The recent floods across eastern Bangladesh have inflicted an estimated damage worth Tk 14,421 crore (approximately $1.20 billion), according to a study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The think tank presented its findings during a media briefing at its office in Dhaka on Sunday, shedding light on the widespread destruction and outlining recommendations for recovery and rehabilitation.
CPD’s study, titled "Recent Flood Damage and Rehabilitation Process in Eastern Region: CPD's Analysis," emphasised that the damage represents 1.81 per cent of the national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25.
When considered in terms of GDP, the flood's impact accounts for 0.29 per cent of FY2023-24’s provisional GDP and 0.26 per cent of the projected GDP for FY25.
Muntaseer Kamal, a CPD Research Fellow, who delivered the presentation, highlighted the widespread effects of the floods, which began on August 19. Heavy monsoon rains and water from upstream led to flooding in districts like Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Lakshmipur, Feni, and Brahmanbaria. Among them, the most affected areas were Noakhali, Cumilla, Feni, and Chattogram, which together bore the brunt of the damage.
The study revealed that the agriculture and forestry sectors were hardest hit, with total losses amounting to Tk 5,169.71 crore, or 35.85 per cent of the overall damage. In particular, the flood significantly damaged Aman rice cultivation, a staple crop.
Though specific figures for rice production losses were not provided, the CPD warned that the impact could disrupt the country's food security and called for urgent government decisions on rice imports.
The infrastructure sector followed closely behind with damages of Tk 4,653 crore, while the housing sector sustained losses amounting to Tk 2,407 crore. Other sectors affected by the floods include health, with Tk 2,062 crore in damages, education infrastructure with Tk 89.63 crore, and the industrial sector, which reported damages of Tk 38 crore.
The CPD study shows that Noakhali emerged as the worst-hit district, experiencing 29.07 per cent of the total monetary losses, equivalent to Tk 4,191 crore. Cumilla was the second-most affected, accounting for 23.51 per cent of the damage, followed by Feni (18.61%) and Chattogram (11.63%).
Kamal pointed out inconsistencies in the distribution of relief efforts, noting that while some regions received multiple rounds of aid, others were left without support. This uneven response reflects a lack of coordination in disaster management, particularly in the delivery of much-needed resources to vulnerable areas.
At the briefing, CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun and Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem were present. Highlighting the issue of inconsistency in relief distribution, Fahmida Khatun said, "In Noakhali, 1.643 million people have been affected, with losses amounting to Tk 4,192 crore. However, only Tk 14.9 crore has been allocated for relief. This means that each person has received, on average, approximately Tk 93.
"In contrast, in Sylhet, 9,500 people have been affected, with losses amounting to Tk 20.5 crore. There, Tk 14.6 crore has been allocated for relief, with each person receiving, on average, Tk 15,320."
CPD’s recommendations
In response to the disaster, the CPD called for immediate government action to ensure a sufficient supply of seeds to prevent a potential crisis during the upcoming Aman rice planting season.
Kamal stressed the importance of aiding farmers who lost their seed beds and ensuring that agriculture, the backbone of the affected districts, does not suffer long-term setbacks.
Additionally, the CPD suggested that the government expedite decisions on rice imports to stabilise the country's food supply and minimise the risk of a shortage.
Ensuring access to agricultural loans for flood-affected farmers, as well as supporting small businesses through flexible loan repayment options, was also recommended as part of a broader recovery strategy.
Looking ahead, the CPD underscored the need for better coordination between government agencies, including the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, and local government units.
Improved coordination is vital for ensuring a swift and efficient response to future disasters, as climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of such events in Bangladesh
