Bangladesh, recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and among the most disaster-prone, is experiencing an increasing number of people affected by frequent and intense floods. These events disproportionately impact the poorest populations, causing significant damage to property and livelihoods while disrupting children's education.
In response, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), supported by the GFDRR Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries (Japan-World Bank Program), is exploring innovative infrastructure solutions to improve community resilience in flood-prone areas. This initiative involves collaboration with the Local Government Engineering Department.
The World Bank’s existing disaster risk management (DRM) portfolio in Bangladesh includes projects such as multipurpose cyclone shelters, roads and bridges, riverbank protections, and early warning systems. The Japan-World Bank Program grant has provided technical assistance to enhance planning, design, and implementation of disaster-resilient infrastructure.
In 2023, a grant funded a review of current school-cum-shelter designs aimed at enhancing adaptability, lifespan, and simplifying operations and maintenance. The GoB collaborated with Japanese architecture and engineering experts through the Tokyo DRM Hub and an expert from a renowned university in Bangladesh. This team reviewed designs for a four-story multipurpose school-cum-shelter building to reduce vulnerability.
Drawing on their experience in Bangladesh, these experts integrated traditional Japanese design perspectives with local practices. The approach enriched the project with insights rooted in minimalism, robustness, and functionality. The GoB particularly valued advice on achieving minimal design adaptability and functional space usage. For instance, repositioning doors and using foldable partitions made from organic materials could facilitate flexible bed placement during floods. Adding balconies would provide escape routes during floods while enhancing airflow and waterproofing.
Incorporating Japanese techniques alongside local practices addressed challenges while offering opportunities for improved thermal comfort and ventilation. It also promoted using alternative materials and integrating resilient design features that consider gender inclusivity.
This technical assistance informed two World Bank investment projects: the Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project ($165 million) and the Coastal Embankment Improvement Project—Phase 1 ($375 million). It also guided preparations for the Resilient Rural Infrastructure Building Project ($500 million).
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