US-Bangladesh army joint workshop on disaster response commence 

The Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (PR DREE) workshop between the Bangladesh Armed Forces and US Army Pacific started in Dhaka today.

The workshop began at Army Golf Club and will run till September 3, said a press release from US Department of State.

PR DREE is a civil-military disaster preparedness and response initiative that ensures that the US is prepared to assist its global partners in the event of a major disaster.

According to the press release, more than 150 participants will take part in a phased table-top exercise and 350 will participate in a field training exercise, which will review and evaluate Dhaka City earthquake response plans, practice logistical and medical emergency scenarios, and identify current gaps in plans and procedures.

Additionally, the 2015 PR DREE will increase coordination between emergency management and aviation stakeholders and assess Foreign Humanitarian Assistance procedures in Bangladesh.

This is the sixth time the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, and US Army Pacific are gathering to practice earthquake response procedures.