PM Orders Comprehensive Earthquake Preparedness Measures

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday directed the authorities concerned to strengthen earthquake preparedness, identify vulnerable buildings and enhance emergency rescue capabilities to minimise casualties and damage.

He issued the directives at a meeting on earthquake preparedness and response at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The prime minister stressed the need for a coordinated action plan to ensure public safety in Dhaka and other earthquake-prone areas across the country.

He called for identifying old and vulnerable buildings, ensuring compliance with the National Building Code in construction and strengthening the capacity of emergency services to conduct swift rescue operations during disasters.

Tarique said effective coordination among relevant ministries, local government institutions, the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), the Fire Service and other emergency response agencies was essential to reducing casualties and property damage caused by earthquakes and other natural disasters.

He also emphasised the need to ensure the safety of critical facilities, including hospitals and educational institutions, maintain adequate rescue equipment, train emergency responders and raise public awareness about earthquake risks and preparedness.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam Riju and senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.