The World Bank has approved $270 million to aid Bangladesh`s recovery from the devastating August 2024 floods and to strengthen its resilience to future disasters.
The funding will support the Bangladesh Sustainable Recovery, Emergency Preparedness and Response (B-STRONG) Project, which targets the Chittagong and Sylhet divisions—areas severely impacted by the floods.
The project will rebuild and upgrade flood protection infrastructure, including 79 multi-purpose flood shelters that will also serve as schools, along with roads, bridges, embankments, and canals. These efforts aim to protect 1.6 million people.
Additionally, the project will enhance flood forecasting systems and disaster preparedness through the provision of boats, equipment, training, and emergency drills.
Over 3.8 million people are expected to benefit from various cash-based programs and livelihood support initiatives.
To restore agriculture and improve food security, the project will assist 65,000 farm households with access to high-yield, climate-resilient crops, machinery, irrigation, and storage.
It will also establish seed villages, promote home and community gardening for women, and form farmer groups for knowledge-sharing on sustainable practices.
World Bank Interim Country Director Gayle Martin noted that although Bangladesh is a leader in climate adaptation, growing climate risks demand greater resilience.
Task Team Leader Swarna Kazi emphasized the project’s holistic approach, integrating recovery, reconstruction, and long-term disaster resilience.
By addressing gaps in current recovery efforts, B-STRONG aims to build a more robust future for vulnerable communities across eastern Bangladesh.
