Each tremor, no matter how small it appears, is a warning that our preparedness must move beyond rhetoric and momentary reactionary panic. To that end, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent directive to mobilize 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka, identify open spaces for relocation, and procure emergency equipment, is a welcome and pro-active step. For too long, disaster management in this country has been reactive, with lives lost and infrastructure crippled before action is taken. Open spaces must be secured and mapped, not merely identified. The only defense is readiness, and readiness must be comprehensive, from the government to civil society to the citizens working together.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 02, 2026 13:17 UTC