GAIBANDHA, OCT 13, 2024 (BSS) - International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction-2024 was observed in the district as elsewhere in the country and the globe today with a call to remain always ready to tackle any type of disaster.

This year's theme of the day is, "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future."

 Marking the day, district administration, district relief and rehabilitation office, chalked out elaborate programmes in association with a number of non-government organisations, including SKS, GUK, FRIENDSHIP, World Vision, BRAC, RDRS, SDRS, Care, Save the Children and BDRCS.

In the morning, a rally was brought out from Independence Square of the district town that ended on the ground of Islamia High School after parading through main streets.

A discussion was held on the premises of the school.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (general) Dewan Moudud Ahmed attended the function and addressed it as the chief guest.
 
Presided over by district relief and rehabilitation officer Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, the function was also addressed, among others, by project implementation officer of Sadar upazila Reazul Islam, deputy assistant director of Fire Service and Civil Defence office Mahmudul Hasan, headmaster of the school Ehsanul Kabir, BRAC representative Mosarrof Hossain, representative of SKS Foundation Ashraful Alam and project manager of BDRCS Amal Kumar Pramanik.
 
The speakers in their speeches said due to geographical location, Bangladesh has become one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and it experiences extreme weather conditions and disastrous hazards, including flood, erosion, drought, and cyclones, every year.
 
Bangladesh is also at the risk of earthquakes as it is situated in the seismic zone. High population density, unplanned urbanization and faulty construction of buildings have intensified the risk of causalities, they added.
 
The additional deputy commissioner said the government is determined to reduce loss of lives and property across the country.
He underscored the need for conducting awareness activities for the people living in disaster-prone areas to protect them from any type of natural disaster.
 
A good number of people, including district and upazila level officials, students, teachers, activists of different NGOs and journalists took part in the event spontaneously.