The changing emphasis of disasters in Bangladesh NGOs

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, affect ed by cyclones and floods, as well as chronic hazards such as arsenic poiso ning. NGOs have played a major role in bringing concerns related to risk ma nagement on to the national agenda and promoting a shift of focus from mere relief response to disaster mitigation and preparedness. The government ha s, after earlier scepticism, now accepted NGOs as major partners in these t asks. Innovative approaches, such as the use of microfinance, have been app lied; many of which are related to preserving the gains of development effo rts as part of rehabilitation. NGOs have pressured for better coordination with government. Improved structures are now approved, but it is still too early to judge their impact. Despite progress, neither NGOs nor governmenta l agencies have clearly defined roles in the effort to link disaster manage ment priorities. This will ensure that longer-term development efforts buil d on local capacities and reduce vulnerabilities.