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UCL Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction

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Seminar: Bangladesh’s journey towards disaster resilience

06 March 2023, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm

Images showing sea level trends and meteorological data

This seminar, led by the University of Dhaka's Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, will examine Bangladesh’s journey towards disaster resilience, including current achievements, and future development and humanitarian challenges.

This event is free.

Event Information

Open to

All

Availability

Yes

Cost

Free

Organiser

Dr Mohammad Shamsudduha and Dr Bayes Ahmed – UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction

Location

Torrington (1-19) Lecture Theatre 115
Torrington Place (1-19)
London
WC1E 7HB
United Kingdom

Disasters caused by natural or anthropogenic hazards, as well as humanitarian crises, have the potential to undo development progress and weaken resilience worldwide. Despite these risks, some countries have made significant strides in enhancing their capacity to manage disaster risks, particularly those arising from the rapidly changing climate. A prime example is Bangladesh, which is known to be one of the most vulnerable countries due to its numerous hazard risks that are expected to intensify under climate change and unsustainable development. While the loss of human life resulting from both rapid and slow-onset disasters, such as cyclones, floods, and droughts, is now considerably lower than in the 1970s, the development gains made in reducing disaster risks are threatened by the climate crisis. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the Rohingya refugee crisis, has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of our societies, underscoring the need for disaster management plans that can adapt to climate and humanitarian crises. The talk will highlight Bangladesh’s achievements since its independence in 1971 in reducing disaster risks and the future challenges ahead towards achieving sustainable development goals.  

About the expert

A. S. M. Maksud Kamal
Dr A. S. M. Maksud Kamal is a Professor in the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience and Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is also an honorary Visiting Professor at the Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction at University College London (UCL). Professor Kamal has over thirty years of experience in disaster management and emergency planning with hands-on training in academia and applied professional practices. To date, he has published a wide range of journal articles, policy briefs and technical reports and presented widely at international conferences on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation. Professor Kamal managed international research collaborations and national projects in DRR, humanitarian crises and earthquakes, landslides and tsunami preparedness, and led international disaster management training, workshops and seminars. He has strong liaisons within the country and internationally with ministries, government and intergovernmental organisations, UN agencies, donors and NGOs to provide them with policy-level and technical support. Professor Kamal founded the Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience in 2012. Besides being an active academic administrator (Pro-Vice Chancellor), he teaches and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research students. Professor Kamal is currently a Syndicate and Senate Member and previously acted as a Member of the Academic Council and Board of Advanced Studies and the President of the Federation of Bangladesh Teacher's Association and Dhaka University Teacher's Association. Over the years, he has significantly contributed toward the academic enhancement of the University of Dhaka.

 

No need to book in advance.

Concept and cover photo source: Sammonds, P.; Shamsudduha, M.; Ahmed, B. (2021). Climate change driven disaster risks in Bangladesh and its journey towards resilience. Journal of the British Academy, 9(s8), 55-77.