Dhaka: The government has taken a slew of new decisions to address earthquake risks and strengthen post-disaster emergency response activities in the country. In addition to forming a ‘special cell’ for earthquake preparedness in the Prime Minister’s Office, plans have been made to create 100,000 trained volunteers in Dhaka and surrounding areas.
These decisions were taken at a high-level review meeting held at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. After the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin confirmed this information to journalists.
The Deputy Press Secretary said that the meeting mainly focused on post-earthquake emergency response and strengthening the government’s overall preparedness. To reduce the potential damage of the disaster and ensure quick rescue work, a target of 100,000 volunteers has been set, of which a complete database of 70,000 volunteers has already been created. The remaining 30,000 volunteers will also be prepared as soon as possible and all will be given necessary training.
Other important decisions taken and topics discussed at the meeting:
Special Cell and National Task Force: It was decided to form a special preparedness cell in the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure overall oversight and quick action in dealing with disasters. The meeting also discussed in detail the formation of a strong national task force.
Logistics Hub and Relief Supply: In addition to reviewing the supply of emergency rescue equipment, a ‘Humanitarian Staging Area’ (HSA) has been planned to be established in Dhaka city. It will primarily serve as a special logistics hub or warehousing center for rapid relief and emergency assistance during disasters.
Coordination and Public Awareness: A strategy has been formulated to ensure effective coordination between all government and private organizations during a disaster. In addition, it has been decided to undertake various programs to raise awareness about earthquakes among the general public.
The high-level review meeting was attended by Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Asadul Habib Dulu, Minister of State for Disaster Management and Relief M. Iqbal Hossain, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Professor Dr. M. A. Muhith, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, and Secretary for Disaster Management and Relief Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, along with senior government officials.