On Tuesday 18 November, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) conducted a Handover Ceremony of search and rescue equipment to the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD) for Urban Community Volunteers to utilize in times of disaster.


H.E. Mr. Dan Mozena, Ambassador of the United States to Bangladesh meets with the Urban Community Volunteers.

The event was conducted as part of USAID’s Strengthening Earthquake Resilience in Bangladesh (SERB) program, initiated in 2013, in an effort to build the capacity of hospitals to be better prepared for mass casualties. The program also strengthening the capacity of BFSCD’s volunteers by provided them with necessary equipment to conduct search and rescue operations after an earthquake. USAID and ADPC have worked with the government of Bangladesh since 1995 on disaster mitigation.

Shane Wright, Executive Director of ADPC and H.E. Mr. Dan Mozena, Ambassador of the United States to Bangladesh presided the donation of items including first aid boxes and rescue equipment such as specialized electric saws, cables, crowbars, hammers and lamps. The event was held at the Fire Service and Civil Defense Training Complex.


Mr. Shane Wright oversees the new search and rescue equipment for Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence

Bangladesh is situated in a highly seismically active area and is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes that could devastate the country’s infrastructure and leave millions at risk. The contribution of this crucial equipment, as provided by USAID and ADPC, will save lives in future rescue and response interventions.

BFSCD, as part of their regular program, plans to train 62,000 urban volunteers throughout the country to build on the existing pool of already trained 26,465 volunteers. The program will also enhance the capacity of 12 public hospitals in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet by offering 5-day training courses on Hospital Preparedness for Emergencies (HOPE) and Training for Instructors (TFI).