Photo: BSS

GAIBANDHA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - National Disaster Preparedness Day 2026 was observed across all seven upazilas of Gaibandha district today with a call to strengthen disaster preparedness programmes to reduce the loss of lives and property and build a disaster-resilient country.

Marking the day, the Sundarganj upazila administration, in association with several non-government organisations, organised a series of programmes.

The day's activities began in the morning with a rally around 10:00am. The rally started from the Upazila Parishad premises and marched through nearby areas before concluding at the same venue.

Following the rally, a discussion meeting was held at the Upazila Parishad with the Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) in the chair. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Effat Jahan Tuli attended the programme as the chief guest and addressed the gathering.

In her speech, the UNO said that flood, river erosion, cold wave and drought are the major natural disasters affecting the upazila. These calamities visit the area almost every year, causing immense suffering to local residents.

She also noted that earthquakes have recently emerged as a significant hazard, increasing concern among people in the northern region of the country.

She emphasised that bringing people in disaster-prone areas under early preparedness initiatives would significantly reduce the loss of lives and property during disasters.

Speaking at the event, PIO Moshiar Rahman stressed the importance of disseminating education, training and knowledge among rural people -- especially those living in disaster-prone areas -- through coordinated efforts between government and non-government organisations to minimise disaster losses and ensure effective management.

He also highlighted the need to raise awareness among local residents about disasters and their impacts and to enhance people's resilience to face any catastrophe successfully.

Later, a mock drill demonstrating safety measures during earthquake and fire incidents was conducted on the Upazila Parishad campus by personnel from the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

A large number of upazila-level officials, heads of educational institutions, representatives of various NGOs and journalists from print and electronic media attended the programme.

Similar programmes were also held in the other six upazila headquarters of the district to observe the day, sources said.