The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE disaster management programme for the coastal districts of the country is reported to be in a pitiable condition for some trifling reasons. Lack of cooperation between the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS) and the cyclone preparedness programme (CPP), unavailability of necessary equipment and long vacancy in an important position are said to be the obstructions to proper running of the CPP. Because of frequent floods and cyclones, disaster management has become a national priority. Anything that stands in the way of the functioning of the CPP needs to be removed forthwith. As immediate measures, procurement of the needed equipment and filling up the post of director administration of CPP should be considered on priority basis.

As per newspaper report, BRCS wants full control over the CPP and is not in favour of its separate existence. BRCS has a long experience in disaster management and the organisation is backed by the International Committee of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (ICRCS). Since 1973 the administration and management of BRCS has been left with the government, which in course of time has gone under the control of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The 42,000 volunteers of CPP who offer their services for disaster management are BRCS men. Major funding for the job is also collected and supplied by BRCS. But as the entire set-up has been placed under the relevant ministry, BRCS should continue to supervise CPP. In the ultimate analysis, the onus of keeping CPP functional lies on the ministry. So, the ministry should take steps to remove the problems that CPP is facing with a view to strengthening the greater disaster management task.