President urges disaster preparedness

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for stronger disaster preparedness and proper urban planning to minimise casualties and damage from natural and man-made disasters, warning that a major earthquake could have catastrophic consequences for Dhaka.

“Alongside natural disasters, there are also man-made disasters, but we give very little thought to them.''

“Looking at Dhaka today, the biggest concern is an earthquake. If one strikes, the city could be devastated,” he warned.

The President said experience from cities around the world showed that inadequate urban planning could significantly increase fatalities during disasters.

He stressed that greater attention must be given to disaster risk reduction, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Dhaka.

The President urged the relevant authorities to prioritise proper urban management and ensure that buildings are constructed in accordance with appropriate planning and safety standards.

He also emphasised the need to preserve natural river flows and prevent river pollution, saying these issues must receive greater attention as part of broader efforts to reduce disaster risks.

The remarks come amid growing concerns over Dhaka’s vulnerability to a major earthquake, given its dense population and urban development challenges.

The President called for proactive measures rather than a reactive approach, stressing that advance preparation and effective planning are essential to reducing the loss of life and property during disasters.