes.

 Humanitarian assistance to more than 11 lakh forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals is continuing.

To strengthen disaster resilience infrastructure, construction, renovation and development work of 450 cyclone and disaster shelters are underway at a cost of Tk 150 crore. Additionally, construction of 448 shelters in river erosion-prone and flood-prone areas is progressing rapidly.

The government is also implementing a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme alongside afforestation initiatives to reduce waterlogging, expand irrigation facilities and maintain ecological balance.

 Under the government’s 180-day programme for the first six months of its tenure, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has set targets to excavate 1,500 kilometres of canals, rivers and drainage channels and plant 100,000 saplings.

For improving disaster response coordination, land has been acquired for establishing a National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), and preparations are underway to begin construction.

The government has procured modern rescue equipment and 11 aerial platform ladders at an estimated cost of Tk 521 crore for earthquake response and emergency operations.

In addition, 100 percent wireless communication coverage has been ensured under the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP). A comprehensive online database of 78,100 volunteers has also been developed to enhance emergency response capabilities.

Weather forecasts are now accessible nationwide through the toll-free number 1090, while disaster forecasting systems are being strengthened using satellite technology. 

Plans have also been taken to introduce modern satellite-based monitoring systems for river erosion. Early warning messages are being disseminated through SMS alerts to grassroots communities.

Regular preparedness drills on earthquakes, cyclones and fire incidents are also continuing to improve community readiness and resilience.