DHAKA, March 9, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today announced that the government has launched a programme to train 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka city to strengthen post-earthquake response and rescue efforts.

The minister said the initiative has been taken by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief following the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. 

The programme aims to minimize damage and accelerate rescue and recovery operations after any major earthquake in the capital.

Dulu made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an earthquake and fire awareness drill held at the grounds of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka.

He noted that Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location. According to the minister, disaster patterns are also changing in recent years because of climate change.

“We must move forward while facing disasters. We need to practice effective strategies to reduce losses. Regular drills will help remove panic among people and encourage them to respond properly during emergencies,” he said.

The drill programme was organised to mark National Disaster Preparedness Day 2026. The theme of this year’s observance is “We will fight through disaster preparedness and build a youth-driven Bangladesh.”

The event was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Latif of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. Among others who spoke at the programme were Member of Parliament Saiful Alam Khan (Dhaka-12), Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman, Director General of the Directorate of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brigadier General Muhammad Zaheed Kamal and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Dr. Kabir M. Asharaf Alam.