Dhaka: BIMSTEC, in partnership with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), has launched a report emphasising the need to harmonise humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts across the Bay of Bengal region in the face of climate-induced disasters.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the report titled “Harmonising Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief in the Bay of Bengal” was launched at the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, marking a step towards strengthening regional cooperation in disaster response and climate resilience. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Abdul Motaleb Sarker attended the launch event.
The BIMSTEC Secretary General highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing climate vulnerabilities and natural disasters in the Bay of Bengal region. Pandey emphasised the role of BIMSTEC in leading disaster-resilient infrastructure development and regional preparedness.
Sarker pointed out that the report is timely as climate-induced disasters are intensifying across the region. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment, as the current Chair of BIMSTEC, to support greater alignment and enhanced regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and response.
Bangladesh’s proactive role in driving the disaster management agenda within BIMSTEC was highlighted by Sarker, noting that harmonisation of disaster relief efforts is essential for building a resilient Bay of Bengal region and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The report is based on insights from the IPCS-BIMSTEC-HD policy implementation workshop held in Bangkok in October 2024. It recommended priority actions for the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre, including establishing a research database, setting up a Regional Climate Disaster Mapping and Response Centre, enhancing crisis communications, and instituting a cost-sharing programme for disaster equipment.
Participants at the launch engaged in discussions on advancing coordinated disaster management initiatives across BIMSTEC member states, reflecting a commitment to building a robust regional disaster relief ecosystem.
Disaster management is a key pillar of BIMSTEC cooperation, with efforts underway to finalise a Plan of Action to improve preparedness and coordination among member states. BIMSTEC has also established a Centre for Weather and Climate in Noida, India, and conducted regional disaster management exercises.
A proposed BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre aims to institutionalise cooperation on disaster management among member states. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.