Twelve disaster-prone coastal districts are getting new rescue speedboats with support from Japan to strengthen Bangladesh’s emergency response capacity during floods, cyclones, tidal surges and other water-related disasters.
The Government of Bangladesh, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), handed over 12 rescue speedboats to the deputy commissioners’ offices of the districts on Tuesday under the Disaster Risk Management Enhancement Project (DRMEP).
The vessels will be deployed in Barisal, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Bhola, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Barguna, Jhalokati, Chittagong and Noakhali.
The boats will be used for emergency communication, search and rescue operations and other disaster response activities, particularly in areas vulnerable to water-related emergencies.
The handover ceremony was held at the Golden Fiber Glass Conference Room in Narayanganj and attended by senior government officials, representatives of the Japanese government and JICA, local authorities and other guests.
Speaking at the ceremony, JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Junko Takahashi said JICA-supported rescue boats had already demonstrated their effectiveness during flash floods that affected Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar in July.
She said the newly provided boats would further strengthen emergency response capacity and help improve the safety and resilience of vulnerable communities across Bangladesh.
“Japan has long stood beside Bangladesh as a trusted friend and development partner. Today’s handover reflects our shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient Bangladesh through practical disaster risk reduction measures,” Takahashi said.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister M Iqbal Hossain, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi, MP Abul Kalam, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Mohammad Saiful Islam, and Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Razwanur Rahman attended the ceremony, among others.
The initiative is also set to expand beyond the coastal belt.
Under continued support through the project, 43 additional shallow-water rescue speedboats are planned for distribution among flood-prone districts and upazilas in northern and northeastern Bangladesh, including Sunamganj, Habiganj, Sylhet, Netrokona and Jamalpur.
The expanded fleet is intended to improve local-level disaster response as Bangladesh faces increasingly severe floods and growing risks associated with climate change.
