President Shahabuddln Ahmed yesterday called for strengthening the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society for the smooth rendering of its ser vices, reports UNB.

'The Society needs to further develop disaster preparedness

ana response measures, aim strengthen Its health pro grammes and community service.' the President said while addressing the Partnership and Strategy meeting of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BRCS) at a city hotel yesterday.

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IRCRCS) and BRCS Jointly organised the meeting.

The Society, as an auxiliary to public authorities, is required. inter alia, to alleviate human sufferings caused by natural calamities and also to improve public health, prevent disease and mitigate sufferings caused by diseases, he commented.

Shahabuddln. who is also president of the Society, said strengthening of the countrywide organisation, its management structure, operational capacity and training of staff and volunteers should be the first development priority of the Society.

He also called for quick response to disasters through building national capacity and effective mobilisation of the Society's resources.

"It should emerge as a real community-based organisation to assist people at grassroots level so that tney become more self-reliant and less vulnerable to disasters." he added.

Lauding the instrumental role of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in development the capacity and resources of BRCS, the President underlined the need for adequate number of qualified staff and volunteers to carry out its service.

He also called for reducing foreign or governmental assistance through developing the fund raising capability of the society.

Attended by representatives of national society and international federation, the meeting was also addressed, among others. by Health and Family Welfare Minister Salah Uddin Yusuf and Red Crescent Chairman Maj Gen (Retd) Abdus Salam.