Steps will be taken if neglect found in haor dam construction: PM

Those responsible for negligence in the construction of haor dams will be punished if any proof of wrongdoing is found, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The warning was issued at a conference in Sunamganj’s Shalla during the prime minister’s visit to the haor areas affected by floods.

She also warned anyone trying to profit off the flood damage to crops by raising food prices, saying that measures would be taken against them.

Hasina also promised the affected farmers they would receive free seeds and fertilizer for next season, in addition to the financial aid they have been receiving.

Interest rates on loans to fishermen and farmers would be cut down by half, she said. Steps shall be taken to ensure adequate feed for livestock, she added.

“We will not let a single person starve to death,” she said. “We will do whatever we must.”

Heavy rains in the mountains led to the flooding of the haor areas in the northeastern Bangladesh at the end of last month.

After weak and unfinished dams in the area gave way, protesters claimed corruption among Water Development Board officials was the cause for the poor condition of the water barriers.

The floods have caused significant crop damage. The rotting crops also poisoned the region’s waters, killing many fish and waterfowl.

Government estimates  219,840 hectares of farmland has been damaged by the floods, affecting 850,088 families.

2,860 homes have been completely destroyed in the Sunamganj, Sylhet, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Habiganj and Moulvibazar areas and 15,345 homes have suffered partial damage.

The prime minister visited the area on Sunday morning, speaking at an assembly at Shalla Upazila’s local Shahed Ali School. She also handed out aid to flood victims.

3,524 metric tonnes of rice and Tk 200 million in financial aid has been distributed to flood victims, the prime minister said. Each family in the affected areas will receive Tk 500 a month.

The prime minister also stressed the need to replenish the stock of fish and other local wildlife and restore the environment of the flooded region.

The prime minister is due to finish her inspection and return to Dhaka on Sunday evening.