IOM estimates nearly 5 million people displaced by disasters in Bangladesh

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated on Wednseday that nearly five million people in Bangladesh are currently internally displaced due to natural disasters, including floods, cyclones and river erosion.This marks the first comprehensive nationwide assessment of disaster-induced displacement in the country. The study covered all eight divisions, 64 districts, 4,579 unions, 329 municipalities and 480 city corporation wards. Data collection took place between September and October 2025 through 5,388 field visits, with more than 29,000 key informants interviewed.Lance Bonneau, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, said, “Understanding the scale of displacement is essential for effective disaster management and long-term planning. These findings give national authorities, local leaders and development partners a shared foundation to respond to displacement with greater clarity and coordination.”The assessment found that two out of three IDPs (63%) were displaced before April 2020, while one in four (25%) were displaced between April 2020 and April ...

• 10 Dec 2025