In the tapestry of human existence, crisis and disasters are most unexpected and unwelcomed companions lurking at the edges of societal stability. All types of natural calamities and human-induced catastrophes, challenges the resilience and adaptability of communities across the globe. They strike with indiscriminate fury, leaving devastation in their wake and challenging the very foundations upon which communities are built. Disaster management encompasses a range of activities and processes associated with preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters. It is a multi-faceted and complex field that integrates various stakeholders from government, private sector, volunteers and the community. The need for comprehensive disaster management strategies is not merely a matter of preparedness, but also one of survival and resilience to win over disasters. Disaster management is a proactive endeavor, woven into the fabric of governance, community preparedness and individual responsibility.It is the embodiment of foresight, strategic planning and coordinated action aimed at mitigating the impact of disasters, minimizing loss of life, property and expediting the restoration of normalcy in their aftermath. Disasters, whether natural or man-made have the potential to wreak havoc on communities, economies and ecosystems.
Disasters possess a singular ability to test the limits of human endurance and expose the vulnerabilities inherent in our societal fabric. The goal of disaster management is to minimize the impact of disasters on affected populations and facilitate a quick recovery. Therefore, in the face of such adversity, the importance of an ethical approach to effective and comprehensive disaster management becomes paramount. The ethical framework applied in disaster scenarios emphasizes principles like fairness, equity and respect for human dignity. In disaster situations, the main focus of the response is to provide safety, food, shelter and clothing for the victims of the tragedy. The field of disaster management includes a wide range of disciplines and techniques aimed at minimizing the impact of disasters and aiding recovery, from risk mitigation to response coordination. In such moments of crisis, the army emerges as a beacon of strength and stability. The unparalleled dedication, harnessing its resources, expertise and unwavering determination to restore order, provide aid and alleviate suffering.
A Disaster Management Plan is a strategic and operational document developed by organizations, communities or governments to prepare for, respond to, mitigate and recover from disasters. Bangladesh is highly susceptible to natural disasters due to its geographical location and topographical characteristics, including cyclones, floods, earthquakes, drought,salinity intrusion, tornado and riverbank erosion. The goal of a Disaster Management Plan is to minimize the impact of disasters on people, property and the environment.Disaster Management Act (2012)establishes the legal basis for disaster management policies, emphasizing disaster risk reduction and emergency response.Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) isthe primary governmental body responsible for coordinating national disaster response and recovery efforts.The Disaster Management (DM) Policy 2015 has beenapproved by the Government of Bangladesh in 2015,aims to strengthen the national capacity to respond to and recover from disasters. The policy ensures the governance inthe disaster management in all levels of the country.National Plan for Disaster Management (2021-2025)provides the framework for reducing vulnerability to disasters, enhancing response operations, and improving recovery mechanisms.Itdevelops and implements strategies for disaster preparedness, including public awareness campaigns, community training and drills. Incorporating disaster risk reduction into urban planning and construction codes, especially in earthquake-prone areas would strengthen infrastructure resilience. Outline procedures for activating the emergency response system and mobilizing resources in the event of a disaster. Define responsibilities and roles for emergency responders, including search and rescue teams, medical personnel and law enforcement agencies. Establish incident command structures and communication protocols to ensure effective coordination and decision-making during emergencies.Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) issues weather forecasts and cyclone warnings. Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) provides forecasts and early warnings for floods. Community-based early warning systems engage local communities in monitoring, information dissemination and evacuation processes.
Ethics in disaster management is a crucial aspect that involves making morally sound decisions and actions before, during and after disasters. Disasters ultimately cause destruction, death, disarray, distress, diseaseand displacement. Management of every single component has strong ethicalimplications.Ethical considerations in disaster management begin with proactive measures to minimize the impact of disasters.All efforts should prioritize the well-being of affected populations and guard against opportunistic behavior. Commitment to continuous learning, evaluation and improvement assist in ethical disaster management.Equity and social justice are crucial considerations in disaster management to ensure fair and inclusive responses that address the needs of the most vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, disabled individuals and marginalized communities. Ethical disaster management requires vigilance against exploitation, including price gouging, human trafficking and corruption. Decision-making processes should be inclusive and ensure equitable access to resources, assistance and protection.Disaster management must uphold human rights principles ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected, including the right to life, safety, health and dignity during crisis. Disaster situations can create vulnerabilities that may be exploited by individuals or groups for personal gain. Measures taken during disasters should not infringe upon individuals' fundamental rights and humanitarian aid should be provided impartially, without discrimination.
Ethical disaster management practices require transparency in decision-making processes, resource allocation and communication with affected communities. Officials and organizations involved in disaster response must be accountable for their actions and decisions, ensuring that they adhere to ethical standards and fulfill their responsibilities.Besides, community engagement and participation are vital components of a thriving society. Ethical considerations emphasize the importance of involving affected communities in decision-making processes and disaster response efforts. Community engagement fosters trust, empowers individuals to contribute to their own recovery and ensures that interventions are culturally sensitive and responsive to local needs.Those involved in disaster management, including emergency responders, healthcare providers and humanitarian workers must adhere to professional standards of conduct and competency. Ethical behavior entails maintaining integrity, professionalism and respect for human dignity in all aspects of disaster response and recovery.
The role of BangladeshArmy in disaster management is multifaceted and crucial in providing immediate relief, support and recovery efforts during and after disasters. Army works under the supervision of Armed Forces Division in coordination with civil administration. They work closely with other government agencies and often play a key role in coordinating disaster response efforts, both within the military and with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international partners. They may establish command centers to manage and coordinate resources, personnel and activities during the response phase. This collaborative approach maximizes the use of available resources and minimizes duplication of efforts. Army is often at the forefront of search and rescueefforts to locate and extract individuals trapped in disaster-affected areasdue to building collapses, natural disasters or terrorist attack. This involves specialized teams with skills instructural collapse, medical support and heavy machinery operationusing helicopters, boats and specialized search teams to reach remote or inaccessible areas. On the otherhandArmy medical teams provide critical medical support to disaster survivors including emergency medical treatment,field hospitals and evacuation of injured individuals to medical facilities. They may also assist in setting up temporary medical camps to provide healthcare services to affected populations.
The army plays a vital role in providing logistical support during disasters, including transportation of relief supplies, equipment and personnel to affected areas. This may involve deploying trucks, aircraft and other assets to ensure the timely delivery of essential resources.In disaster-affected areas, the army helps maintain law and order, prevent looting, ensures the safety and security of affected populations and relief workers. They may assist local law enforcement agencies in patrolling affected areas and providing security for relief distribution sites.After disasters, the army assists in repairing and rebuilding critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and communication networks to facilitate relief operations and restore normalcy to affected communities. They may also help in clearing debris and restoring essential services like water and electricity.Army personnel engage with affected communities to assess needs, provide information, offer support and reassurance during times of crisis. They may conduct community outreach activities, distribute relief supplies and assist in setting up temporary shelters for displaced populations.
Integrating ethics into disaster management is essential for ensuring that responses are not only effective but also uphold moral principles and respect human dignity.The preparedness phase of disaster management is crucial to minimize the impact of disasters on communities and ensuring effective response and recovery efforts. This phase involves activities and measures taken before a disaster occurs to enhance the capacity to respond effectively.Develop and disseminate ethical guidelines for all personnel involved in disaster management. Conduct regular training sessions for disaster response teams to ensure that responders are aware of ethical considerations, including respect for human rights, dignity and cultural sensitivity.Involve communities in disaster preparedness activities to ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making processes,their needs and values are considered. Respect their cultural, religious, social norms and beliefs in disaster planning.Develop guidelines for fair and equitable allocation of resources during disasters, taking into account factors such as vulnerability, need and the principle of justice.
Effective disaster management requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts. Adopting an ethical approach to disaster management is paramount in ensuring the well-being and dignity of affected populations. Bangladesh Army's role in this realm exemplifies a commitment to such principles, as evidenced by their swift response, efficient coordination and dedication to serving communities in times of crisis. Their proactive measures encompass not only immediate relief efforts but also long-term strategies for resilience-building and sustainable development.Ethical considerations play a crucial role in decision-making process and guide actions that uphold the rights and well-being of the affected individuals and communities. By following the principles of justice, transparency and accountability, disaster managers can ensure that resources are distributed fairly and actions are implemented according to local contexts and needs. Stakeholders can mitigate damage, protect human rights and promote resilience in vulnerable communities by prioritizing ethics in disaster management. Involvement of Bangladesh Army serves as a model for effective cooperation between military and civilian entities emphasizing the importance of cooperation, transparency and accountability in disaster relief.
In summary, an ethical approach to disaster management prioritizes the dignity, rights and well-being of affected individuals and communities, while upholding principles of justice, transparency, accountability, collaboration and preparedness. It requires ethical leadership and a commitment to learning and adaptation to ensure that response efforts are effective, equitable and grounded in humanitarian values. As we confront the increasing frequency and severity of natural and man-made disasters, it is imperative that we continue to integrate ethical considerations into all aspects of disaster management planning and implementation. By doing so, we can build more resilient communities, reduce vulnerabilities and safeguard the rights and dignity of those most affected by crisis.
