The government has announced plans to construct 128 additional flood shelters in the country’s most vulnerable districts to enhance disaster preparedness, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said on Sunday.
Responding to a written question from Brahmanbaria-5 lawmaker Md Abdul Mannan during the 13th parliamentary session, the minister said that 320 shelters have already been constructed across 43 flood-prone districts and 258 upazilas, with an additional 128 shelters planned to further strengthen preparedness against floods and cyclones.
In addition, 90 multi-purpose cyclone shelters will be developed in coastal and cyclone-prone areas to further strengthen disaster resilience.
Currently, 115 general disaster shelters have been constructed nationwide, with 122 more planned.
To ensure rapid access to these shelters during emergencies, 12,245 bridges and culverts have been completed, with another 2,036 under construction.
The government has also developed 6,788 kilometers of HBB roads, with an additional 1,000 kilometers planned to facilitate movement during disasters.
The minister highlighted that emergency response capabilities are being strengthened with the procurement of telecommunication equipment, firefighting gear, radio sets, 12 rescue boats, and 413 shallow-water research boats in 35 upazilas across 12 districts.
Measures to enhance earthquake preparedness have also been implemented, including the supply of 11 aerial platform ladders to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, along with forklifts and dozers delivered to the Armed Forces Division.
The minister added that the government will continue procuring additional emergency response equipment such as tents, air boats, speedboats, search-and-rescue gear, and communication devices.
These resources will be distributed among the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Border Guard Bangladesh to ensure efficient and coordinated disaster response.
Minister Dulu emphasised that these measures are part of the government’s ongoing commitment to disaster risk reduction and preparedness across the country, aiming to protect lives and minimise losses during floods, cyclones, and other natural calamities.
