RANGPUR, Oct 14, 2013 (BSS) – Speakers at a post-rally discussion here yesterday stressed coordinated efforts and early
preparedness to ensure an efficient management system forreducing risk of natural disasters, losses of lives and properties.
They were addressing the discussion jointly organised by the district administration, different NGOs and voluntary organisations in the conference room of the deputy commissioner (DC) in observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction-2013.
Earlier, hundreds of people including GO-NGO officials, students, teachers, journalists, public representatives, socio-
cultural and political activists, community leaders, professionals and elite brought out a colourful rally in the city. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Shahidul Islam attended the discussion as the chief guest with district relief and rehabilitation officer of Rangpur Abdus Salam in the chair.Rangpur unit secretary of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Shah Mohammad Nabi Ullah Panna, senior station officer of Rangpur Fire Service And Civil Defense Shahidul Islam, BRAC official Sabbir Hossain, RDRS executive Merina Ahmed, addressed as thespecial guests. Taking part in the discussion, the speakers narrated various types of natural disasters, statistics and suggested ways and means for reducing disaster risks everywhere including the disaster-prone rural and urban areas. They stressed coordinated efforts of all concerned government and non-government organisations and public representatives for creating social awareness and disseminating knowledge among the common people to reduce risks of natural disasters.
The chief guest said the government has been working to reduce disaster risks through efficient emergency response management systems, training, early and effective dissemination of information and warnings as it is not possible to resist natural disasters. He suggested all concerned for strictly following building codes, technologies and taking adequate risk reduction preparedness to reduce extent of damage both in terms of lives and properties to the minimum level during natural calamities.
