Dhaka: Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, stated that integrated capacity building for disaster management could serve as a crucial tool for achieving sustainable solutions. He delivered these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the handover ceremony of disaster-capacity equipment to the Armed Forces Division (AFD) under Phase 3 of the Project for Procurement of Equipment for Search, Rescue Operations and Emergency Communication during Earthquakes and Other Disasters.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Directorate of Disaster Management organized the program at the 14th Independent Engineer Brigade in Dhaka Cantonment. The adviser acknowledged the AFD's important role in safeguarding lives and property and ensuring swift post-disaster recovery in the disaster-prone country. He expressed confidence that the new equipment would enhance the speed, effectiveness, and safety of the armed forces during disasters.
He further mentioned that the equipment would be pivotal in rescue operations, particularly in remote and high-risk areas, and would augment the forces' capabilities. Under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief's reforms, all disaster-related activities will be centrally coordinated by the ministry.
The equipment transferred under the project includes three heavy dozers with a 48-ton capacity, three dozers with a 20-ton capacity, and three forklifts. The adviser noted that this equipment is highly capable, durable, and suitable for continuous operation in disaster scenarios.
AFD's Principal Staff Officer Lt. Gen. SM Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md Saidur Rahman Khan, and Director General of the Directorate of Disaster Management Rezwanur Rahman also addressed the event. Earlier, the adviser handed over the keys of the vehicles designated for rescue operations.