DHAKA, Oct 12, 2021 (BSS) - Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Strengthening Urban Public-Private Programming for Earthquake Resilience Project (SUPER Project) have jointly established South Asia's first disaster risk management center titled "Private Sector Emergency Operation Center (POC)" in Bangladesh. 

   State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman inaugurated the center as the chief guest at a function in the city while Md Mohsin, Secretary, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, was present as the special guest.

   Dr Md Enamur Rahman said government and private sector should work together for disaster risk management in Bangladesh and opined that this emergency operation center can play a vital role to fight against any disaster. 

   He informed that the government has taken initiative to establish a "National Emergency Operation Center" in Tejgaon area with Chinese technical and financial assistance. 

   Rahman also said that over 42 Lakh volunteers are already been trained and equipped with necessary instruments to mitigate the losses of disaster.

   In his opening remarks, DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said to ensure risk free industrialization and investment we should focus on risk resilience infrastructure system. 

   He urged to change our traditional mindset regarding disaster risk management and to be aware of its impact. 

   He stressed for more involvement of the private sector in this regard and said any disaster hampers the industrialization and economic growth so this is the duty of all of us irrespective of business or non-business sector to respond this critical issue.

   Md Mohsin, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster and relief said, Bangladesh is now a role model for disaster management and the participation of private sector reflects the preparedness to create awareness of this sector.

   Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh Farah Kabir said private sector should allocate more fund for research on disaster risk management and also to create a database of skilled manpower for disaster management. She also said that trade organizations in the rural areas should incorporate more in this regard.

   Head of Office, DG European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Daniela D'Urso and National Director, World Vision Bangladesh Suresh Bartlett also shared their views.