PM directs proactive preparations

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued directives to relevant authorities to strengthen proactive preparations for potential earthquake risks, identify vulnerable buildings, and enhance capabilities for emergency rescue operations.

He gave these instructions during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday which focused on earthquake preparedness and necessary response measures.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for an integrated action plan to ensure public safety in earthquake-prone areas across the country, including the capital, Dhaka.

He also underscored the importance of identifying old and high-risk buildings, ensuring adherence to the National Building Code during construction, and bolstering the capacity for rapid rescue operations in the event of an emergency.

The Prime Minister stated that effective coordination among all relevant ministries, local government institutions, RAJUK (Capital Development Authority), the Fire Service, and other emergency response agencies is crucial for minimizing loss of life and damage during natural disasters like earthquakes.

He further stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure—such as hospitals and educational institutions maintaining an adequate supply of rescue equipment, providing training for rescue personnel, and raising public awareness regarding earthquake safety.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Asadul Habib Dulu; the State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam; the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (RAJUK), Engineer Riazul Islam Riju; and other senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies.