A multipurpose cyclone shelter was inaugurated Sunday at Morrelganj upazila in Bagerhat, offering new hope and long-term safety for coastal communities.
The shelter was constructed at Fasiatola village of the upazila under the STEP & BUILDING Project, funded by Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), Germany, and implemented through a consortium of Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), Nabolok, and Action for Social Development (ASD).
The project is being implemented across the districts of Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Sunamganj to strengthen disaster response, protect lives and assets, and enhance communities’ capacity to cope with climate change risks. In addition to providing safety during disasters, the shelter is designed to serve as a center for education and income-generating activities.
During the inauguration, Juliate Keya Malakar, Executive Director of CCDB, highlighted the organization’s 52-year journey in disaster response. She emphasized that the new shelter would ensure community safety while supporting long-term development activities.
Jannis Hussain, Deputy Head of German Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, reaffirmed the strong partnership between Bangladesh and Germany and pledged continued support for vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters.
Thomas Molitor, Project Officer for Asia at DKH, praised the project’s impact on the local community and commended CCDB’s commitment to disaster management and community development. “Today is not just the inauguration of a building; it marks a new era. This shelter is a testament to the resilience of the local community and the dedication of everyone involved,” he said.
Ahmed Kamrul Hasan, Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate of Bagerhat, highlighted the importance of the shelter for women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities during disasters. He emphasized that the shelter belongs to the entire community and must be properly maintained.
Bilkis Akhter, member of the Ward Disaster Management Committee (WDMC), expressed gratitude, saying, “CCDB has ensured our safety with this shelter. We will work together to keep it functional and well-maintained.”
Other distinguished guests included Advin Barun Banerjee, Vice Chairman of CCDB Commission; M.A. Karim, Executive Director of ASD; Kazi Rajeeb Iqbal, Executive Director of Nabolok; Habibullah, UNO of Morrelganj; and Al Haz Md. Selim Mia, the land donor. They all spoke about the significance of this milestone for the community.
For over five decades, CCDB has been committed to enhancing community resilience, empowerment, and sustainable development in Bangladesh. The newly constructed multipurpose cyclone shelter underscores CCDB’s ongoing dedication to disaster preparedness and community safety.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by George Ashit Singha, Head of CPRP and Climate Change Program at CCDB, who expressed appreciation to all attendees and reaffirmed CCDB’s mission to build a safer and more resilient future for coastal communities.
SR
