The joint phase-out workshop for the projects Scaling-Up Forecast-Based Action and Learning in Bangladesh (SUFAL II) and Strengthening Forecast-Based Early Action in Cyclone-Prone Coastal Regions in Bangladesh (STEP), funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Dhaka, on 29 June 2025.

Both SUFAL II and STEP are consortium-led initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable communities, livelihoods, and assets from potential disasters by taking proactive, early action based on forecasting and warnings.



SUFAL II, led by CARE Bangladesh in partnership with Concern Worldwide and with technical support from Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), implemented Forecast-Based Action (FbA)/Anticipatory Action (AA) in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna basin districts (Kurigram, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, and Bogura) for monsoon floods, and in the Haor regions (Sylhet, Sunamganj, and Netrokona) for flash floods and lightning.

Meanwhile, under the STEP consortium, ACF, Cordaid, Plan International, and United Purpose collaborated strategically to implement FbA/AA systems in cyclone-prone coastal areas.

Both projects worked closely with local administrations and Disaster Management Committees to strengthen understanding and capacity around Forecast-Based Action. They also helped integrate these actions into local disaster management plans, strengthening community resilience against floods, cyclones, and lightning. Additionally, SUFAL II and STEP explored linkages between Impact-Based Forecasting and Social Safety Net Programs. 

The workshop began with an inaugural speech by Emebet Menna, Deputy Country Director – Program, CARE Bangladesh. She remarked, “SUFAL and STEP have moved beyond traditional disaster response toward Anticipatory Action, reaching marginalized communities across northern and southern regions. Today’s workshop gives us the opportunity to reflect on our journey, share achievements, and learn from practical experience. We thank all our guests for their continued support and interest in the next steps.”

A keynote speech titled “Joint Call for Action on Institutionalization and Policy Recommendations for Forecast-Based Anticipatory Action” was delivered by Mr. Mohammad Abdul Wazed, former Director General of the Department of Disaster Management and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

Now in their completion phase, both projects presented key insights, challenges, successes, and recommendations to national-level stakeholders, government officials, and donor representatives. Under the STEP project, 6,381 families, 88 CBOs, 72 WDMCs, and 8 UDMCs developed and implemented their own early action plans. Meanwhile, under SUFAL II, nearly 25,000 families received early warnings on floods and lightning via voice calls, and 2,955 families received anticipatory cash support before floods. As a result, through community and institutional participation in 23 unions, approximately 90,700 people were able to reduce disaster risks.

A panel discussion titled “Challenges and Way Forward for Institutionalizing Anticipatory Action in the Disaster Risk Management Cycle in Bangladesh” featured:

• Mr. Ahmedul Haque, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and Director, CPP


• Dr. Md. Shah Kamal Khan, Deputy Director and former Project Director, Agrometeorological Information System Development Project, Department of Agricultural Extension


• Dr. Mohammad Abul Kalam Mallik, Meteorologist, Bangladesh Meteorological Department


• Mr. Mokit Billah, Programme Officer, European Commission Directorate General of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Bangladesh

The Chief Guest, Mr. Ahmedul Haque, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, and Director, CPP, in his closing remarks, stated:

“The government highly appreciates the initiatives under SUFAL and STEP and is committed to continuing them. In fact, we have already started work toward their integration and institutionalization at the national level.”

Mr. Md. Robiul Islam NDC, Additional Secretary (Relief), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; Mr. Mominul Islam, Director, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and Dr. Mary Rashid, Program Coordinator – Implementation and Impact, Concern Worldwide attended the event as the special guests.

The event was attended by representatives from government departments, forecasting institutions, donors, NGOs/INGOs, academia, media, and other key stakeholders.