Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday urged people to stay aware of basic safety measures during earthquakes, saying he was not aware of any country that can issue advance predictions about quakes.

“Some nations use mobile applications capable of issuing warnings about 10 seconds before a tremor. We are exploring whether such an early-warning mobile app can be introduced in our country as well,” he said responding to a question over the recent earthquakes and public concern.

No unrest following verdict against Hasina: Home Adviser

He was talking to reporters after a meeting of the core committee on law-and-order at the ministry.

The home adviser said there is a significant shortage of open spaces particularly in urban areas and many buildings are being constructed by filling up water bodies.

He stressed that these issues must be addressed to reduce earthquake risks.

Jahangir Alam also urged all concerned to strictly follow the building code when constructing structures.

Responding to a question about the preparedness of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, he said the force has demonstrated strong capabilities in recent fire incidents.

“A major earthquake is a different scenario, and it would require collective effort from everyone. We are working to enhance the capacity of the fire service,” he said.

About election environment the adviser said there is no possibility of deterioration in the the country’s law and order situation ahead of the national election.

Home Adviser signals zero tolerance on unrest as election in February

“As the election nears the number of rallies and political programmes will naturally increase. When we took charge the law and order was already in a deteriorated state. Over the past one and a half years situation has improved significantly,” he said.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the ministry Nasimul Gani and other officials were present at the briefing.