Govt Steps Up Flood Response Under PM’s Direction

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The government is carrying out rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts across flood-affected areas under the direct instructions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi said the prime minister has been monitoring the flood situation round the clock and coordinating the response through officials at both the national and local levels.

He said heavy rainfall has caused flooding, landslides and waterlogging in several parts of the country, with Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban among the worst-hit districts.

According to Mahdi, the prime minister on Friday spoke with divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general of police, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, civil surgeons and Fire Service officials in the five affected districts. He instructed them to remain alongside the victims and ensure effective rescue and relief operations. The premier is also scheduled to meet divisional commissioners to review the situation and provide further instructions.

Mahdi said a coordinated government response is already underway, involving officials from the upazila to the national level. Following the prime minister’s directives, State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit is in Chattogram to oversee relief operations, while local lawmakers and political leaders are working with the administration.

He also said BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has asked party leaders and activists, including members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, to participate in rescue and relief activities.

The adviser said the government has approved more than Tk 2 crore in emergency financial assistance, while rice and other relief materials are being distributed among affected families. Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations in flood-hit districts of Chattogram Division have also been postponed.

Mahdi added that the Bangladesh Coast Guard has been deployed in coastal areas, Border Guard Bangladesh in border regions, and the army where necessary. Medical teams equipped with medicines and vaccines have also been sent to address water-borne diseases and snake bites.

He said the Local Government Engineering Department and the Roads and Highways Department have been instructed to prepare for repairing damaged roads and railway infrastructure after floodwaters recede. Work has also started to assess losses and provide compensation to affected households, farmers, fish growers and livestock owners, while a food-friendly programme will be launched soon.

More than 1,000 shelters are currently operating with food, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, while efforts are continuing to restore communication in areas where mobile network services have been disrupted.

"The prime minister has instructed us to carry out rescue, relief and rehabilitation work simultaneously. During this disaster, everyone must stand united," Mahdi said, expressing hope that the coordinated response would help ease the suffering of flood-affected people.

Source: UNB