Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to take comprehensive preparations to deal with potential earthquake risks, identify vulnerable buildings and strengthen emergency rescue capabilities.
He gave the directives at a meeting on earthquake preparedness and response at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, said 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 also called for identifying vulnerable and old buildings, ensuring compliance with the National Building Code in construction and enhancing the capacity to conduct swift rescue operations during emergencies.
Tarique said effective coordination among all relevant ministries, local government institutions, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Fire Service and other emergency response agencies was crucial to reducing casualties and damage from natural disasters like earthquakes.
He also emphasised ensuring the safety of critical facilities, including hospitals and educational institutions, maintaining adequate rescue equipment, providing training to rescuers and raising public awareness about earthquakes.
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.