The state of multi-purpose cyclone shelters in Bangladesh Muhammad Nateque Mahmood and Subas Prasad Dhakal Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Australia and Robyn Keast Southern Cross Business School, Southern Cross University, Bilinga, Australia Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the state of management practices of existing multi-purpose cyclone shelters (MPCS) facilities across the 16 coastal districts in the country, in the context of an identifed need for 5,500 new MPCS facilities in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach –A “multi-capitals” framework – a conceptual model for appraising the state of MPCS facilities based on seven forms of capital resources – is adopted. Findings – MPCS facilities are not equitably distributed across the 16 coastal districts to cater to the needs of the highly vulnerable population. Nearly 9 per cent of the existing shelters are unusable in the event of cyclones. Once built, MPCS facilities have no maintenance funding and only around 19 per cent of shelters have a governance mechanism that enables community participation. A strong correlation (r = 0.65) was detected between the availability of maintenance funds and provision for community participation. Research limitations/implications – The potential of a multi-capitals framework to assess the management practices of existing MPCS facilities in a holistic way was limited by the secondary nature of data on the four forms of capital: built, cultural, fnancial and political. The signifcance of the other three forms of capital: human, natural and social and their implications in the context of MPCS facilities are discussed. Practical implications – If the existing and new MPCS facilities are to become a vital component of disaster management strategies, MPCS governance mechanisms are likely to be enhanced by embracing the principles of community-based facilities management. Originality/value – The paper introduces the utility of a multi-capitals framework to assess the existing management issues surrounding MPCS facilities and offers potential solutions in the context of developing countries. The value of the framework is in understanding the utility of an MPCS as more than just a facility. Keywords Climate change, Natural disasters, Community-based facilities management, Multi-capitals framework Paper type Viewpoint 1. Introduction A changing climate coupled with the very location of the waters of the Bay of Bengal, often the source of tropical cyclones and storm surges, make Bangladesh The paper was developed within the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management, established and supported under the Australian Government’s CRC programme, in collaboration with the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) programme within Southern Cross University. The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/0263-2772.htm F 32,9/10 522 Facilities Vol. 32 No. 9/10, 2014 pp. 522-532 © Emerald Group Publishing Limited 0263-2772 DOI 10.1108/F-10-2012-0082