Adviser stresses integrated capacity building to tackle disasters
Praising the armed forces for their critical role in safeguarding lives and property in times of crisis, the adviser said the newly procured equipment would significantly improve the speed, efficiency and safety of disaster-response operations.
Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, today (10 February) emphasised the need for an integrated approach to strengthening disaster-response capacity, saying it is essential for ensuring long-term and sustainable disaster management solutions.
He made the comments while speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking the handover of disaster-response equipment to the Armed Forces Division (AFD) under the third phase of a government project aimed at enhancing search, rescue and emergency communication capabilities during earthquakes and other disasters.
The event was organised by Directorate of Disaster Management at the 14th Independent Engineer Brigade in Dhaka Cantonment.
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Praising the armed forces for their critical role in safeguarding lives and property in times of crisis, the adviser said the newly procured equipment would significantly improve the speed, efficiency and safety of disaster-response operations.
He expressed confidence that the additional resources would further strengthen the armed forces' operational readiness, particularly in challenging and high-risk environments.
Faruk E Azam noted that the equipment would be especially effective in reaching disaster-affected areas that are remote or difficult to access, thereby enhancing overall rescue and recovery efforts.
He also said that as part of ongoing reforms within the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, all disaster-related initiatives would be coordinated centrally through the ministry to ensure better planning, efficiency and accountability.
The equipment handed over under the project includes three heavy dozers with a 48-tonne capacity, three medium-capacity dozers and three forklifts.
According to the adviser, the machinery has been selected for its durability, high performance and ability to operate continuously under demanding disaster conditions.
Senior officials present at the programme included Armed Forces Division Principal Staff Officer Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasan, Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan, and Director General of the Directorate of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman, all of whom addressed the gathering.
Earlier in the programme, the adviser formally handed over the keys of the vehicles designated for emergency rescue operations.
