President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stressed the need for forward-looking policies and coordinated plans to reduce disaster risks and improve disaster response.

He made the remarks at a discussion marking International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction at the China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Tuesday morning (October 13).

The President said disaster preparedness plans must not remain confined to paper. Disaster management, he added, must be science-based, transparent and accountable.

Highlighting public participation as one of the key strengths of disaster management, the President identified earthquakes as one of the country’s growing risks. He said gaps in enforcing building construction regulations in urban areas have increased the risk of earthquake-related damage.

He also stressed that women, children, older people and persons with disabilities must be placed at the centre of disaster preparedness and response plans.