445 earthquake shelters earmarked in Dhaka

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu told Parliament on Tuesday that the government has earmarked 445 earthquake shelters across the capital as part of its preparedness to reduce risks from tremors and other urban disasters.

Replying to a question from ruling party lawmaker Md Salimuzzaman Molla of Gopalganj-1 constituency, he said a proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking formal declaration of the designated shelters.

According to the minister, the marked shelters include 256 locations under Dhaka South City Corporation and 189 under Dhaka North City Corporation, bringing the total to 445.

The question was tabled during the question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

Dulu said the government is also preparing a coordinated volunteer database with the goal of mobilising 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka city and its adjoining areas so that they can respond to any major disaster.
He said information on volunteers working under various government and non-government organisations is being collected to create the database and strengthen emergency response capacity.

The minister further said monitoring and rapid dissemination of information related to earthquakes and tsunamis have been enhanced through coordination among the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the Geological Survey of Bangladesh and other relevant agencies.

Highlighting the country’s vulnerability, he said Bangladesh is located close to earthquake- and tsunami-prone regions, prompting the government to place the highest priority to preparedness and risk-reduction measures.

Dulu added that the government is continuing various initiatives to strengthen disaster resilience, including emphasising compliance with the Bangladesh National Building Code in the construction of infrastructure.

He said these measures form part of a broader strategy to improve disaster preparedness, minimise risks and protect lives and property from potential seismic events.