That in just over a year, Bangladesh has experienced over 30 earthquakes that have rattled the nation, from Dhaka to Satkhira, is a reminder that seismic risk is but a present reality for us. Each tremor, no matter how small it appears, is a warning that our preparedness must move beyond rhetoric and momentary reactionary panic.

To that end, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent directive to mobilize 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka, identify open spaces for relocation, and procure emergency equipment, is a welcome and pro-active step. His words: “We must be ready before disaster strikes” reflect the urgency that we have long  needed. 

For too long, disaster management in this country has been reactive, with lives lost and infrastructure crippled before action is taken. The approach taken by the new PM is the one we must now embrace - a shift toward readiness.

However, directives alone will not save lives. Volunteers must be trained, not just counted. Open spaces must be secured and mapped, not merely identified. Equipment must be deployed, not promised. Most importantly, our infrastructure must be assessed and reinforced, with building codes enforced uncompromisingly. Dhaka is most at risk with its dense population and high-rise sprawl. 

Preparedness must also extend to the public. Awareness campaigns, community-level drills, and education on what to do during and after a quake are essential. Without sustained follow-through, even the most well-intentioned plans will become nothing but symbolic gestures.

Earthquakes strike without warning, leaving no time for improvisation. The only defense is readiness, and readiness must be comprehensive, from the government to civil society to the citizens working together. The PM has set the right tone. Now the nation must match his urgency with action.