South Asia’s first disaster risk management centre inaugurated at DCCI

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Strengthening Urban Public-Private Programming for Earthquake Resilience Project (SUPER Project) have jointly established South Asia’s first disaster risk management centre in Bangladesh.

The centre, titled ‘Private Sector Emergency Operation Centre (POC)’, was inaugurated during a programme at DCCI on Tuesday, according to a press statement.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md. Enamur Rahman was present at the inauguration programme as chief guest. The secretary to the ministry, Md. Mohsin, joined the event as a special guest.

In his opening remarks, DCCI President Rizwan Rahman stressed focusing on risk resilience infrastructure systems as disasters hamper industrialisation and economic growth.

The DCCI president urged all to change traditional mindset regarding disaster risk management and to be aware of its impact. He also stressed more involvement of the private sector in this regard.

Dr Md. Enamur Rahman said the newly-opened emergency operation centre can play a vital role in fighting against any disaster.

He informed that the government has taken initiative to establish a National Emergency Operation Centre in the Tejgaon area with Chinese technical and financial assistance.

The state minister also said that over 4.2 million volunteers are already been trained and equipped with the necessary instruments to mitigate the losses of disaster.

Describing Bangladesh as a role model for disaster management, Md Mohsin said the participation of the private sector reflects the preparedness to create awareness of this sector.

Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh Farah Kabir said the private sector should allocate more funds for research on disaster risk management and also to create a database of skilled manpower for disaster management.

She also said that trade organisations in the rural areas should incorporate more in this regard.

Head of Office of DG European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Daniela D’Urso and National Director of World Vision Bangladesh Suresh Bartlett also shared their views during the event.

DCCI Senior Vice President N K A Mobin, Vice President Monowar Hossain and members of the Board of directors were also present at the programme.