A wake-up call
The last few days were catastrophic. The shockwaves of Begunbari collapse, Nimtoli conflagration have jolted the nation in terabytes. There goes a saying, “disasters sink nations not because of the poverty of the poor, but because of the poverty of the minds.” The harrowing tale of the two catastrophic events once again redefines the poverty of our collective psyche. The clarion call now urges a nationwide awareness. Home of millions, this bustling city has structures clustered in concentrated fashion that makes it more vulnerable to earthquake. But Begungari collapse was not an aftermath of an earthquake. Rather the collapses were virtually invited. Ignorant of future, we flouted the rules to build structures in slapdash manner. Building code exists; however, we the very independent people, don't want to follow it anyway. We got to help Rajuk by following building codes. Situated in Old Dhaka, the dilapidated and rickety buildings should be brought under special vigil. Demolition or reinforcement is the option we have. Apart from that, we don't have a well organized disaster management system for emergency. Unfortunately, our management is limited to calling in of the Army since independence. On the other hand, the fire service system needs development throughout the country. Inadequate water hoses and ladders, absence of modern masks and fire hydrants makes our fire fighting team a mere spectator at the time of crisis. Moreover, capacity building is direly needed to combat the future disasters. As time marches off, our enthusiasm wanes off and plans don't march forward until disaster strikes again. We, the whole nation, face a mammoth task to mobilize ourselves to grapple with future disasters. We are the resilient nation that withstood Sidr, cyclone, floods. So, be it. Let's not be greedy but considerate for a future that we shall face together.
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