On 10th March 2024, a meaningful rally commemorated the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths (IAD4AD).

Preceding this event, a seminar took place on 9th March 2024. The rally commenced from Mukarram Hussain Khundker Biggyan Bhaban, Department of Meteorology, and accumulated at Shahid Minar before concluding at Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka. The rally, a symbolic gesture of solidarity and action, brought together students and teachers from the faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Leading the march were esteemed figures Dr. Nibedita Ray-Bennett, Co-Founder of ADN and Associate Professor at the University of Leicester, and Dr. Fatima Akter, Chairperson & Associate Professor at the Department of Meteorology, University of Dhaka, who also lead the Avoidable Deaths Network (AND) Bangladesh Chapter. This event not only raised awareness but also underscored the collective commitment to addressing and preventing avoidable deaths.

Furthermore, we were honored by the presence of Professor Dr. A.S.M. Maksud Kamal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, who shared valuable insights on raising awareness to mitigate disaster deaths and he pointed out the critical importance of issuing early warnings to ensure prior awareness among the public. Reflecting on recent incidents like the Bailey Road fire, he emphasized the importance of widespread awareness campaigns to educate the general public and prevent such tragedies. He emphasized the vital role of initiatives such as the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Deaths in enhancing public awareness and understanding.