The experience of locals in planning and implementing disaster risk mitigation and climate change adaptation programs must be utilised to reap benefits for teeming millions from the ongoing projects on disaster management.
A virtual participation of three hundred and fifty domestic and foreign organizations at a roundtable conference put the thrust on this issue.
The conference was organized on Saturday to mark the International Day for Disaster Reduction. The meeting was jointly organized by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and the development partner "Friendship".
Bangladesh has been observing the International Disaster Mitigation Day every year. The theme of this year is good governance to reduce disaster risk, ensure sustainable development.
The Day will be observed on October 13.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Enamur Rahman was the chief guest at the function held at Daily Jugantar Auditorium in the capital. Capt. (Retd.) AB Tajul Islam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Ministry, Md. Mohsin, Secretary of the Ministry, Md. Atiqul Haque, Director General of Disaster Management, Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director of Friendship, Dr. Mahbuba Nasrin, Ahmadul Haque, Kazi Emdadul Haque, senior director of Friendship.
The State Minister for Relief said Bangladesh has been recognized by the world as a role model in disaster management. Disaster management programs have been successfully implemented. He appreciated the role of NGOs in dealing with disasters and called for coming up with realistic plans.
It may be mentioned that 20 districts in the north and south of Bangladesh are prone to disasters. In the light of the Seventh Five-Year Plan on Coordination of Government and Non-Governmental Organizations in Disaster Risk Reduction, the speakers gave their views on the natural disaster situation, progress and action to be taken by the grassroots organizations in the country. In accordance with the action of the framework, local practical knowledge and its practice should be ensured and various departmental development activities and implementation policies, strategies, plans should be implemented.
The speakers said that the people of the village have adopted the strategy of adapting to the disaster. Therefore, despite being one of the most densely populated countries in the world, it has been possible to reduce the damage caused by the disaster. In this way, it has been possible to play a positive role in the country's economy by reducing losses.
Every year Bangladesh faces one or more disasters such as floods, cyclones, river erosion, waterlogging, heavy rainfall, cold spells etc. The public, local government and civil society are the primary victims of these disasters and coordinators of emergency response and disaster programs. In this context, local organizations often act as a bridge between government representatives and the public. The members of these organizations are rich in information and knowledge of their respective areas which play an important role in taking proper and effective steps in disaster management. We need to listen to the views and opinions of the local people as a member country of the United Nations.
-rmc/
