Md. Nahid Hasan
Throughout 2024, the country experienced severe heatwaves, floods, and excessive rainfall. From May to August alone, over 18.3 million people were affected by climate-related disasters. More than 50 people lost their lives in floods across various regions. Experts warn that post-disaster disease outbreaks also claim numerous lives, thereby weakening human resources. Additionally, infrastructure suffers major damage, leading to enormous economic losses. Without timely and effective climate action, Bangladesh risks facing even more devastating natural events.
According to the World Bank’s “Key Highlights: Country Climate and Development Report for Bangladesh” published on October 31, 2022, Bangladesh incurs an annual economic loss of nearly $1 billion due to natural calamities. The report also warns that the GDP could decline by as much as 9% during catastrophic floods.
Unusual Cold at the Start of the Year:
Despite the absence of extreme cold waves in January 2024, many across the country reported unusual chills. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) attributed the cold to prolonged fog. Unlike other years, this January saw dense fog lasting up to 18–20 hours in some places, reducing daily sunlight from the usual 8–12 hours to just 3–4 hours, thereby causing a noticeable temperature drop.
Record-Breaking April Heatwave
In April:
Bangladesh suffered one of its worst heatwaves in history. Temperatures soared to 43°C, with Chuadanga recording a staggering 43.7°C on April 30—the highest in 29 years. Prior to this, the record stood at 43.5°C on May 1, 1995. Additionally, the country endured 26 consecutive days of heatwave conditions—an occurrence not seen in the past 76 years. The extreme heat led to at least 15 deaths in April alone.
Cyclone Remal Causes Prolonged Devastation:
Soon after the heatwave, Cyclone Remal struck, lingering over Bangladesh from the evening of May 26 to the morning of May 27. Although Remal was not categorized as a severe cyclone, its prolonged presence caused significant damage. Seven districts reported 16 deaths, and six coastal districts saw the loss of 69,788 metric tons of fish. Heavy rains also damaged 171,109 hectares of agricultural land.
Deadly Flooding in the Southeast Due to Upstream Rainfall:
In 2024, the southeastern region of Bangladesh faced catastrophic flooding not seen since 1988. Feni district, among the worst-hit, saw 29 deaths. The District Commissioner of Feni, Shahina Akhter, suggested that the actual death toll could be even higher. According to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the region suffered economic losses of Tk 14,421 crore—0.26% of the national GDP. The agriculture and forestry sectors were the most affected, with Noakhali incurring the highest damage at Tk 4,191 crore.
Two-Month Flood Crisis in Noakhali and Lakshmipur:
While floodwaters in Feni receded quickly, more than 2 million residents of Noakhali and Lakshmipur suffered for over two months. Repeated low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal triggered continuous rain, exacerbating their woes. Meteorologists noted that record rainfall in the region extended the flood crisis. From August 16 to 27 alone, Noakhali received 750 mm of rainfall. According to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), floods affected 5.9 million people by August.
Disasters Disrupt Education Nationwide:
The prolonged heatwave in April forced authorities to close all schools and colleges for eight days. Feni’s flood damaged 351 secondary schools and madrasas, 559 primary schools, and 41 colleges and vocational institutions. These institutions only resumed full academic activities in October, forcing students to remain out of school for over a month.
Sudden Floods Hit Sherpur Hard
Sherpur experienced its worst floods since 1988, affecting two lakh people across five upazilas. Two people died as homes, roads, and farmland were submerged. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported a projected rice output of 2.9 lakh tons, but floods destroyed 1.62 lakh tons—worth over Tk 500 crore.
Is Bangladesh Ready to Face Disasters in 2025?
Climate finance expert and CEO of Change Initiative, M Zakir Hossain Khan, told to Dhaka note, that Bangladesh’s pre-disaster preparedness remains weak. He added that new dimensions of disasters—heatwaves, excessive rain, and cold waves—have emerged, but the government has yet to adopt a progressive response. Without climate resilience in rural areas, he warned, future damages will only increase.
Khan emphasized the need for pragmatic actions that go beyond traditional methods. He called for a unified action plan involving the government, private sector, and citizens. He also stressed the urgency of mobilizing all government resources and forming early response teams tailored for cyclones and floods.
Disaster management expert and BAPA’s national committee member, Gawher Nayeem Wara, told Dhaka note, that Bangladesh has all the necessary resources to tackle disasters—but lacks the political will. He noted that although there’s a disaster management strategy set to expire in 2025, it has yet to be approved by the Cabinet. He criticized the practice of showcasing the strategy abroad without formal endorsement, calling it deceitful. “Without official approval, how will we secure the necessary budget?” he asked, warning that lack of patriotism and integrity is jeopardizing the nation’s future.
Need for Global Climate Finance
Zakir Hossain Khan further stressed the need for international grants—not loans—and timely access to the Loss and Damage Fund. Bangladesh’s lack of accountability has made global donors wary. He urged for real-time, community-level projects and data-driven planning to prepare for future climate challenges. He also called for imposing carbon taxes on major polluters and ensuring post-disaster recovery support, including the protection of livestock and poultry vital to many families’ livelihoods.
Infrastructure Must Support Resilience
Chairman of the River and Delta Research Center, Md. Ejaz, stated that Bangladesh cannot fight nature but must reduce human suffering and loss. He recommended climate resilience plans and dedicated shelter centers in every district, particularly in disaster-prone areas. He criticized the Land Ministry for failing to preemptively evacuate river erosion victims despite recurring damage.
Efforts from the Disaster Management Department
Disaster Management Department Director General Rezwanur Rahman told Dhaka note that despite dealing with five major floods in 2024, Bangladesh limited fatalities to 70—compared to over 200 deaths in a recent flood in Spain. He credited the reduction to improved facilities and multi-phase disaster response programs: pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster. The department runs early warning systems and risk reduction programs in Sunamganj, Cox’s Bazar, and Kurigram.
Rahman added that disaster committees comprising people from all walks of life—from Dhaka to rural union parishads—have been formed to enhance local response. Previously, disaster aid focused solely on people, but now even animals have shelters. Over 700 flood shelters are available nationwide, and during the last flood, many people took refuge in primary schools with their livestock. The department also plans employment-focused recovery programs and currently has eight ongoing projects under its management.