As part of ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and reduce landslide risks in coastal and hilly regions, YPSA organized a two-day series of workshops titled “Workshop on Sector-Specific Early Warning Message Development for Landslide.”
The events were held on October 22 and 23 in Chattogram city and Banshkhali upazila, respectively, under the Child-Centered Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness Project, implemented by YPSA in partnership with Save the Children, with technical assistance from RIMES and financial support from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
The first workshop took place on October 22, 2025, at the Well Park Hotel Conference Hall in Chattogram. The event was inaugurated by Md. Ashraful Amin, Secretary of the Chattogram City Corporation, who emphasized the urgent need for effective and inclusive early warning systems for landslides.
“Landslides have been identified as a major disaster in Chattogram and several other regions of Bangladesh, but there is still no effective forecasting system or national-level protocol in place,” he said. “I commend YPSA and Save the Children for their efforts in promoting community-based preparedness and anticipatory action.”
Professor Dr. Mahbub Morshed, Chairman of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Chattogram, shared practical insights into landslide prevention.
“Placing jute or rice sacks on the hills helps prevent rainwater from seeping into the soil, which in turn reduces the risk of landslides and protects the hill structure,” he explained.
The workshop brought together representatives from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Department of Environment, Water Development Board, and other government agencies, along with academicians, engineers, and media professionals.
Key participants included Engr. Delwar Hossain Majumder, Former President of the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh; Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Deputy Director, Bangladesh Meteorological Department; Ragu Nath Raha, Additional Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension; S.M. Ehsan, Principal of Hossain Ahmed City Corporation School & College; and Imran Hasan, Sub-Divisional Engineer, Water Development Board.
During interactive sessions, participants worked in groups to develop sector-based early warning advisory messages tailored to specific disaster scenarios—particularly focusing on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. These discussions generated several practical ideas that will be reviewed and integrated into future disaster preparedness initiatives.
Engr. Delwar Hossain Majumder emphasized the importance of preparedness and rapid response:
“Messages from the Meteorological Department should reach everyone in the community. We need proper quick-response systems and safety nets for affected people. Permanent resettlement plans should also be considered.”
Imran Hasan highlighted the need to expand such initiatives:
“YPSA’s project should reach more areas to cover vulnerable communities. Casualties are not just numbers; they represent immense loss for families.”
The workshop was facilitated by Muhammad Ataul Hakim, Project Officer at YPSA. Concluding the day, Sazida Akter, Project Manager at YPSA, thanked all participants for their engagement and contributions, noting that their inputs would help strengthen anticipatory action across the region.
On the following day, October 23, 2025, a continuation of the workshop was held at the Upazila Parishad Hall Room in Banshkhali, Chattogram, focusing on localizing early warning message development and community-based preparedness.
This event was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Jamshedul Alam, with a welcome address from Sanjida Akter, Project Manager at YPSA. The main session was conducted by Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Deputy Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (Chattogram). Akhfaruzzaman Rubel, Senior Officer of Save the Children, delivered a greeting speech, while Kalyan Barua, development and media professional, moderated the program.
Government officials, local representatives, teachers, journalists, volunteers, and representatives from multiple sectors—including the Fire Service, Water Development Board, and the Department of Agricultural Extension—participated actively.
Among the notable participants were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Omar Sani Akon, Dr. Supon Kumar Nandi (Livestock Officer), Md. Tousib Uddin (Senior Fisheries Officer), Freedom Fighter Sarwar Hossain Chowdhury, Head Teacher A.K.M. Moin Uddin, Head Teacher Sonjit Kumar Barua, Engineer Lipton Om, Md. Mizanur Rahman (Fire Service Station Officer), Md. Abul Kalam (Acting Chairman, Kalipur Union), Karonamoy Bhattacharjee (Panel Chairman, Sadhanpur Union), Md. Amzad Hossain (Pukuria Union), Mithu Kumar Das (CPP Trainer), and journalist Shibbir Ahmad Rana.
Group sessions were facilitated by Md. Ashikuzzaman (RIMES), Mahinur Akter, S.M. Shahriar Alam, and Muhammad Enamul Islam from YPSA.
Speakers noted that landslides have become a major recurring hazard in the Chattogram region, yet a standardized national early warning protocol is still lacking. They emphasized that developing sector-based risk assessments and localized early warning messages is a timely and essential step toward reducing disaster risks and protecting communities.