PM instructs strengthening preparedness over quakes

 
Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman has instructed the relevant authorities to strengthen advance preparedness, identify vulnerable buildings and enhance emergency rescue capabilities to address potential earthquake risks.

He gave the instructions at a meeting on earthquake preparedness and necessary measures held at the PM’s office in Secretariat on Monday.

Tarique to attend World Leaders' Summit at COP31

PM emphasised adopting an integrated action plan to ensure public safety in earthquake-prone areas across the country, mostly in the capit. He also directed the authorities to identify vulnerable and old buildings, ensure proper compliance with the National Building Code, and strengthen the capacity to conduct rapid rescue operations during emergencies.

He said an effective coordination among all relevant ministries, local government institutions, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Fire Service and other emergency service agencies is very important to minimise casualties and damages due to natural disasters including earthquake. 

He also stressed ensuring the safety of important establishments, including hospitals and educational institutions, maintaining adequate rescue equipment, providing necessary training to rescue workers and raising public awareness about earthquakes.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam Riju, and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies were present at the meeting.

Diplomatic Correspondent adds: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend the two-day World Leaders' Summit at COP31 in Türkiye where Bangladesh will press for grant-based climate financing and greater accountability from major carbon-emitting nations, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told media on Monday.

"The Prime Minister will make a very brief visit this time...He will attend the two-day high-level session," State Minister told journalists at the foreign ministry.

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20 while the high-level World Leaders' Climate Action Summit to be held on November 11-12. 

Shama said Bangladesh would place particular emphasis on showcasing its achievements in climate resilience and adaptation while pressing developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities towards climate-vulnerable nations.

She said Bangladesh would strongly advocate climate financing through grants rather than loans, arguing that countries contributing negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions should not be burdened with additional debt to address the consequences of climate change.

"Although Bangladesh contributes virtually nothing to carbon emissions, we ultimately become victims of their consequences," she said.

The state minister said Bangladesh would also highlight the importance of holding major carbon-emitting countries accountable for their commitments under international climate agreements.

She said the Prime Minister would present the environmental and climate-related initiatives undertaken by the BNP-led government over the past six months.

These include canal excavation, extensive tree plantation programmes and increased emphasis on solar power and other renewable energy sources.

Shama said the initiatives reflected the government's commitment to strengthening climate resilience, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

Bangladesh would also highlight how its people were adapting to climate change and developing resilience against its adverse impacts, particularly in the South Asian and wider Asian context, she added.

Asked about the Prime Minister's travel schedule, the composition of the delegation and Bangladesh's detailed negotiating position, Shama said the government would hold a formal press briefing ahead of the visit.

"The details will be shared at the press conference before the Prime Minister's departure," she said.

The conference is expected to focus on accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement, strengthening climate adaptation, mobilising financing for vulnerable countries and advancing the global transition towards clean energy.