Published: 12:00 AM, 17 October 2026 Last Update: 12:00 AM, 17 October 2026
Integrated Endeavours Must Be the Pathway to Curtail Coastal Disasters
Shafiqul Islam Khokon
Bangladesh's coastal region is a geography of perpetual disasters. Cyclones, storm surges, riverbank erosion, embankment breaches, salinity intrusion, and waterlogging—one disaster after another is threatening the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities. These challenges are compounded by human-induced problems such as river encroachment, pollution, filling, and the loss of navigability. As a result, the impacts of natural disasters are becoming even more devastating in many areas.
Why Is Disaster Mitigation Essential?
Disaster mitigation refers to measures taken before a disaster occurs to reduce potential damage and human suffering. It is not simply about distributing relief after a disaster. Rather, it is a coordinated process involving the rehabilitation of vulnerable embankments, restoration of natural river flows, prevention of encroachment and pollution, elimination of waterlogging, protection of coastal forests and wetlands, early warning systems, and the construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Due to inadequate advance preparation, coastal communities continue to suffer repeated losses. Although increased awareness, cyclone shelters, and early warning systems have helped reduce casualties, livelihoods, agriculture, homesteads, and infrastructure remain highly vulnerable.
Recent studies have also highlighted the extent of coastal vulnerability. A coastal risk assessment conducted in 2025 identified approximately 70 percent of Bangladesh's coastal areas as vulnerable to varying degrees. Some areas of Khulna, Satkhira, Barguna, and Char Fasson in Bhola are classified as being at extremely high risk.
A 2026 study found that certain areas within two polders in Kalapara, Patuakhali, are experiencing land subsidence of more than 14 millimeters per year. The study also documented increased salinity following Cyclone Remal and waterlogging lasting more than two weeks in some locations. These findings indicate that embankment systems must be redesigned and strengthened to address future climate risks.
Embankments Exist, but How Safe Are They?
For coastal communities, embankments are more than earthen structures. They are the last line of defense protecting homes, crops, fish enclosures, water sources, and livelihoods. Yet poor construction, inadequate maintenance, unplanned development, and changes in river courses cause many embankments to collapse during disasters.
In October 2026, reports emerged that an 80-meter section of a river protection embankment in Alfadanga, Faridpur, constructed at a cost of Tk 12.86 crore, had collapsed just two months after being handed over. The incident raises questions about construction quality, supervision, and accountability. Meanwhile, coastal erosion in Kuakata, Patuakhali, has intensified due to tidal surges, powerful waves, and rainfall, placing protective embankments at risk.
Disaster Risks Cannot Be Reduced Without Freeing Rivers from Encroachment
Rivers are the lifeblood of Bangladesh. However, encroachment, pollution, landfilling, and declining navigability have deprived many rivers of their natural capacity to carry and convey water. As a result, water cannot drain away quickly during heavy rainfall or upstream surges, increasing the risks of flooding and waterlogging.
Information from the National River Conservation Commission's 2026 report and inspection records highlights encroachment, pollution, and navigability problems affecting various rivers, including the Rupsha and Mayur in Khulna, the Narsunda and Arial Khan in Kishoreganj, and the Dharla, Saniajan, and Singimari in Lalmonirhat.
According to information presented in Parliament, 28,325 illegal structures have been removed from rivers and riverbanks across the country since 2010, and 1,244.22 acres of riverbank land have been recovered.
However, eviction drives alone are not a lasting solution. Preventing re-encroachment, permanently protecting river boundaries, and controlling pollution are essential. Sustainable disaster mitigation is impossible without restoring the natural flow of rivers.
Solutions Must Be Integrated
Addressing coastal disasters requires long-term, coordinated disaster mitigation programmes rather than isolated projects. Several initiatives are particularly important in this regard.
First, vulnerable embankments must undergo scientific assessment. Surveys should identify low-lying embankments, areas experiencing land subsidence, and locations under intense river pressure. Rehabilitation should then be prioritized accordingly. Transparency, construction quality, and accountability must be ensured throughout project implementation.
Second, nature-based solutions must be expanded. Rather than relying exclusively on earthen and concrete embankments, coastal greenbelts, mangrove forests, wetlands, canals, and natural drainage systems must be protected. These natural systems help reduce wave energy, retain water, and relieve pressure on embankments.
Third, river encroachment and pollution must be stopped. River boundaries should be digitally mapped and protected. Illegal structures must be removed, and regular measures must be taken to control pollution from industrial and municipal waste. Construction on land created by filling rivers must be prohibited.
Fourth, lasting solutions to riverbank erosion must be developed. Simply placing geobags in erosion-prone areas during emergencies does not ensure long-term safety. Scientific assessments must determine where permanent protective structures are necessary, where river-course management is required, and where vulnerable communities need to be relocated to safer areas.
Fifth, early warning systems must be made effective. Bangladesh has adopted the Early Warning for All Roadmap 2025–2030 and National Early Action Protocols for cyclones and riverine floods. These initiatives must be implemented effectively at the union and village levels. Once a warning is issued, authorities must ensure the safe evacuation of people and protect food supplies, drinking water, medicines, and livestock.
Plastic and Polythene: The Journey of Pollution from Rivers to the Sea
Plastic and polythene pollution is another major challenge facing coastal areas. Plastic bottles, packaging, and single-use products discarded in cities, markets, ports, and residential areas are carried by rainwater through drains and canals into rivers. River currents then transport this waste into the sea. In this way, waste generated on land becomes marine pollution.
Plastic poses a serious threat to aquatic life. Fish, crabs, turtles, and seabirds may mistake plastic for food or become trapped in discarded materials. As plastic breaks down into tiny particles, it can enter the food chain in the form of microplastics. This increases the risk of damage to the environment, fisheries, and human livelihoods.
Furthermore, plastic and polythene can block drains, canals, and drainage channels, obstructing the flow of water. As a result, waterlogging may worsen during the monsoon season. Plastic pollution control must therefore be incorporated into disaster mitigation plans.
To address this problem, the use of single-use plastics must be reduced, reusable alternatives must be promoted, and effective waste collection systems must be established in markets, tourist destinations, and river ports. Dumping waste into rivers and canals must be stopped. Permanent waste collection facilities must also be established around river estuaries and coastal areas. Engaging fishers, business owners, and local communities in these efforts is equally important.
Invest in Risk Reduction, Not Just Relief
Following a disaster, enormous amounts of money must be spent rebuilding damaged roads, embankments, homes, and infrastructure. Yet much of this damage can be reduced through planned investment in vulnerable areas before a disaster strikes.
In Bangladesh, cyclone shelters, early warning systems, and preparedness measures have played an important role in reducing cyclone-related deaths. The next objective should be to protect not only human lives but also livelihoods, agriculture, water resources, the environment, and homesteads.
A 2025 World Bank analysis of South Asia, based on a survey of 250 coastal villages in Bangladesh, identified climate-resilient infrastructure as the most urgent unmet need.
For coastal communities, therefore, the central question should not simply be, "What will we do when a disaster strikes?" Instead, the key consideration must be, "How can we reduce the damage before a disaster occurs?"
Rivers must be allowed to function as rivers, canals must remain operational, embankments must be made sustainable, and firm action must be taken against encroachment and pollution. Nature must be viewed not as an adversary but as part of the defense system.
At the same time, administrative systems free from political interference, accountability, and coordination among government and non-governmental institutions must be ensured.
The people of coastal Bangladesh do not want to depend on disaster relief and sympathy. They want safe settlements, durable embankments, flowing rivers, a pollution-free environment, and a habitable coast for future generations.
We must remember that when rivers survive, the sea benefits; when the sea thrives, the biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods of coastal communities are better protected.
Therefore, the guiding principles of disaster management should be: mitigation before relief, lasting solutions instead of showpiece projects, and accountability instead of promises.
Shafiqul Islam Khokon is a
researcher and a columnist.
He can be reached at [email protected]
