PM Tarique Rahman Orders Full Preparedness to Reduce Earthquake Risks
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to strengthen advance preparedness for possible earthquake risks, identify risky buildings and increase the capacity for emergency rescue operations.
He gave the directives on Monday (2 November) at a meeting on earthquake preparedness and required actions held at the Prime Minister's Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The prime minister's deputy press secretary, Hasan Shiplu, shared the information.
At the meeting, the prime minister stressed the need for a coordinated action plan to ensure public safety in the capital Dhaka and in the country's earthquake-prone areas.
He also spoke of identifying risky and old buildings, following the national building code in construction, and increasing the capacity to conduct rapid rescue operations in emergency situations.
The prime minister said effective coordination among all relevant ministries, local government institutions, Rajuk, the Fire Service and other emergency service providers is extremely important to reduce casualties and damage in a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
The prime minister stressed ensuring the safety of hospitals, educational institutions and other important installations, keeping adequate rescue equipment ready, and training rescue workers.
He also directed officials to raise public awareness about earthquakes among ordinary people.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shah Alam, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam Riju and senior officials of the relevant ministries and agencies were present at the meeting.
