, March 1 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the authorities concerned to keep 100,000 volunteers ready in Dhaka to deal with any potential earthquake situation.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu disclosed this while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday after a meeting with the Prime Minister.

The minister said the Prime Minister gave several instructions in view of the recent increase in earthquake incidents. "He (PM) has instructed us to prepare 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka city following the same model we have in the coastal areas," Dulu said.

The minister said the Prime Minister also directed the authorities to identify open spaces, including playgrounds and schools in Dhaka, to relocat...