The government is modernizing existing national policies and adopting various technological measures at the grassroots level to address the impacts of climate change and reduce the risks associated with natural disasters, including fatalities caused by lightning strikes.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu made the remarks on Monday while responding to written questions from Members of Parliament during the second session of the 13th National Parliament.

In response to a question from reserved seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni (Seat-10), the minister said that the government has already formulated the Disaster Management Act 2012, the National Disaster Management Policy 2015, the National Plan for Disaster Management (2021�”2025), and the Standing Orders on Disaster (SOD) to minimize losses from natural disasters such as cyclones, nor’westers, tornadoes, floods, droughts, and river erosion.

He stated that the current government is working to make these plans more relevant and up-to-date in order to strengthen disaster risk reduction and address the challenges posed by climate change. As part of this effort, initiatives have been taken to revise the SOD and formulate a new National Disaster Management Plan for 2026�”2030.

At the same time, the Prime Minister has inaugurated the construction of the Prime Minister’s National Institute for Disaster Management Research and Training, aimed at developing skilled manpower, enhancing technological capacity, and promoting research activities in disaster management. The institute is expected to further strengthen the country’s disaster management framework.

Meanwhile, in response to a question from Reserved Seat MP Shirin Sultana (Seat-2) regarding fatalities caused by lightning strikes, the minister highlighted several government initiatives aimed at reducing deaths in lightning-prone areas.

He said that the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, local administrations, and other relevant agencies are working in coordination to reduce lightning risks and increase public awareness. Lightning forecasts are being generated through modern weather monitoring systems and disseminated to the public via mass media, social media platforms, and Integrated Voice Response (IVR) technology.

In addition, awareness campaigns are being conducted through the distribution of leaflets, posters, and special drills. The government is also planning key projects such as installing farmer shelters equipped with lightning protection rods in lightning-prone areas and carrying out extensive palm tree plantation programs to help mitigate the impact of lightning strikes.