Speakers at a learning sharing session have said that although Bangladesh is considered as a role model for development and also in disaster management, the country is still now considered as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.
Experts at the event said that emphasis must be given on reducing disaster risk for building Smart Bangladesh. Proper initiative with the support of the government, NGO and stakeholders of private sectors is needed in building disaster-resilient Smart Bangladesh.
The learning sharing session on the completion of the Strengthening Urban Public-Private Programming for Earthquake Resilience (SUPER) project consortium took place at a hotel in Dhaka on Wednesday (September 27).
ActionAid Bangladesh, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), United Purpose and World Vision Bangladesh jointly arranged the event titled ‘Sharing the Journey of SUPER Project’. The organisations jointly implemented the SUPER project since June 1 in 2020 to September 30 in 2023 supported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Operations (ECHO).
Md Mizanur Rahman, director general of Department of Disaster Management; attended the event as the chief guest, while Sriramappa Gonchikara, country director at United Purpose; attended as special guest. SM Golam Farooq Alamgir, senior vice president of DCCI; delivered the welcome speech.
In his speech, Md Mizanur Rahman said that no development is sustainable without knowledge of disaster reduction. “So, we all have to be ready to face the disaster. Any development activities should be conducted by ensuring safety while keeping the issue of risk in mind,” he added.
In his opening remarks, SM Golam Farooq Alamgir said, “Despite being considered as the development role model in the world, Bangladesh is still known globally as one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of natural disasters with far-reaching adverse consequences in every sphere of life including business. To overcome the unexpected disaster risk, we need to implement comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies including preparedness, mitigation and recovery measures through collaboration of various government, NGO and private sector stakeholders in compliance with the UNDRR Sendai Framework (2015 – 2030).Only the nit is possible to build a smart Bangladesh.”
The speakers of the event said the SUPER project aimed to promote private sector participation and their leadership in disaster preparedness and response considering earthquake and associated hazards.
