Speakers at a discussion meeting in the capital yesterday said that the government should take initiative to build public awareness about the possible destructive effects and the aftermath of earthquake in the country. They noted that people always have to remain in mental pressure about earthquake as they are unable to know when it may happen and also what kind of devastation it may cause. The speakers also proposed to announce June 12 as Earthquake Awareness Day. The discussion titled “Earthquake Possibility in Bangladesh and Provision” arranged by Comprehensive Disaster Management Program (CDMP-2) in association with Dhaka University was held at Dhaka University Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban auditorium. Dhaka University earth and environmental sciences faculty dean Prof Maksud Kamal read out the keynote paper. On the occasion, specialists said that Bangladesh has already become an earthquake zone as the false line and boundary of earthquake are active in its land. They also said that very recently earthquake has occurred frequently in the country which is actually a presage for a big one. So without wasting time, initiatives from the government and non-government sides should be taken to face the possible mascaras after an earthquake, they observed. It is high time to create awareness in every section of the society so that devastation can be reduced, they added. In his speech as the chief guest acting secretary of disaster management and relief ministry Md. Shah Kamal said that the government will set up national emergency operational centre across the country, having an ability to face 10 Richter scale earthquake. At present, more than four scouts are receiving earthquake rescue training as fire service department does not have enough people to face a big disaster. Before the programme, they held a rally on the DU campus. Presided over by Mohammad Abdul Kaium, additional secretary of disaster management and relief ministry, the discussion was attended, among others, by officials of Bangladesh fire service, RAJUK, scouts and volunteers of different educational institutions.