National Disaster Preparedness Day being observed

The National Disaster Preparedness Day-2022 is being observed across the country through holding different awareness programmes today (March 10).

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief is organizing the programmes with the theme 'The success of Mujib Barsha, swiftness in disaster preparedness'.

On the occasion, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages, expressing their optimism that Bangladesh would be able to play an important role in reducing disaster risks and disaster-related causalities with united efforts from government, private and voluntary organisations.

The President in his message said Bangladesh is a disaster-prone country due mainly to its geographical location. It is possible to minimize loss of life and property of the people by reducing risks of disasters if steps are taken timely.

He said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu had taken various steps after the Independence to face disasters and following his path, the present government has been implementing various sustainable programmes as part of its disaster preparedness.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had established Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) to reduce disaster risks and to protect the life and property of the people from cyclone, the greatest Bangali of the all time had constructed 172 Killas that were named as 'Mijib Killa' by general people.

She said the incumbent government has been able to bring down disaster-related death to single digit because if timely preparation and utilization of modern equipments. 'Mijib Killas' have been expanded and modernized to make those safe shelters for people livestock, she added.

To give people disaster warning in advance and regular weather message, the government has introduced 1090 (toll free) Interactive Voice Responsive (IVR), which has help develop capacity to reduce loss of life and property of the people from cyclone, floods, lightening and cold wave, she said, adding that Bangladesh is now a role model globally in disaster management.

The premier said the government has formulated 'Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100' attaching priority to reducing losses of disasters and climate change impacts.