DU Correspondent

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. ASM Maksud Kamal inaugurated the "Disaster Hackathon 2.0" on Wednesday.

Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury of the University was present as the chief guest in the virtual classroom.

FORWARN Bangladesh, a part of international organization START Network, Open Mapping Hub-Asia Pacific and Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience and Department of Meteorology of Dhaka University are jointly organizing this hackathon.

Start Fund Bangladesh Country Manager Mr. Sajid Raihan presided over the opening ceremony of Pabna University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Hafiza Khatun, Director General of Directorate of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman, Director of Bangladesh Meteorological Department Azizur Rahman, Professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering. Anisul Haque spoke as special guest.

Dhaka University Meteorology Department Chairperson Dr. also spoke at the event. Fatima Akhtar, Start Network CEO Christina Bennett and CARF Head Ana Farina, Open Mapping Hub-Asia Pacific Regional Director Nama Budhatki and FORWARN Bangladesh Chief Coordinator Ashraful Haque.

Vice Chancellor Dr. ASM Maqsood Kamal said that natural disasters are not only for the people of a particular region but it is a big problem for the people of all parts of the world. Every year natural calamities cause a lot of damage to people's lives and the state. Bangladesh is one of the victims of global issue climate change. Every year, Bangladesh is hit by disasters like cyclones and flash floods.

As a result, the residents of disaster affected areas have to struggle to cope with life, property and economic problems. He expressed the hope that if various strategies in disaster management come out through the "Disaster Hackathon", it will play an important role in reducing the damage. He pointed out that this hackathon will act as a catalyst to find scientific solutions to combat climate change and reduce disaster risk.

All public and private universities of the country can participate in 'Disaster Hackathon 2.0', a competition to innovate new strategies in disaster management. Its registration will continue till June 30. After that from 1st July to 20th September the registered teams will be assessed, trained and mentored in disaster management strategies.

Five teams will be selected from there. Each team has 3 to 5 members. At the end of October 5 teams will be given 4 days of residential training and mentoring. 3 teams will be selected from among them by October 31. Later, the winning teams will be implemented at the field level with their invented disaster management strategies.