Staff Reporter:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday reviewed the government’s overall preparedness plans and progress regarding earthquake response, including forming a national taskforce, preparing one lakh vol-unteers and strengthening emergency coordination mechanisms.
The review meeting was held this afternoon at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat, with the prime minister in the chair, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary (DPS) Shahadat Shadhin.
A decision was also taken in the meeting to establish a special cell on earthquake preparedness at the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate related activities.
The meeting discussed strengthening post-earthquake emergency response and overall preparedness, in-cluding the formation of a national taskforce and preparations to train one lakh volunteers in Dhaka and adjoining areas, equip them with necessary supplies and provide required training to deliver emergency services after an earthquake.
It was informed at the meeting that a database of 70,000 volunteers has already been prepared, while preparations are underway to bring the remaining 30,000 volunteers under the initiative.
Shahadat Shadhin said the meeting discussed various programmes aimed at raising public awareness about earthquake preparedness. It also decided to establish a special cell on earthquake preparedness at the Prime Minister’s Office.
He said discussions were also held on ensuring effective coordination between government and private organisations during any possible disaster situation.
Besides, the meeting discussed establishing a Humanitarian Staging Area (HSA) in Dhaka, a dedicated logistics hub or storage facility to ensure the rapid delivery of relief and emergency assistance during disasters.
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 Min-ister’s Principal Secretary A B M Abdus Sattar and Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md. Sai-dur Rahman Khan, among others, were present at the meeting.
