On 13 October 2025, WAVE Foundation, in partnership with Bakerganj Upazila Administration, commemorated the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR) with a series of vibrant and community-focused events. The program was graced by Assistant Commissioner (Land), Bakerganj as the Chief Guest.
This year’s IDDR theme, “Collective Action for Disaster Prevention,” guided the day’s activities, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility in reducing disaster risks and strengthening community resilience.
More than 150 participants joined the event, including government officials, journalists, Fire Service and Civil Defense members, Union Disaster Management Committee (UDMC) and Ward Disaster Management Committee (WDMC) representatives, youth volunteers, students, community leaders and NGO representatives with gender diverse representation. The program began with a colorful rally that brought together participants from diverse sectors, reflecting strong community solidarity. Following the rally, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) conducted a live Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) demonstration, showcasing life-saving first aid techniques. The Fire Service and Civil Defense team conducted a fire extinguishing drill, demonstrating essential emergency response skills. These demonstrations drew significant attention from public, helping participants gain practical knowledge on emergency preparedness.
A discussion session followed the drills. The Chief Guest highlighted: “Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. To minimize risks, we must remain aware, prepared and proactive. Building community awareness is at the heart of disaster risk reduction.” As part of strengthening local disaster management capacity, WAVE distributed megaphones, raincoats and helmets to five high-risk WDMCs. This support would help responding quickly and effectively during emergencies. To promote environmental protection, tree saplings were distributed among all participants symbolizing collective responsibility for a greener and more resilient future. The presence of enthusiastic local residents made the event more impactful, as they observed the drills and engaged in discussions, gaining valuable awareness on disaster preparedness.
The IDDR 2025 celebration in Bakerganj successfully reinforced a culture of preparedness, collaboration and proactive resilience. Through awareness, training, and community engagement, WAVE Foundation continues to strengthen capacity for disaster risk reduction at the grassroots level ensuring communities are better equipped to face future hazards.
