A two-day training workshop titled “Training on Urban Risk Assessment” was held on April 22 and 23, 2025, at Hotel Agrabad, Chattogram. The workshop was organized by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and facilitated by RIMES under the project “Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action Initiatives in Bangladesh.” The project is implemented by YPSA with the support of Save the Children and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). RIMES serves as the technical partner.
Mr. Ashraful Amin, Secretary of Chattogram City Corporation, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Sakib Imtiaz, Risk Management Specialist (RIMES); Mr. Md. Ashik Uzzaman, Assistant Project Officer (RIMES); Ms. Fatema Meherunnesa Tani and Mr. Javed Miyanadad, Project Managers (Save the Children); Mr. Md. Abdullah, Deputy Director, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (Chattogram); Ward Secretaries from Wards 7, 8, 9, and 14 of Chattogram City Corporation; trained community volunteers; and representatives from Save the Children, RIMES, and YPSA.
The welcome speech was delivered by Ms. Sanjida Akter, Project Manager at YPSA. The sessions were jointly moderated by Mr. Muhammad Ataul Hakim, Project Officer at YPSA, and Mr. Mohammad Abu Toyab, Senior Officer at Save the Children.
A presentation was delivered by Mr. Sakib Imtiaz, Risk Management Specialist at RIMES. Throughout the sessions, participants gained detailed insights into hazards and disasters, their potential impacts, ward-based disaster profiles, seasonal disaster calendars, risk-prone areas, sector-specific vulnerabilities and their underlying causes, and strategies for risk reduction. Guidance was also provided on pre- and post-disaster actions and communication protocols with relevant authorities.
On the second day, participants engaged in group-based practical exercises, identifying risk-prone areas within wards using maps and analyzing sectoral hazards, resources, and risks. Each group presented their findings through poster presentations, enhancing collective understanding. The interactive Q&A sessions further enriched the learning experience. Additionally, participants contributed to the vibrancy of the event through engaging cultural performances.
Chief Guest Mr. Ashraful Amin expressed his satisfaction with the training, stating:
“This training is highly relevant and timely for Chattogram. It is a practical, on-the-job training initiative.”
He also raised a concern, saying:
“Some vested groups are engaged in illegal hill cutting and commercializing the hills, which is significantly increasing the risk of landslides.”
He emphasized that:
“The findings and report from this training will serve as a vital document for discussions with relevant government departments.”
He further recommended that the report should include data on the current and historical number of hills in Chattogram and the extent of hill destruction.
Mr. Amin praised YPSA’s unique initiative and encouraged all participants to enhance their understanding of risk identification from their respective roles and to remain proactive in the face of adversity.