Home
+
Published : 16 Sep 2025, 12:38 PM
Disaster Management Advisor Faruk E Azam has outlined the government's plans to mobilise the youth to build a national volunteer force geared towards responding swiftly to natural calamities.
Speaking at the opening of the 3rd National Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on Tuesday, he also stressed the need to adopt a tech-driven, proactive approach to tackling crises.
On the importance of tapping into the youth's potential in this regard, he said: “Young people are always inspiring. They are already standing at the front line. With adequate training, the volunteers dedicated to the Cyclone Preparedness Programme can do extraordinary work."
“It is time to expand this youth-engaged model across the country. Our goal is to build a united national volunteer force ready to respond to any crisis.”
Bangladesh is widely recognised as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, and Faruk invoked the country’s history to stress the importance of early preparedness.
He recalled the 1970 Bhola cyclone, which killed nearly half a million people, calling it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history.
“The Bhola cyclone left a deep scar in our national psyche. Through it, the people of then East Pakistan felt extreme discrimination. A year later, after a bloody Liberation War, we won independence,” said Faruk, a decorated freedom fighter.
“Since then, Bangladesh has repeatedly faced natural disasters -- floods, cyclones and others -- that have caused widespread destruction of lives, livelihoods and slowed down our development.”
Against the backdrop of today’s climate reality, he flagged the mounting risks of disasters.
“Flash floods, landslides, lightning strikes, droughts, heatwaves and cold waves are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity. These are threatening not only our economy but also people’s daily lives.”
The advisor said disaster response planning must go beyond reacting after a crisis.
“Anticipatory action is not just about forecasts but taking steps based on them, which means acting before a crisis strikes, not after. This mindset has opened new horizons in our disaster management thinking,” he said.
“Bangladesh is unique. Our solutions must be practical, people-centred, community-based and locally led. Only then can we minimise losses, save lives and protect vulnerable populations.”
