Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reviewed the government’s overall preparedness for earthquake response, directing measures to strengthen emergency coordination, establish a national taskforce and prepare one lakh trained volunteers to enhance disaster response capacity.
The review meeting was held at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat with the Prime Minister in the chair, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.
A key decision taken at the meeting was to establish a special earthquake preparedness cell at the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate all related activities.
The meeting discussed strengthening post-earthquake emergency response and overall preparedness through the formation of a national taskforce and the training of 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka and adjoining areas. The volunteers will be equipped with essential emergency supplies and provided with specialised training to assist in rescue and relief operations following a major earthquake.
Officials informed the meeting that a database of 70,000 volunteers has already been prepared, while efforts are underway to bring the remaining 30,000 volunteers under the programme.
The meeting also reviewed a range of initiatives to increase public awareness about earthquake preparedness and discussed measures to ensure effective coordination among government agencies and private organisations during emergency situations.
Another major proposal discussed was the establishment of a Humanitarian Staging Area (HSA) in Dhaka, a dedicated logistics hub designed to facilitate the rapid distribution of relief materials and emergency assistance following disasters.
Among those present at the meeting were Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhit, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary A B M Abdus Sattar, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan and senior government officials.
