DHAKA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The International Day for Disaster Reduction 2019 was observed Sunday in Bangladesh in a befitting manner as elsewhere in the world.

This year's theme is "Reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services." It marks global efforts to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

Bangladesh's Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has chalked out different programs including awareness campaigns and exhibitions to observe the day.

As part of the event, a grand ceremony with an exhibition was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center, also known as Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center, in capital Dhaka, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaking as the chief guest.

Hasina said Bangladesh is now a role model in disaster management along with development in the world following her government's achievements in reducing risks and losses of lives and properties caused by cyclone, flood, drought and earthquake which earned international community's acclamation.

She said her government has built such 11,604 houses for disaster victims so far.

During the ceremony she distributed Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) Award among three out of 82 best volunteers for their outstanding contributions to disaster management.

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held every Oct. 13, was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.