The SOD 2019 (Standing Orders on Disaster) and NPDM 2021-2025 Progress Monitoring and Tracking System (ProMoTS) workshop was held in Dhaka on 13 November 2024 , aimed to enhance Bangladesh's disaster management capabilities by developing a robust monitoring and evaluation system for the SOD and NPDM (National Plan for Disaster Management). The workshop, organized by the Bangladesh Preparedness Partnership (BPP) brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government agencies, local disaster committees, NGOs, and the private sector to support the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) in effective operationalizing of the SOD 2019Mr. Abdul Wadud, Additional Secretary of MoDMR and Chair of the BPP Mobilization Desk, speaks at the workshop, emphasizing the necessity of monitoring and evaluation system for the SOD and NPDM

The workshop had two main objectives: gathering reflections and insights from stakeholders for an integrated disaster monitoring system, and creating a clear roadmap for system implementation to address the complex challenges in disaster risk management.

Discussions during the workshop highlighted key challenges in Bangladesh's disaster management system, such as gaps in awareness, inconsistent data quality, and weak coordination among stakeholders. Many local actors lacked clarity about their roles in the SOD and NPDM, leading to duplicated efforts and inefficient resource use. Participants stressed the need for a formalized feedback mechanism to ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness. Breakout sessions, led by Ms. Mariam Traore and Ms. Shaiza Sinha from Sankofa Consulting, focused on identifying the data requirements needed to strengthen disaster management. They emphasized the integration of data from various sources, including government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector, at both local and national levels.Mr. Elvis Fraser, Head of Sankofa, discusses the Sankofa Approach, advocating for consistency in data collection, integration, and clear governance structures to support monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Notable speakers at the event included Mr. Abdul Wadud, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), and Ms. Nirmala Fernando from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), who underscored the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-society approach to disaster management. Brigadier General (ret’d) Abu Nayem Md. Shahidullah from FBCCI, Prof. Mahbuba Nasreen- Prof. & Former Director IDMVS, former Additional Secretary-Mr. Hasan Sarwar, Joint Secretaries of MoDMR-Ms. Lutfun Nahar and Md. Mizanur Rahman highlighted the importance of monitoring systems through continued public-private collaboration in disaster management efforts. The BPP partners from Dhaka University, BRAC University, FBCCI, local NGOs (NAHAB, CDD, Foundation for Disaster Forum, Dnet, NIRAPAD), as well as senior representatives from district administration in Kurigram, Bagerhat and Cox’s Bazar actively participated in the workshop. By the end of the workshop, participants had a clearer understanding on the roadmap ahead for implementing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system.Participants, divided into different groups, deep dive into the SOD and NPDM on the requirements, data and information to monitor implementation

The BPP's workshop on SOD and NPDM monitoring systems marked a pivotal moment in strengthening disaster management in Bangladesh. By fostering collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, academia and the private sector, the event provided valuable insights into the gaps and challenges in the country's disaster management framework.Mr. Netai Chandra Dey Sarker, Director of the Department of Disaster Management, presents one of the group feedbacks during the workshop, highlighting key insights and recommendations for improving disaster response strategies.

The BPP partnership funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is supporting MoDMR in the effective operationalization of the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) 2019 through a Whole of Society approach in Bandarban, Bagerhat and Kurigram.