A round table discussion was held yesterday marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13.

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and Friendship, a development partner, have given priority to discussions on the context and course of action for disasters in rural areas, said a press release.

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world. The people of this country have been dealing with various disasters like cyclones, flood, land erosion, tidal surges, earthquakes etc for generations. For this reason, disaster management is of particular importance in the interest of the well-being of Bangladesh’s citizens.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Enamur Rahman, MP attended the function as the chief guest at the Daily Jugantar Auditorium in the capital. Also present as special guests were AB Tajul Islam, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Disaster Management and Relief, Mohammad Mohsin, Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Mohammad AtiqulHaque, Director General, Disaster Management and Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director, Friendship.Discussing the impact of disasters in the marginalised areas of the country and strategies to deal with them were the Director of the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerable Studies. Mahbuba Nasrin; Ahmadul Haque, Director, Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) and Kazi Amdadul Hoque, Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Head of Climate Action, Friendship.

Speaking as the chief guest, the Minister of State for Disaster Management and Relief said, “Bangladesh has been recognized by the world as a role model in disaster management. As a member state of the United Nations, disaster management programs are being successfully implemented which has become a role model for other countries.”

Round table discussion speakers said that the people of the rural areas have adopted these strategies to adapt to the disasters. Therefore, despite being one of the most densely populated countries in the world, it has still been possible to reduce the damage caused. As such, it most certainly plays a positive role in the country’s economy by drastically reducing loss of life, livelihoods, resources and infrastructure.

It is to be noted that as a member country of the United Nations, Bangladesh has been observing the International Disaster Risk Reduction every year. The theme of this year is ‘Good Governance in Disaster Risk Reduction, Ensuring Sustainable Development’.