He also lauded the government’s effort in collecting and deploying modern tools to fight disasters of any category.
The advisor made the remarks at a discussion marking National Disaster Preparedness Day arranged by Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief at Officers’ Club Auditorium.
HT Imam, in his speech as the chief guest, said Bangladesh is in great risk of catastrophic damage from medium to large scale earthquakes due to unplanned urbanization.
“The government is buying and collecting modern instruments for fighting disasters bearing that in mind,” he added.
He also credited Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his pioneering step of establishing Cyclone Preparedness Program to reduce the risks of loss of live in the natural disaster.
HT Imam said that despite having no responsibility for global warming, of Bangladeshi people have to suffer for the impact of the climate change. But, the responsible countries like US, China and Europe are not taking the responsibilities.
“Dhaka and nearby Madhupur of Tangail is now at the risk of earthquake due its geographic position. Unplanned urbanization is also one of the reasons for the disaster risks. Once such an earthquake or disaster hits in this area, it may cause of damage of hundreds of lives,” he added.
State Minister for Disaster management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman mentioned that current government is capable of fighting any sorts of disasters.
“Despite being a disaster-prone nation, Bangladesh has become a role model in disaster management by increasing legal, organisational and institutional capabilities,” he added.
Ministry’s Senior Secretary Md. Shah Kamal chaired the programme while State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Enamur Rahman, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Disaster Management and Relief Ministry AB Tajul Islam, Bangladesh Redcrescent Society Chairman Hafiz Ahmed Majumder, Ministry’s Additional Secretary Md. Mohsin, Department of Disaster Management Director General Abu Syed Md. Hashim and Fire Services Department’s Director General Ali Ahmed Khan spoke the occasion.