On 1 October 2026, the Honorable Minister of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Asadul Habib Dulu, MP, visited ESDO's Development Fair in Kurigram, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), representatives from the District Council, District Relief and Rehabilitation Office, District Social Welfare Office, Union Parishad members, District Education Office, and other key district leaders.

The visit reinforced a powerful call for early warning, anticipatory action, and disaster preparedness under the PROTISTHAA Project, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and implemented by ESDO in partnership with CARE Bangladesh.

Expressing strong ownership of the initiative, the Honorable Minister emphasized the need for stronger national action and urged leaders to:

  • Initiate discussions with all Deputy Commissioners on Disaster Management Fund mobilization and activation.
  • Ensure timely and accessible early warning dissemination for all communities.
  • Prioritize shelter management committee training and shelter maintenance, with active support from MoDMR.
  • Promote more environmentally friendly and sustainable initiatives.

During the event, Moyen Uddin Ahmmed, Program Coordinator, CARE Bangladesh, alongside Angelo Hernan Melencio, PROTISTHAA Consortium Coordinator, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his support in advancing PROTISTHAA across 16 districts, 15 upazilas, and 33 Rohingya camps, strengthening efforts on early warning systems, anticipatory action, and disaster preparedness.

Highlighting local implementation and impact, Abu Jafar Nur Mohammad, Head of Field Operations, ESDO, showcased ESDO's nine development initiatives in Kurigram and reaffirmed the importance of continued guidance, leadership, and support from the Ministry for the successful implementation of PROTISTHAA.

Together, MoDMR, ESDO, CARE Bangladesh, and PROTISTHAA consortium partners are strengthening community resilience and advancing a safer, more prepared future for vulnerable populations across Bangladesh.