Bangladesh Desk
Bangladesh has allocated more than 1.59 million blankets and BDT 51.01 crore in phased assistance to support cold-stricken and distressed people across all administrative units, according to official data released by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) on Tuesday. A total of 593,500 blankets have been earmarked directly from the Chief Advisor’s Relief Fund, while the ministry has sanctioned BDT 29.70 crore in the first phase and BDT 21.31 crore in the second phase to procure and distribute blankets nationwide.
The winter support programme was initiated at the start of the season to ensure timely delivery of winter clothing to vulnerable communities in all 64 districts, 495 upazilas, and municipalities (pourashavas) under the eight administrative divisions. The ministry stated that blanket procurement and distribution were guided by emergency response needs, compliance with financial regulations, and local demand assessments submitted by Deputy Commissioners (DCs).
In the first phase, 750,589 blankets were purchased and distributed across the country. In the second phase, an additional 700,000 blankets were procured, and distribution is currently underway. The ministry confirmed that further allocations from the relief fund are being issued based on updated requirement lists submitted by district administrations.
Both the Chief Advisor’s Relief Fund and MoDMR financing have been used to source the blankets, with procurement conducted under accelerated emergency procedures where necessary. Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) have already purchased and distributed blankets on an urgent basis, strictly following applicable government financial rules. District authorities have been instructed to prioritize distribution to low-income households, informal laborers, elderly residents, people experiencing homelessness, and families in disaster-prone or geographically isolated areas.
To strengthen oversight, MoDMR has issued directives requiring all DCs to conduct close monitoring of blanket procurement and field-level distribution. The ministry has also instructed divisional and district administrations to ensure transparency, avoid duplication, maintain beneficiary records, and submit periodic implementation updates. These monitoring mechanisms are intended to support accurate reporting, efficient logistics, and accountability across the supply chain.
Bangladesh experiences seasonal cold stress with varying intensity across divisions, particularly in northern and river-adjacent districts where temperatures frequently drop below national averages. Public health analysts and disaster response specialists have noted that cold waves disproportionately impact communities lacking insulated housing, reliable heating sources, winter-appropriate clothing, and stable income during seasonal work disruptions.
The blanket distribution initiative is part of Bangladesh’s broader disaster-resilience and social safety response system, which includes monsoon flood relief, cyclone rehabilitation support, emergency food assistance, and seasonal climate hardship programmes. The ministry emphasized that this winter support is being executed as a coordinated government relief operation across all administrative tiers.
Cold-weather assistance in Bangladesh has long relied on decentralized demand reporting, rapid procurement authorization, and local-level distribution, reflecting the country’s administrative structure and disaster response framework. This year’s programme maintains the same model but has introduced intensified monitoring instructions to district authorities.
MoDMR officials indicated that additional blanket funding will continue to be allocated throughout the winter period depending on evolving district-level needs and severity of cold stress. Local administrations have been asked to remain alert to emerging cold wave conditions and update relief requirements accordingly.
The ministry reiterated that relief assistance remains an ongoing process, and administrative units have been directed to ensure timely, rule-compliant distribution to maximize protection for at-risk populations during the cold season.