Speeches and Remarks

Remarks by Ambassador James F. Moriarty at the Inauguration of the Seminar on “The Role of Local Governments in Disaster Preparedness And mitigation” 

August 13, 2009, Dhaka

Dr. Abdur Razzaque, Minister of Food and Disaster Management; Mr. Mir Shawkat Ali Badsha, Member of Parliament;  Ms. Rasheda K. Chowdhury, Former Advisor to the Caretaker Government; Elected Officials of Local Governments; Representatives of the Media; Distinguished Guests;  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Assalam-u-Alaikum, Namasker and Good Morning.

Thank you for inviting me to speak today.  I would like to thank Rupantar for organizing this very important and timely event.  I am pleased to see so many leaders and representatives from local governments, the central  government, non-government organizations, and the media assembled here today.  This demonstrates your commitment to addressing a great challenge to development that Bangladesh faces.

One of the top priorities of President Obama’s Administration is to address the issues of global climate change.  The U.S. Government also supports the UN-led International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) to help countries reduce the risk and impact of natural disasters.  One key U.S. foreign policy goal is to help people and countries recover from natural disasters and regain income opportunities.

The frequent natural disasters that Bangladesh experiences leads to great loss.  All of us in Bangladesh feel this loss - whether it is the loss of family and friends or the loss of homes and livelihoods.  But it is important to note that Bangladeshis withstand these disasters with courage and resilience.  And more importantly, the ability of Bangladesh to manage and mitigate the impact is rapidly improving.  The world acknowledges that effort.  In the last two years the people of Bangladesh have demonstrated their great capacity in responding to cyclones Sidr and Aila.

In the immediate aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Sidr, the United States, through Operation Sea Angel 2, provided emergency relief assistance to cyclone victims in the remotest areas of Bangladesh.  The United States Government has provided an additional $80 million to help more than 30 million Sidr-affected people rebuild income opportunities, strengthen local government, generate economic recovery, and construct cyclone shelters in the disaster prone areas.

When Cyclone Aila hit in May 2009 the U.S. Government again provided emergency disaster-relief and recovery support for 320,800 people.  In addition, the U.S. Government provided 2 million liters of clean drinking water to the storm’s victims.  To date, the United States has committed to provide $3.8 million to help Bangladesh recover from Cyclone Aila.  This money will provide homes for displaced people, and cash for work activities for Aila’s victims.

A strong local government plays a key role in ensuring effective disaster relief efforts.  While the central government  has a comprehensive disaster mitigation program, local governments work directly with their communities to ensure better preparedness, mitigation and management of disaster-relief efforts.

The U.S. Government’s Cyclone Sidr reconstruction program aims at improving disaster management at the local level.  USAID is funding a 30-month project implemented by Rupantar in 159 local governments in the five districts most affected by cyclone Sidr.  As part of this project, Rupantar provides training and technical assistance to local governments.  This training will help minimize the impact of disasters and improve relief and reconstruction efforts.

Today you will discuss and review the existing policies related to disaster preparedness and mitigation at the local level.  You will make recommendations for policy advocacy and reform.  You will also address some of the common concerns and challenges encountered by local governments and highlight opportunities to strengthen grassroots democracy.  I hope that through your discussions you will formulate a set of recommendations for an even more meaningful and democratic decentralization of Bangladesh.

The United States firmly believes that democracy begins at the local level and that local governments are the key building blocks of any democratic society.  We also recognize that local governments here need to be further strengthened to ensure services for their constituents.  This includes playing a leadership role in helping coordinate the national government’s disaster-relief efforts at the local level.

I would like to conclude by expressing my belief that your continuing efforts, at all levels of government, will result in a Bangladesh that is better prepared than ever for natural disasters. The United States Government stands ready to support the Government of Bangladesh in ensuring democratic decentralization and good governance at the local level.  I would also like to thank the Honorable Minister for your presence here today to demonstrate your Government’s commitment to this goal. 

Once again, I thank Rupantar for organizing this important event and thank you all for coming here today. I wish you a great success with the seminar.  Thank you.