Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed that 100,000 volunteers be prepared in Dhaka to respond to potential earthquake damage.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu informed journalists about the directive on Sunday (March 1) following a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat.
“The Prime Minister has given us several instructions. Due to the recent frequent earthquakes, he has specifically asked us to prepare 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka city. We have also been tasked with identifying various playgrounds and schools that can serve as evacuation centers during an earthquake, along with some other directives,” the minister said.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu speaks to reporters in Dhaka on March 1.—Jago News photo
When asked whether these volunteers would be deployed only in Dhaka, the minister replied, “This is for 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka city. Just as we have volunteers in the coastal areas, we will follow the same model here, and we are currently working on that.”
Asadul Habib Dulu added, “The Prime Minister has instructed us to procure necessary equipment quickly and to coordinate with other ministries to raise public awareness. We are working on these tasks and will hold a follow-up meeting on March 11.”
On questions regarding earthquake rescue capabilities, the minister said, “These discussions are aimed at strengthening that capability. So far, the equipment we have procured has been handed over to the Armed Forces Division, and some has been given to the Fire Service.”