Due to regulations, the ‘national disaster volunteer’ unit could not be formed though a decision was taken on Sept 6, 2017. Last October, the NGO Bureau gave a letter to all volunteer organisations to provide field level support for this.

All district commissioners, administrators and UNOs have been instructed to take necessary steps in this regard.

During a national disaster, the government takes various initiatives to safeguard properties belonging to the people and even during the recent Bulbul warning, the inter-ministerial disaster management coordination committee took steps to monitor the situation country-wide.

At the inter-ministerial meeting held on Nov 9, several decisions were taken, including one permitting the use of schools, madrasas and other academic institutions as shelters.

The draft Disaster Management Law – 2012 had been sent to the law ministry long ago and once the rules are finalized after assessment, the work for the disaster volunteers will begin.

Every disaster response unit will have segments including disaster campaign, research, rescue, first aid, shelter management, relief distribution etc.

Senior secretary of disaster management, Md Shah Kamal, said: “A volunteer organisaiton will be formed which will be an umbrella unit; this will include boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Red Crescent and other youth bodies and they will work as a national force.”

The guideline is being made and once approved, the organization will begin work, assured the secretary.