The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was observed in Cox’s Bazar on Monday with the theme “Fighting Disaster Together through Coordinated Efforts.”
The day was marked with a rally, earthquake and fire drills, and a discussion meeting aimed at raising public awareness about disaster preparedness.
The District Administration, in collaboration with the Fire Service and Civil Defence, jointly organized the events. The Deputy Commissioner’s office premises hosted a rally in the morning, which paraded through the town’s main streets. It was followed by earthquake and fire response demonstrations held at Shaheed Daulat Maidan.
Later, a discussion meeting took place at the Shaheed Subhash Hall of the Public Library, attended by Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan as the chief guest.
In his speech, the DC stated that Cox’s Bazar is one of the country’s most disaster-prone regions and emphasized that raising public awareness can significantly reduce disaster-related losses. He also called for training and preparedness programs for students and communities to handle emergencies before and after disasters such as earthquakes and fires.
The meeting was chaired by Tanharul Islam, Deputy Assistant Director of the Fire Service and Civil Defence. Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imran Hossain Sajib, Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammadul Haque, Additional Superintendent of Police Nazmus Sakib Khan, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Md. Azadur Rahman, Red Crescent Officer Abdus Samad, Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman, CPP Deputy Director Hafez Ahmed, and UNDP Representative Obaidul Islam Munna spoke at the event.
Speakers at the meeting stressed that preparedness, awareness, and coordinated efforts are key to managing disasters effectively. They also urged all to stop hill cutting and other environmentally harmful practices that contribute to human-induced disasters.
Officials from various government departments, members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Red Crescent Society, CPP, students, and other stakeholders attended the event.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
