Multipurpose Disaster Shelters in Coastal Bangladesh: Enhancing Resilience and Community Development

Coastal Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly cyclones and flooding, which pose significant threats to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. In response, the Multipurpose Disaster Shelter Project (MDSP) was initiated to provide safe havens during disasters while also supporting community development through multipurpose facilities. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multipurpose disaster shelters in enhancing resilience and promoting community development in coastal areas of Bangladesh, focusing on the benefits and challenges faced by local communities and stakeholders. A mixed-methods approach was used, including focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and a survey of shelter users and local stakeholders. Survey data were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of shelters, community engagement, and areas for improvement. The findings suggest that the shelters have been effective in providing disaster relief and establishing community hubs. Most respondents reported feeling safe in the shelters, which have been utilized for a variety of purposes beyond disaster response, including education, community meetings, and livestock protection. However, challenges remain, including the need for more shelters, better infrastructure, and improved maintenance. There are also concerns regarding the functionality of solar panels and tube wells, the size of school playgrounds, and the lack of boundary walls around shelters. To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the MDSP, it is recommended that additional shelters should be built, infrastructure and maintenance systems be improved, and community involvement be integrated into the long-term care of shelter areas. Additionally, addressing the concerns regarding functionality and space limitations will further strengthen the project's impact.