Staff Reporter

The Amateur Radio Association Bangladesh (ARAB) emphasized the critical role of youth in disaster management during an international seminar on disaster emergency communication, held at the North South University Auditorium under the theme ‘Beyond the Horizon: Ground to Orbit’.

The seminar, organized by ARAB, featured Chief Guests VC, NSU & Special guest  Major General Md Emdad, Chairman of BTRC; Brig. Gen. Md Rofikur Rahman, former Director General of Fire Service; Brig. Gen. Md Aminul Hoque, DG BTRC; Lt. Col. M.A. Azad Anwer, Director, Fire Service; and Major Jolil (retd.), life member of ARAB Khandaker Nasir Uddin (Former Vice-Chancellor, Gopalganj Science and Technology University),  Professor Najma Sams, ED SAB, Dr M A Mannan. The event was also attended by chief guest NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury  and  international guests & .

Key speakers included Philip Springer (DK6SP), Sven Lovric (DJ4MX), Leon Hellmich (DL3ON), and Jamie Williams (M0SDV). The seminar was presided over by ARAB President Dr. Mir Shah Alam (S21MIR), with program coordination led by Anup Kumar Bhowmik (S21TV) and event convener Jamil Ahmed.

The event is organised by  BTRC-approved  HAM operators, plays a vital role in ensuring effective communication during disasters such as fires, floods, cyclones, landslides, earthquakes, and building collapses. Its members provide critical support to rescue workers—including fire service, army personnel and disaster volunteers—by maintaining independent communication channels during emergencies.

Prior to the seminar, ARAB members conducted a 15-day field study in the coastal regions of Barishal and Khulna to explore rapid communication strategies during disasters. Drawing on the findings of this study, the seminar offered training to over 400 young volunteers from universities across Bangladesh on maintaining efficient communication in emergency situations.

Anup Kumar Bhowmik highlighted ARAB’s role in supporting government rescue personnel and serving national interests. The Chief Guest NSU VC encouraged organizing similar events at universities, noting that youth involvement would accelerate progress in the disaster management sector.

The seminar was successfully conducted with support from Vice President Jahangir Alam, Assistant General Secretary Raihan Tuhin, Deputy Director Mr. Saad, Rudranil Apon, and EC Members Taslima Akter and Hayat Ahmed.

Concluding the event, ARAB President D. Mir Shah Alam S21 MIR expressed gratitude to participants, university authorities, and international speakers, urging young people to pursue science-oriented careers and dedicate themselves to serving the nation.