None suffers during natural calamities in 2017: Maya

729

 DHAKA, March 10, 2018 (BSS) – Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya today said none suffered due to dearth of food during natural disasters in 2017 as the government had ensured sustainable disaster management.

“None suffered due to dearth of food during the five big natural calamities occurred in 2017 as all helping tasks like giving messages in advance, rescue operation, distribution of relief goods and rehabilitation were done under the directives of prime minister during in each natural calamity,” he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar marking the National Disaster Preparedness Day-2018 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city, said a press release.

Disaster Management and Relief Secretary M Shah Kamal preside over the programme.

Chairman of Parliament Standing Committee of the ministry Syed Abul Hossain Babla, Director General (DG) of Armed Forces Division Brigadier General Ezazul Bari, DG of Department of Disaster Management (DDM) Riaz Ahmed, DG of Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan, Secretary General of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Firoz Salahuddin and Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) Director Ahmedul Huq were present, among others.

Maya called for creating much awareness among the people about disaster and its consequences and raising the people’s resilience capacity to face any catastrophe successfully.

The Day was observed across the country with a call to expedite disaster preparedness programmes for reducing the loss of lives and properties in natural calamities.

The speakers emphasized disseminating information, training and knowledge among the rural people, especially living in the disaster-prone areas through coordinated efforts to reduce disaster-losses.

They stressed the need for a comprehensive approach for reducing the prevailing risks of the natural disaster and said importance should be given on local resource mobilization through creating mass awareness to attain the cherished goal.