Post-flood recovery in Bangladesh’s Riverine Islands: institutional gaps, social vulnerabilities and resilience pathways

Post-flood recovery remains a critical yet understudied phase of disaster management, particularly in geographically isolated and socioeconomically marginalised regions. The riverine islands (chars) of Bangladesh experience recurring flood disasters that cause significant disruption, yet recovery efforts often fall short in addressing long-term needs and vulnerabilities. This paper analyses underlying challenges and systemic gaps in post-flood recovery processes in the chars of Gaibandha district with a view to informing more inclusive, resilient and context-specific recovery interventions. Using a qualitative approach based on interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), information was derived from 24 in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions, five key informant interviews and participant observations. Thematic analysis identified four principal themes: (1) institutional and governance barriers, including fragmented coordination, lack of accountability and absence of long-term planning; (2) socio-economic vulnerabilities, such as debt dependency, gendered exclusions and psychosocial distress; (3) infrastructure deficiencies, including housing insecurity, disrupted healthcare, unsafe water and poor communication and (4) community-led coping mechanisms and adaptation practices, often overlooked in formal recovery frameworks. Moreover, limited access to technology further impedes equitable recovery, reinforcing existing inequalities. The findings indicate that ongoing structural inequalities, institutional failures and the lack of continuous support influence post-flood recovery in Bangladesh’s riverine islands. It highlights the need for participatory, accountable and context-sensitive recovery policies that integrate local strategies with institutional frameworks to promote sustainable and equitable outcomes.