Background
Bangladesh, a deltaic nation situated at the confluence of major rivers originating in neighboring countries, is inherently vulnerable to flooding. The average annual flood-affected area is around 20–25% of the country’s landmass, (Monirul Qader Mirza, 2002)and an average of over 5 million people are affected by floods every year (Zayed et al., 2024) The average number of annual deaths due to floods is over 100. However, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) predicts a sea-level rise of up to 60 cm by the end of the century, posing a significant threat to Bangladesh’s low-lying coastal areas (IPCC, n.d.) The country has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters, particularly floods, over the last few decades. Approximately 80% of the country’s landmass is considered floodplain (Hossain et al., 2020). The devastating floods of 2024 have exposed critical vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure and disaster management systems. Recent events, such as the 2024 floods in Feni and surrounding districts and the 2022 floods in Sylhet, have highlighted the devastating impact of these disasters on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. A recent study by the 4 Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) projected an increase in monsoon rainfall of up to 10-14% by end of the century, leading to increased flood risks.
In a year, about 92% of the rain-related and snowmelt water that occurs in the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna basins goes to the sea through Bangladesh. The country owns only 7% of the combined basin’s land. Again, 80% of the overall 1,160 billion cubic meters of water flows through annually from June to September, roughly in these four monsoon months (Ahmed & Roy, 2007). The transboundary water-sharing between Bangladesh and India involves 54 shared rivers, with Bangladesh heavily dependent on India for water resources (Parven & Hasan, 2018). Climate change, increasing rainfall intensity, and rising sea levels amplify the vulnerability.
In a year, about 92% of the rain-related and snowmelt water that occurs in the Ganges (Padma), Brahmaputra (Jamuna), and Meghna basins goes to the sea through Bangladesh. The country owns only 7% of the combined basin’s land. Again, 80% of the overall 1,160 billion cubic meters of water flows through annually from June to September, roughly in these four monsoon months (Ahmed & Roy, 2007). The transboundary water-sharing between Bangladesh and India involves 54 shared rivers, with Bangladesh heavily dependent on India for water resources (Parven & Hasan, 2018). Climate change, increasing rainfall intensity, and rising sea levels amplify the vulnerability.
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