BSS, Rangpur :There is no alternative to early preparedness, innovating newer scientific knowledge and information dissemination technologies among the common people to reduce risk of natural disasters.The opinion came at a post-rally discussion organised by the districtadministration in association with District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) and NGOs at Zila School in observance of the National Disaster Preparedness Day-2016 on Thursday.The day was observed with the theme of “We will not be afraid of calamities, we will overcome those” in the city as elsewhere in the district putting special importance on knowing science- based information to bring down losses during disaster.Earlier, hundreds of officials and representatives of different government,non-government, voluntary organisations and educational institutions,students, teachers, public representatives and elite brought out a huge colourful rally in the city streets.Deputy Commissioner Md Rahat Anwar attended the post-rally discussion as the chief guest with Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr ATM Mahbubul Karim in the chair.District Relief & Rehabilitation Officer Faridul Haque, District Fisheries Officer Dr Zillur Rahman, Civil Surgeon Dr Abul Kalam Azad, Project Coordinator of ‘Pollishree’ Shahanaz Begum and executives of different NGOs and organisations addressed.Rangpur unit Secretary of BDRCS Shah M Nabiullah Panna expressed concern over frequent tornado, tsunami, earthquake, tidal surge, drought, floods and erosions being caused by climate change adversely affecting every sector of the nature.Assistant Director of Rangpur Fire Service & Civil Defense Station Sheikh Asaduzzaman called for innovating newer scientific technologies, ways and educating people on early disaster preparedness and post-disaster management to reduce risks and losses during natural disasters.”It is not possible to resist natural disasters and the government has been working to reduce disaster risks through efficient emergency response management systems, training, education, early dissemination of information and warnings,” he said.President of the district unit of “We Can’ Principal Fakhrul Anam Benzu laid emphasis on ensuring awareness, adequate training, preparedness,education and knowledge among the people to reduce risks of natural disasters.The chief guest put emphasis on comprehensive efforts of the government and non- government organisations, involving local communities, for faster socioeconomic uplift through reducing risks of natural disasters for the future generations.Gouripur( Mymensingh)Correspondnet adds: National Disaster Preparedness Day was observed in Gouripur Upazila of Mymensingh on Thursday with a view to raising mass awareness about natural calamities. Government and non-government organisation chalked out various programmes including rallies and discussions to mark the day with this year’s slogan “We will not be afraid of calamities.”A rally was brought out at 11:30 am from the Upazila Parishad that ended at the same place. Man and women from different professionals took part at the rally along with colourful festoon, banner and play cards. Later, a discussion was held at Upazila Public Hall with Md Tajul Islam, PIO of Gouripur upazila in the chair. Jannat-A-Hour Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer as chief guest. The discussion was addressed among others by Md. Jahangir Hossain Upazila Secondary Education Officer, Laila Akther Upazila Youth Development Officer, Tarapad Chakraborti Upazila Food Officer, Fouzia Begum Senior Upazila Daridro Bimochan Officer PDBF, Gouripur.
