Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik today addressed a discussion at Shilpakala Academy, Barishal marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR). Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Oct 13, 2025 (BSS) – Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik said today the government have given utmost priorities on disaster preparedness alongside resilience building to ensure effective disaster management.
 
“Instead of conventional emergency response, relief and recovery-based approaches, the utmost importance is now being given to disaster preparedness, risk reduction, resilience building and sustainable reconstruction to ensure effective disaster management,” he said.
  
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at Shilpakala Academy, Barishal marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR).
 The Day under the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters” is being celebrated elsewhere across the world including Bangladesh, today.
 
 
Azam said that disaster management in Bangladesh is being developed as a continuous, institutional and science-based process based on the understanding that disaster risk reduction is the most effective way to reduce asset losses.
 
The Adviser said that Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.
 “The risk of natural and man-made disasters in the country is relatively high due to its geographical location, large number of rivers, dense settlements and the impact of climate change,” he said.
 
He said that the government has formulated the National Disaster Management Policy and National Disaster Management Plan by realizing the reality.
 
The Adviser said the people would have benefited more if the cyclone centers were built in disaster-prone areas.
 He also said that he is visiting various places to review the current status of the cyclone shelters built by the government in the disaster-prone areas of Khulna, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Patuakhali, Barguna and Bhola and confirm  whether the places which were selected for building cyclone centres in future is rightly chosen or not.  
 Barisal Divisional Commissioner Md Raihan Kawsar presided over the discussion.
Earlier, a colorful rally was brought out in Barishal marking city on the occasion of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR).
 
Officials of the divisional, district administration and police administration of Barishal participated in the rally.
 
Later, a rehearsal on disaster management was held at Bells Park ground in the city to mark the day.
 
Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Director General of Department of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman, Barisal Range DIG Md. Manjur Morshed Alam, Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Shafiqul Islam, Barishal Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Delwar Hossain and senior officials of the divisional and district administration.