President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday stressed the need for preparedness, greater public awareness, disaster-resilient infrastructure and stronger early warning systems to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.<\/p>\n
Tthe government, relevant institutions and the public must work together to reduce disaster risks, said the President while addressing a programme marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.<\/p>\n
Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country where floods, cyclones, tidal surges, river erosion, landslides, droughts, lightning strikes and earthquakes posed persistent threats to people’s lives and livelihoods, he said.<\/p>\n
The adverse effects of climate change had further aggravated the situation, he said, adding that although Bangladesh contributed little to global warming, it had to bear a disproportionate share of its harmful consequences.<\/p>\n
Referring to the devastating cyclone and tidal surge of 1970, the President said Bangladesh’s history demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of natural disasters. \u201cSuch events not only claimed lives but also severely damaged livelihoods, the economy, infrastructure and overall development.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said disaster risks are increasing worldwide due to climate change, making the situation particularly concerning for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.<\/p>\n
Therefore, instead of focusing solely on disaster-related losses and damage, the country needed to strengthen preparedness and preventive measures well in advance, he added.<\/p>\n
The President said Bangladesh has already made significant progress in disaster management.<\/p>\n
Improved early warning systems, the establishment of shelters, volunteer networks and increased public awareness help reduce disaster-related deaths but these initiatives needed to be made more effective, he said.<\/p>\n
He also drew the attention of the minister concerned to the need for law to ensure the protection of disaster management volunteers and recognise their contributions.<\/p>\n
Expressing concern over the risks arising from unplanned urbanisation and weak infrastructure, the President said the potential consequences of an earthquake in Dhaka require particular attention.<\/p>\n
Unplanned construction and inadequate urban planning could increase casualties during a major disaster, he said, stressing that the relevant authorities must ensure compliance with building safety regulations and implement proper urban planning.<\/p>\n
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining the natural flow of rivers, preventing river pollution, improving drainage systems and protecting the environment to reduce disaster risks.<\/p>\n
The ministries and institutions concerned must work in a coordinated manner to address these issues, he said.<\/p>\n
Emphasising the role of local communities in disaster preparedness, the President said people in the haor areas of Sylhet demonstrated growing awareness by taking advance precautions and responding to early warnings.<\/p>\n
Such initiatives needed to be expanded, he said, urging every family to keep essential documents and emergency supplies in safe places, respond promptly to early warnings and actively participate in disaster management activities.<\/p>\n
The President said the government has undertaken various programmes to minimise disaster-related losses, adding that these initiatives must be implemented with sincerity and effective planning to reduce risks before disasters and ensure swift recovery afterwards.<\/p>\n
To build a disaster-resilient Bangladesh, every home must be made safe, every family prepared and every community empowered, he said.<\/p>\n
He also stressed the need to ensure transparency in development planning and policymaking, protect the environment and incorporate disaster risks into infrastructure development.<\/p>\n
Calling for collective efforts to tackle disasters, the President said a resilient Bangladesh could be built through united initiatives, ensuring that people were protected from the impacts of disasters and could recover quickly in their aftermath.<\/p>\n
Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain and chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Munshi Rafiqul Alam were also present at the event.<\/p>\n
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-UNB<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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