Dhaka now more prepared to face major earthquake: US

Appreciating the progress made in Bangladesh, the United States today said the country is more prepared for a major earthquake in Dhaka city today than in the past.

“I can say it is the most important because all of us are more prepared for a major earthquake in Dhaka city today than we were yesterday,” said Chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka David Meale.

The diplomat made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the “Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE)” at Army Golf Club in the city.

David Meale said all should be proud of this progress and success, but with this progress and success comes great responsibility – responsibility to genuinely and honestly prepare all families, communities and organisations for a major earthquake in Bangladesh.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lt Gen M Mainul Islam, Deputy Commanding General of United States Army (Pacific- orth) Maj Gen Gregory Bilton, Director General of Armed Forces Division Directorate of Operations and Plans Brig Gen Azazul Bar Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.

The US diplomat said DREE prepares Bangladesh to keep its place among the world’s best at helping its regional neighbours, and it prepares Bangladesh’s partners and neighbours to better assist when disaster strikes.

“None of this could be done without you. Looking at today’s audience, it is rewarding to see military members from multiple countries joined by a diverse range of representatives from governmental organisations, international organisations, NGOs, and US Embassy representatives,” he said.

Coinciding with the timing of this DREE exercise, United States and Bangladeshi government and military leaders are preparing for the upcoming Bangladesh-United States Security Dialogue to be hosted in Washington DC on September 11, he mentioned.

They will discuss humanitarian assistance and disaster response issues at the highest levels of government, helping create a clear path forward for cooperation.