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The Changing Emphasis of Disasters in Bangladesh NGOs
Author(s) -
Matin Nilufar,
Taher Muhammad
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
disasters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1467-7717
pISSN - 0361-3666
DOI - 10.1111/1467-7717.00174
Subject(s) - government (linguistics) , emergency management , preparedness , business , poison control , environmental planning , economic growth , political science , environmental health , medicine , geography , economics , philosophy , linguistics , law
Bangladesh is one of the most disaster‐prone countries in the world, affected by cyclones and floods, as well as chronic hazards such as arsenic poisoning. NGOs have played a major role in bringing concerns related to risk management on to the national agenda and promoting a shift of focus from mere relief response to disaster mitigation and preparedness. The government has, after earlier scepticism, now accepted NGOs as major partners in these tasks. Innovative approaches, such as the use of microfinance, have been applied; many of which are related to preserving the gains of development efforts as part of rehabilitation. NGOs have pressured for better co‐ordination with government. Improved structures are now approved, but it is still too early to judge their impact. Despite progress, neither NGOs nor governmental agencies have clearly defined roles in the effort to link disaster management priorities. This will ensure that longer‐term development efforts build on local capacities and reduce vulnerabilities.