Ukhiya, Aug 26 (V7N) - A communication exercise was held in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, to assess the ability to maintain communication through alternative means if conventional communication networks become disrupted during disasters such as earthquakes and landslides.
The drill was conducted at around 11am on Tuesday (Aug 25) near the watchtower area of Rohingya Camp 8 in Ukhiya.
The nationwide exercise was jointly organised by the Fire Service and Civil Defence and the Amateur Radio Association of Bangladesh (ARAB) from Aug 23 to 25. Drills were conducted at eight designated locations across the country, one in each administrative division, based on simulated disaster scenarios. The Ukhiya exercise was part of the nationwide programme.
According to Ukhiya Fire Station sources, the exercise focused on testing alternative communication systems in situations where mobile networks and other conventional communication channels become unavailable due to earthquakes, landslides or other disasters.
During the exercise, officials tested the ability to establish communication with the Fire Service’s central control room in Dhaka and its Chattogram centre using VHF and HF radio systems.
Organisers said rapid transmission of information from disaster sites to relevant control rooms is essential for launching rescue operations without delay. Effective coordination among rescue teams is also crucial.
The exercise therefore focused on how radio communication could be used to maintain coordination and exchange information when conventional communication systems are disrupted.
The Rohingya camps in Ukhiya are located in hilly and disaster-prone areas and are home to a large population. Officials said a disruption of communication during an earthquake or landslide could seriously hamper emergency response and rescue operations.
They stressed that regularly testing alternative communication systems before disasters occur is therefore important for strengthening emergency preparedness.
Among those present at the exercise were Syed Md Morshed Hossain, district officer of Fire Service and Civil Defence in Cox’s Bazar; Dolon Acharya, senior station officer of Cox’s Bazar Fire Station; the senior station officer of Kalurghat Fire Station; members of ARAB; and Dollar Tripura, an official of Ukhiya Fire Station.
Speakers said regular exercises of this kind were essential to ensure that alternative communication systems remain operational during disasters.
They said such preparedness would improve the rapid exchange of information, coordination among rescue teams and delivery of emergency services to affected communities, ultimately helping reduce casualties and property damage during disasters.
