Razzak for increasing role of local govt in tackling disaster

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Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzak Thursday called upon the local government representatives to play their increased role in tackling after effects of natural disasters, especially in the coastal areas, reports BSS.
Union Parishad chairmen, members and Upazila Parishad representatives are at the forefront of disaster management at the field level, he added.
Razzak was inaugurating a seminar on "Role of the local government in disaster preparedness and mitigation" organised by Rupantar, a Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
The programme held at the auditorium of LGED Bhaban was also addressed, by former Adviser of the caretaker government Rasheda K Chowdhury, Nazrul Islam Manju, MP, Mir Shawkat Ali Badsha, MP, and US ambassador to Bangladesh James F Moriarty. USAID Country Representative Danish Rollins was also present. Chief Executive of Rupantar Swapan Guha chaired the seminar.
Dr Razzak laid emphasis on training of the local government leaders outside the country for their skill development and inclusion of disaster issues in the syllabus of different educational institutes.
He sought cooperation of all for constructing and repairing of coastal embankments, cyclone shelter centres, hospitals with trauma centres at school buildings for tackling disasters in the southern region of the country.
The Minister also emphasised the need for bringing technology from abroad for desalination of water so that cyclone victims can get adequate supply of safe drinking water.
Income generating activities should be increased in the coastal and char areas so that people can face calamities from their own resources, he added.
He said 42,000 volunteers are working in coastal belt to help people at their time of need under the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP).
Dr Razzak said the government has a Standing Order on Disaster (SOD), which has been appreciated by all in tackling disasters skillfully. Steps would be taken so that the local government representatives and lawmakers can work in harmony in all issues to help people, he said.
Despite climate change, Bangladesh is vulnerable to other disasters like floods, droughts, cyclones and earthquakes, which are to be addressed properly.
Rasheda K Chowdhury said the local government bodies should be provided with necessary power so that they can discharge their duties and responsibilities without any hindrance.
James F Moriarty said the USA firmly believes that democracy begins at the local level and local governments bodies are the key to building blocks of any democratic society.
The opening of the seminar was followed by a cultural function.