Dhaka: Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, Bir Pratik, announced today that the government is actively constructing disaster shelters with the aim of reducing public suffering during natural calamities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Faruk-e-Azam highlighted concerns regarding the past construction of cyclone shelters in low-lying and flood-prone areas, noting that their placement rendered them less effective. He emphasized that shelters built on higher ground would have been more beneficial. Despite facing objections from locals and political pressures, some projects were executed in unsuitable locations. The adviser insisted that future shelters must be strategically placed to genuinely aid people during disasters.
During a press briefing after his visit to the under-construction cyclone shelters at Sharafpur and Chatchatia Shibnagar Ferry Ghat in Dumuria upazila of Khulna, Faruk-e-Azam responded to media inquiries by stating that construction of shelters in ineffective locations would be halted. He assured that ongoing projects would be reviewed, and necessary actions would be taken if they were deemed unsuitable.
The adviser further detailed plans for new shelters, which would feature three stories, with provisions to accommodate women and children on the second floor and men on the third during emergencies. He reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of the people and mentioned that these shelters would also serve the community in non-disaster times.
Officials have been directed to complete all current construction projects by December 2025. The briefing was attended by Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman, Khulna Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman, and other local officials.
Following the briefing, Faruk-e-Azam proceeded to visit several ongoing construction sites for shelters in the Bagerhat district.