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.