World Bank Supports Bangladesh in Flood Risk Reduction and Recovery

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $270 million in financing to support Bangladesh’s ongoing flood recovery efforts and bolster the country’s resilience against future climate-induced disasters.

The funding will go toward the Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response (B-STRONG) Project, which aims to restore critical infrastructure, strengthen the agricultural sector, and support livelihoods in regions severely affected by the August 2024 floods.

The project will focus on the Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions, providing protection and support to an estimated 1.6 million people, the World Bank said in a statement issued Thursday.

“Bangladesh is regarded as a leader in climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness,” said Gayle Martin, the World Bank’s interim Country Director for Bangladesh.
“But the increasing climate risks and more frequent and severe natural disasters take a heavy toll on communities and the economy. Building resilience is both a development and an economic priority for Bangladesh.”

Under the project, the World Bank will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 79 multipurpose flood shelters, which will serve as primary schools during normal times and emergency shelters during disasters. The initiative will also repair and climate-proof roads and bridges, rebuild embankments, and re-excavate canals to improve water flow and flood protection.

To strengthen long-term resilience, the project will upgrade flood forecasting systems and enhance community disaster preparedness by providing boats, emergency equipment, training, and simulation drills.

In addition, more than 380,000 people are expected to benefit from cash-based interventions and economic inclusion programs, while at least 65,000 farm households will receive support to boost agricultural productivity. This includes access to climate-resilient seeds, modern irrigation, storage facilities, and agricultural machinery.

The project also plans to establish seed villages, promote homestead and community gardening, especially among women, and create farmer groups to foster knowledge-sharing on sustainable farming techniques.

The B-STRONG Project is part of the World Bank’s broader efforts to help Bangladesh transition from disaster recovery to long-term resilience, particularly as the country faces mounting climate challenges.