Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam has called for coordinated efforts among the Fire Service, police, Red Crescent and other agencies to ensure public safety during emergencies.
He made the call while chairing the fifth meeting of the DSCC Disaster Management Committee at Nagar Bhaban on Monday afternoon, said a press release.
Abdus Salam said disaster preparedness must reflect the rescue equipment and operational capabilities of each agency, rather than remain limited to paper-based responsibility sharing.
Highlighting the unplanned development of much of Dhaka South, he stressed the need for joint efforts, regular drills and public awareness programs to reduce risks from fires, building collapses and earthquakes.
Referring to the recent fire at Moulvibazar in Old Dhaka, he said narrow roads, water shortages and roadside shops and vendors had hampered firefighters' access to the scene.
He said high-rise buildings and commercial establishments must have basic firefighting equipment and fire hydrants. He also called for underground installation of overhead cables and the preservation of ponds and water bodies, including those in Dholaikhal, to ensure adequate water for firefighting.
The meeting, attended by 57 representatives of government and private organizations, NGOs, and social organizations, also discussed agencies' responsibilities before, during, and after disasters.