Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reviewed the government's overall preparedness plans and progress regarding earthquake response today. The meeting, held at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat, discussed forming a national taskforce, preparing one lakh volunteers, and strengthening emergency coordination mechanisms. A decision was taken to establish a special cell on earthquake preparedness at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The review meeting emphasized the formation of a national taskforce and preparations to train one lakh volunteers in Dhaka and adjoining areas. It was informed that a database of 70,000 volunteers has already been prepared, with efforts underway to include the remaining 30,000 volunteers.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin highlighted that the meeting discussed various programmes aimed at raising public awareness about earthquake preparedness. It also decided to establish a Humanitarian Staging Area (HSA) in Dhaka, a dedicated logistics hub for rapid delivery of relief and emergency assistance during disasters.
Key officials present at the meeting included 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 Minister’s Principal Secretary A B M Abdus Sattar, and Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman Khan.
