Dhaka: Secretary to the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management Kamrul Hasan announced today that the government is preparing to revise its volunteer policy, removing age limitations to allow more people to participate in voluntary activities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kamrul Hasan shared this development while speaking at an event titled ‘Diverse Volunteers, Stronger Communities,’ organized by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University. The event, marking World Volunteer Day, was inaugurated by DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. Other notable speakers included VSO Bangladesh Country Director Khabirul Haque Kamal and Director (Training) of the Directorate of Youth Development Manikhar Rahman.
Kamrul Hasan highlighted the critical role of volunteers in disaster response, noting, “Different types of disasters occur in the country at different times. And the volunteers always stand by the disaster-hit people. If the volunteers di
d not work with dedication, we would not have been successful.” He emphasized the importance of volunteers, stating that currently, there are 7.7 million volunteers across various sectors who receive government training.
Addressing the challenges of disaster management, Hasan remarked, “The government cannot deal with disasters alone. The leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement worked relentlessly, risking their lives during the last flood. We have always been working united during each disaster.”
The event also saw the honoring of 21 volunteers for their exceptional contributions. Other distinguished speakers included National Youth Forum President Dr. Arman Hossain, Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies Director Mohammad Moniruzzaman Khan, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition Country Director Dr. Rudaba Khandaker, British Council Country Director Stephen Roland Forbes, UNFPA Country Representative Masaki Watabe, and First Secretary of the Swedish Embassy Nyoka Martinez B
ackstrom.