Dhaka: Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, emphasized the critical role of early warning systems in saving lives in Bangladesh, a nation frequently affected by natural disasters. “Early warning isn’t merely information-it’s a lifeline,” Azam stated during the inauguration of the ‘Early Warning for All’ national validation and sharing workshop held at the BM Foundation Auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Faruk E Azam highlighted the success of Bangladesh’s Cyclone Preparedness Programme, which has significantly reduced casualties from cyclones. He recalled the devastating cyclone of 1970, which claimed nearly a million lives in one night and contrasted it with recent improvements, where early warning systems have helped save countless lives.
The adviser underscored the importance of modernizing early warning systems to address the challenges posed by climate change and multifaceted disasters. “We are not stopping at cyclones and floods; we are strengthening warnings for landslides, lightning, droughts, heat waves, cold waves, and even urban disasters,” he explained.
Azam revealed that the government is allocating funds and planning increased investments in enhancing early warning systems. However, he stressed that this effort requires collective participation, international assistance, and innovative financing models. “Everyone’s participation will be required,” he said, urging for community involvement and the dissemination of warnings in simple, local languages to ensure their effectiveness.
He further noted the commitment of the Chief Adviser of the interim government to international climate adaptation and disaster resilience initiatives. Bangladesh’s involvement in the global ‘Early Warning for All’ initiative reflects the government’s dedication to disaster risk reduction.
Concluding his remarks, Azam described the ongoing process of implementing early warning systems, aligning them with national plans, and making them more realistic and human-centric. The workshop, chaired by Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md. Mostafizur Rahman, also featured speeches from other notable figures such as Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Chairman Major Gen (Retd) Professor Dr Md Azizul Islam, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, and representatives from various organizations.