Government runs earthquake simulation to test emergency preparedness
The exercise was held from 14 to 16 July at the BIAM Foundation in Dhaka
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) successfully conducted a three day National Earthquake Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) in cooperation with the UN World Food Programme.
The exercise was held from 14 to 16 July at the BIAM Foundation in Dhaka.
The event involved over 130 participants from government agencies, the armed forces, first responders, humanitarian partners, and UN organizations, and tested Bangladesh's emergency response architecture under a simulated earthquake scenario.
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The goal was to evaluate coordination mechanisms, identify operational gaps, and enhance national disaster preparedness.
The event was inaugurated by the Director General of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Razwanur Rahman. Md. Korban Ali, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) delivered the opening speech. Razwanur Rahman, Director General of the DDM, and Simone Parchment, Deputy Country Director of WFP Bangladesh also shared their remarks in the inauguration session.
The simulation tested operational coordination under a high-impact earthquake scenario, with participants enacting real-time responses. Activities included coordination mapping, rapid needs assessments, emergency logistics deployment, and communication system reviews.
The exercise resulted in several key outcomes, including a clearer understanding of institutional roles and responsibilities, identification of critical coordination gaps, and strengthened collaboration between government and humanitarian actors.
The event concluded with remarks from Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of MoDMR and Domenico Scalpelli, WFP Country Representative. This initiative reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to disaster risk reduction, with strong technical and operational support from the World Food Programme.
Md. Mostafizur Rahman noted, "Enhancing national preparedness—especially for sudden disasters like earthquakes—remains a key priority. This simulation with WFP has helped us identify gaps and strengthen coordination. We appreciate WFP's continued support in building a more resilient Bangladesh."
"Preparedness is a collective responsibility. It does not rest on the shoulders of one ministry, humanitarian agency or partner. It rests on us all, and what we've seen over these last few days is that Bangladesh is ready to rise to the challenge." said Domenico Scalpelli.
As the lead UN agency for logistics and emergency telecommunications, WFP reaffirms its readiness to support the Government of Bangladesh in building a safer, more prepared, and more resilient future.
