World Bank supports Bangladesh in flood risk reduction and recovery

Today, the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved $270 million in financing to bolster Bangladesh's flood recovery efforts and enhance its resilience to future disasters. This includes support for constructing and rehabilitating critical infrastructure, strengthening the agricultural sector, and enhancing livelihoods in areas affected by the August 2024 floods. 

The Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response (B-STRONG) Project will build and reconstruct rural and flood protection infrastructure in Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions, protecting 1.6 million people. Taking a comprehensive approach, the project will also promote climate-resilient agriculture and provide livelihood support to vulnerable communities.

Bangladesh is regarded as a leader in climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness. However, the increasing climate risks and more frequent and severe natural disasters have a significant impact on communities and the economy. Building resilience against natural disasters is both a development and an economic priority for Bangladesh," said Gayle Martin, World Bank Interim Country Director for Bangladesh. "This project will strengthen the country's disaster preparedness system, improve livelihoods, and bolster food security for those hardest hit by floods in Sylhet and Chattogram divisions." 

This project will help the country recover from this flood and build resilience to future floods by addressing damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods in the Eastern districts. The project will construct and rehabilitate 79 multi-purpose flood shelters and repair and climate-proof connecting roads and bridges. These shelters would operate as primary schools in normal weather. It will also construct, repair, and rehabilitate flood protection infrastructure, including embankments and re-excavate canals. It will also support the improvement of the flood forecasting system. It will help communities improve disaster preparedness through providing boats, equipment, training, and drills.

"The project addresses both recovery and reconstruction needs and long-term disaster resilience," said Swarna Kazi, World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist and Task Team Leader. "The project will provide truly integrated responses that combine physical interventions and non-physical activities, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery and resilience building, and reducing future flood risks, and preventing vulnerable populations from being left behind."

The project will also help flood-impacted communities enhance their earning opportunities by providing financial support, market-relevant skill development training, and offering temporary employment opportunities. Over 380,000 people will benefit from economic inclusion programs and cash-based interventions.

At least 65,000 farm households will receive support to enhance agricultural productivity by adopting high-yielding, climate-resilient, and sustainable crop production technologies and access to farm machinery and improved irrigation and storage facilities. The project will establish seed villages to supply high-quality seeds and seedlings, support women in homestead and community gardening, and form farmer groups to share knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices. Consequently, food security and nutrition will improve too.

The project's multi-sectoral nature supports sectors not sufficiently covered by existing flood recovery initiatives.

The World Bank was among the first development partners to support Bangladesh following its independence. Since then, the World Bank has committed over $45 billion in grants and interest-free loans to Bangladesh. In recent years, Bangladesh has been among the largest recipients of the World Bank's interest-free credits.