The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has sought information on the country’s preparedness to deal with earthquakes, particularly in Dhaka and other cities.
The committee made the request at its first meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday, with committee Chairman Munshi Rafiqul Alam in the chair.
It also recommended taking effective measures to ensure the rapid dissemination of early warnings to people in disaster-prone areas.
The committee asked the ministry to prepare and present district-wise lists of shelters and volunteers at its next meeting and send the lists to local MPs.
It stressed that project officials must discharge their responsibilities with honesty, dedication and accountability.
The panel also recommended ensuring proper distribution of relief, assistance and allocations, and keeping shelters clean and fit for use.
It called for close monitoring of construction work to prevent contractors from using substandard construction materials.
A presentation on the activities of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and its subordinate departments and agencies was made at the meeting.
The committee was also briefed on various activities undertaken by the ministry during the past six months.