The Government of Bangladesh, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), today officially handed over 12 rescue speed boats to the offices of the Deputy Commissioners in 12 disaster-prone coastal districts under the Disaster Risk Management Enhancement Project (DRMEP), a press release said.

The handover ceremony was held at the Golden Fiber Glass Conference Room in Narayanganj and was attended by senior government officials, representatives of the Government of Japan and JICA, local authorities, and other distinguished guests.

The rescue speed boats will be deployed in Barishal, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Bhola, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Barguna, Jhalokati, Chattogram, and Noakhali. The vessels will support emergency communication, search and rescue operations, and disaster response activities during floods, cyclones, tidal surges, and other water-related emergencies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Junko Takahashi, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office, highlighted the proven effectiveness of JICA-supported rescue boats during flash floods that affected Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar in July, and noted that the newly provided vessels would further enhance emergency response capacity and contribute to the safety and resilience of vulnerable communities across Bangladesh. “Japan has long stood beside Bangladesh as a trusted friend and development partner. Today’s handover reflects our shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient Bangladesh through practical disaster risk reduction measures,” Ms. Takahashi said.

The ceremony was attended by Honorable Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mr. Asadul Habib Dulu; Honorable Minister of State Mr. M. Iqbal Hossain; H.E. Mr. Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh; Honorable Member of Parliament Mr. Abul Kalam; Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Mr. Mohammad Saiful Islam; Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Mr. Razwanur Rahman, and other distinguished guests.

As part of the continued support under the project, 43 additional shallow-water rescue speed boats are planned for distribution across flood-prone districts and upazillas in northern and northeastern Bangladesh, including Sunamganj, Habiganj, Sylhet, Netrokona, and Jamalpur. The initiative responds to the severe floods experienced in recent years and the increasing risks posed by climate change.