Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, Bir Pratik, talks today at Khulana. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Oct 10, 2025 (BSS) - Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, Bir Pratik, today said that the government is constructing disaster shelters to minimize public suffering during natural calamities.

He noted that in the past, many cyclone shelters were built in low-lying and flood-prone areas, making them less effective. “If those had been built on higher ground, they could have served people better,” he said.

“Despite objections from locals and political influence, such projects were implemented in unsuitable sites. Shelters must be constructed in locations that truly benefit people during disasters,” the adviser added.

Faruk-e-Azam made the remarks while briefing journalists after visiting under-construction cyclone shelters at Sharafpur and Chatchatia Shibnagar Ferry Ghat in Dumuria upazila of Khulna.

In response to media queries, the adviser said that construction work on disaster shelters located in unsuitable areas would be halted.

“We will review the under-construction shelters and take appropriate steps if they are found unfit,” he said.

He further informed that the new shelters would be three-storied, with women and children accommodated on the second floor and men on the third during disasters.

“The government spends money for the welfare of the people,” he said, adding that these shelters would also serve community purposes during normal times.

The adviser directed officials to complete all ongoing construction work by December 2025.

Among others, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman, Khulna Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman, respective Upazila Nirbahi Officers, and local officials were present.

Later, the adviser visited several ongoing shelter construction sites in Bagerhat district.