Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries, with cyclones making its coastline among the most hazardous in the world. To reduce the cost of cyclones, the Union ParishadUnion Parishad (UP), the country’s lowest tier of local government, has started to play its role in cyclone management. This study assesses the role of the UPs in cyclone shelter managementShelter management in coastal Bangladesh. We selected three coastal villages from three districts in different coastal zones in Bangladesh for primary data collection using household questionnaire surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study reveals a lack of sufficient UP budget for cyclone shelters, which results in inadequate housing, sanitation, clean drinking water, medical services, and other facilities. Moreover, poor shelter managementShelter management increases women's vulnerabilityWomen's vulnerability, and past negative experiences deter many cyclone-affected people from using shelters. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve shelters, ensure essential services, prioritize vulnerable groups, and allocate budgets to UP for effective cyclone management in Bangladesh. This study will provide policymakers with a framework for effective cyclone shelter preparedness, while also bridging gaps among decision-makers, shelter users, and the UP.