Grassroots Disaster Governance in Bangladesh: The Roles of Union Parishads and Disaster Management Committees

Bangladesh’s disaster management discourse is often framed through the celebrated resilience and industrious spirit of its people, a lived heroism deeply embedded in their relationship with nature. However, national disaster management policies frequently fail to translate these narratives into substantive and practical local action. This study explores how participatory governance through Union Parishads (UPs) and Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs) can address this persistent policy–practice divide. Adopting a qualitative research design, twenty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted with UDMC members, local power actors, and disaster-affected residents across selected unions. The findings reveal critical structural gaps in disaster response, including the absence of temporary shelters, inadequate post-disaster rehabilitation support, and systemic inefficiencies in local governance. Weak institutional capacity, limited resources, and constrained community participation further undermine the effectiveness of UDMCs. The study argues for inclusive, bottom-up strategies that empower local communities, enhance participatory decision-making, and strengthen coordination between national frameworks and grassroots needs. Reinforcing participatory governance at the union level emerges as vital for fostering resilience and advancing sustainable disaster management in Bangladesh.