Inclusive early warning systems in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh: leaving no one behind?

Bangladesh has gained international recognition for reducing disaster mortality through cyclone preparedness and early warning systems. Yet many people with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing and acting upon life-saving warnings. This article highlights concerns raised by people with disabilities, caregivers, community volunteers, and local stakeholders in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Their experiences reveal persistent exclusion from warning communication, evacuation support, shelter access, and disaster decision-making processes. Many warning messages remain inaccessible, while transport systems, evacuation routes, and cyclone shelters often fail to accommodate diverse accessibility needs. Despite national and international commitments to inclusive disaster risk reduction, the absence of operational guidelines, accessible communication systems, and meaningful participation of people with disabilities undermine equitable protection. As Bangladesh advances its commitments under the Early Warnings for All initiative, these concerns highlight the urgent need to ensure that people with disabilities are fully included in disaster preparedness and response.