While there is understandable excitement around Bangladesh's economic achievements and what it can achieve in the next two decades, it is also important to remember that, as a result of climate change, we remain among the most vulnerable nations in the world to potential natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.
Furthermore, with the country recently feeling the tremors of a minor earthquake, we must not only rely on expert seismologists for their forecasting, but also remain prepared should there be any major natural disaster.
Indeed, for most cases, Bangladesh has had a reactive rather than a proactive approach, and it is an approach that has quite literally cost the nation millions. Moving forward, if we are serious about saving lives and also minimizing damage from natural disasters, we must prepare better.
For earthquakes, that means highlighting the importance of earthquake drills in raising awareness, or similar drills when it comes to cyclones. Awareness campaigns across society must also become the norm so that people from all walks of life know how to react should there be any major catastrophe.
The authorities concerned also have a significant part to play beyond just awareness campaigns; creating sufficient shelters and overall better infrastructure will go a long way to protecting Bangladesh from the natural disasters that continue to hit it.
While we are seeing progress on this front in recent times, especially with regard to our response to cyclones, our vulnerability increases with each passing year and as a result, there is no option but to continue to fortify.
Bangladesh is on the cusp of historic milestones. Let us best prepare for any potential setbacks -- natural or otherwise.
