Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed the relevant authorities to step up earthquake preparedness by identifying vulnerable buildings, strengthening emergency response mechanisms and improving rescue capabilities.
He issued the directives at a meeting on earthquake preparedness and response at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday afternoon, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister underscored the need for a coordinated action plan to protect people in Dhaka and other earthquake-prone areas across the country.
He called for the identification of old and structurally vulnerable buildings, strict enforcement of the National Building Code in construction activities and enhanced capacity for rapid rescue operations during emergencies.
Tarique Rahman said effective coordination among the concerned ministries, local government institutions, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), Fire Service and other emergency response agencies would be essential to minimise casualties and property damage during natural disasters, particularly earthquakes.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and educational institutions. Adequate rescue equipment, specialised training for emergency response personnel and increased public awareness of earthquake risks were among the other priorities he emphasised.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Rajuk Chairman Engineer Md Reazul Islam, and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies attended the meeting.
