Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to strengthen earthquake preparedness by forming a national taskforce and preparing 100,000 volunteers for emergency response in Dhaka and adjacent areas.

At a high-level meeting on earthquake preparedness, he also decided to establish a dedicated earthquake preparedness cell at the Prime Minister’s Office, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.

PM Tarique meets boy whose viral smile hid a story of loss

The meeting, held at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat with the Prime Minister in the chair, conducted a comprehensive review of post-earthquake emergency response, inter-agency coordination, public awareness initiatives and logistic preparedness to tackle any potential disaster.

A detailed discussion was held on forming a national taskforce, preparing and training 100,000 volunteers to provide emergency services in Dhaka and adjoining areas after an earthquake, and ensuring the availability of necessary equipment.

Of the targeted volunteers, a database of 70,000 has already been prepared, while preparations are underway to ready the remaining 30,000 volunteers soon.

The meeting also discussed various initiatives to increase public awareness about earthquake preparedness and ways to ensure effective coordination between government and private organisations during any possible disaster.

Besides, discussions were held on ensuring effective coordination between government and private organisations to ensure a swift response to disasters.

The meeting discussed the establishment of Humanitarian Staging Areas (HSAs) in Dhaka city to facilitate emergency response and relief operations in case of a disaster.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister M Iqbal Hossain, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Prof Dr MA Muhit, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan, among others, attended the meeting.