PM instructs preparation of one lakh volunteers to tackle post-earthquake situation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed authorities to prepare one lakh volunteers to tackle post-earthquake situations in the capital Dhaka.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib (Dulu) shared the information with journalists after a courtesy meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on Sunday, March 1.

The relief minister said Dhaka is a densely populated and unplanned city. In the event of a major earthquake, conducting rescue operations here would be a significant challenge. Therefore, the Prime Minister has ordered that 100,000 skilled and trained volunteers be prepared in Dhaka at the earliest. Arrangements are being made so that they can respond immediately to any emergency situation.

The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called upon the concerned ministry to take necessary initiatives to raise widespread public awareness about what to do during and after an earthquake. He has also instructed that playgrounds and schools in the capital be initially identified as shelters during disasters.

He further informed that a preliminary plan is being prepared to tackle earthquakes. A high-level meeting with the Prime Minister will be held on March 11 to discuss this comprehensive plan.