Towards a culture of disaster risk reduction

Chief guest Mustafa Monwar (right) and other dignitaries at the exhibition.

Hundreds of people gathered at a photo exhibition on 'Natural Disaster in Bangladesh' on November 23. The exhibition highlighted efforts in disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh.
Held at Drik Gallery, Dhanmondi, the two-day exhibition was jointly organised by Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM), a major national NGO and Concern Universal, a prominent British NGO. This was an initiative of Community Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDB) project being implemented by these two NGOs with financial support from the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department and Cordaid.
DAM President Kazi Rafiqul Alam presided over the exhibition's inaugural and prize distribution ceremony. Eminent artist and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar was the chief guest.
Concern Universal's Country Director Stephane Bonduelle delivered the address of welcome.
The aim of the exhibition was to generate interest among people from all walks of life in the practice of taking safety measures and thus encourage disaster risk reduction. It also reflected direct involvement of communities in the project activities.
Photos featuring the devastation and woes of victims of the country's worst disaster, Sidr, that wreaked havoc in the coastal districts of Bangladesh last year drew attention of the visitors.
The exhibition highlighted the spirit and courage demonstrated by resilient people of the coastal areas during one of the worst disasters.
On November 15, last year, cyclone Sidr struck the coastal belt of the country. The cyclone, which left over 3,447 dead, 1,063 missing and 3,322 injured, was the deadliest and strongest to hit the country before and after its independence.
The inaugural session was followed by an award-giving programme. Winners of the photo exhibition -- K.M. Asad (1st), Shahdat Pervez (2nd) and Shafiul Islam (3rd) received cheques worth Tk 12,000, Tk 10,000 and Tk 8,000 respectively from the chief guest. Six other competitors also received prizes of honour.
Dr. Rashid Un Nabi, Concern Universal's Disaster Risk Reduction Chief Md Jahangir Alam and Abir Abdullah were the judges of the competition.