Legal barriers obstruct demolition

Secretary to the disaster management and relief ministry Shah Kamal yesterday said earthquake is the biggest challenge for Bangladesh as many buildings are found to be vulnerable to such disasters.

"We have faced tornados and cyclones. Therefore, we know how to deal with such types of disasters. But we do not know what measures need to be taken [to tackle possible earthquake's aftermath] as the country has never experienced [strong] quake," he said.

Citing Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP) statistics, the secretary said there are 72,000 vulnerable buildings like Rana Plaza, adding that he attempted to demolish such buildings but failed because of legal complications.

The secretary was addressing a discussion organised by the Department Of Disaster Management, Oxfam and Christian Aid at The Daily Star Centre in the capital marking "International Day for Disaster Reduction 2015" observed yesterday.

The theme of this year's International Day for Disaster Reduction is "Knowledge for Life".

Director General of Department of Disaster Management Reaz Ahmed stressed the need for blending modern knowledge with traditional knowledge for effective disaster management. 

CDMP National Project Director MA Qayyum emphasised skill development to fight disaster. He urged the government to take strict steps to stop people from grabbing lands.

Programme Coordinator, Gender and Climate Change for UN Women Dilruba Haider said women issues have not get priorities in disaster management tools.

Country Director of Christian Aid Shakeb Nabi and Jahangir Alam of Dhaka Ahsania Mission also spoke at the discussion.