, Nov. 22 -- BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday said Bangladesh urgently needs stronger disaster preparedness so that major tragedies like Friday's earthquake do not cause avoidable loss of lives.

In a message posted on his X handle, Tarique expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and devastation caused by the earthquake.

"My prayers are with the departed souls, and my heartfelt condolences go to the families who have lost their loved ones. I stand in solidarity with everyone who has been injured or affected by this devastating disaster," he said.

The BNP leader said the heartbreaking moment reminded the nation that protecting lives must be the highest priority of it.

He said said unsafe buildings that ignore earthquake and fi...