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The government is mulling over introducing an app for providing early warning of earthquakes in the country, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday.
He said several countries have developed applications, capable of issuing alerts around 10 seconds before tremors begin. However, no country has a complete early-warning system for earthquakes.
"We are considering whether a similar early-warning app can be introduced in Bangladesh or not," he told the media after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The home adviser stressed the importance of strictly following the building codes, and urged RAJUK to carefully examine the construction proposals for filled-in water-bodies.
Responding to questions about the Fire Service's readiness during earthquakes, fires and other disasters, he said the department had demonstrated strong capability in managing recent fire incidents.
"A major earthquake would create an entirely different challenge, but we all have to work collectively. We are working to further strengthen the Fire Service's capacity."
Regarding law and order situation in the country, the adviser said there is no likelihood of any deterioration in the situation ahead of the national election.
"The overall security environment is steadily improving. As the election is approaching, the number of rallies and processions by different political parties will naturally increase."
"When we assumed office, the situation had already begun to deteriorate. Over the past one and a half years, our efforts have helped to bring significant improvement," he added.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com