The government of Bangladesh is upgrading national disaster management policies and introducing modern technology-based measures at the grassroots level to reduce the impacts of climate change and minimise fatalities caused by natural hazards, including lightning strikes.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu made the remarks on Monday while responding to written questions from members of Parliament during the second session of the 13th National Parliament.
In his response to a question from reserved seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, the minister said the government has already put in place key legal and policy frameworks, including the Disaster Management Act 2012, the National Disaster Management Policy 2015, the National Plan for Disaster Management (2021-2025), and the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD). These frameworks guide national efforts to reduce losses from cyclones, floods, droughts, river erosion, tornadoes and other disasters.
He added that the government is currently working to update these policies to better reflect emerging climate challenges. As part of this process, revisions to the Standing Orders on Disaster are underway, along with preparations for a new National Disaster Management Plan covering the 2026-2030 period.
The minister also said that construction has begun on the Prime Minister’s National Institute for Disaster Management Research and Training. The institute aims to develop skilled professionals, strengthen technological capacity and enhance research in disaster risk reduction.
Addressing another question from MP Shirin Sultana regarding lightning-related deaths, the minister outlined a range of ongoing initiatives. These include coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, local administrations and other agencies to improve forecasting and public awareness.
He said modern weather monitoring systems are being used to generate lightning forecasts, which are disseminated through television, radio, social media and integrated voice response (IVR) services to reach people in vulnerable areas.
In addition, awareness campaigns, drills, and distribution of leaflets and posters are being carried out nationwide. The government is also planning projects such as installing lightning-protected farmer shelters in high-risk areas and expanding palm tree plantation programmes to help reduce lightning-related risks.
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