Tarique Rahman directs government to ensure food, clean water, medical care to flood victims

The prime minister is monitoring the latest situation in flood-affected areas, around the clock, his additional press secretary says

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to ensure adequate food, clean water and medical care to the victims of heavy-rain triggered flooding across the country.

"The honourable Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman is monitoring the latest situation in the flood-affected areas around the clock. The prime minister is also talking to the ministers, secretaries and officials of the concerned ministries, including the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief," said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman on Friday night.

"He also gave necessary instructions to ensure adequate food, clean water, medical services and other emergency assistance for the people affected in the flood-affected areas. "

The additional press secretary said, "The prime minister has directed the concerned authorities to be particularly careful with women and children, especially pregnant women, in the flood-affected areas.

"At the same time, the prime minister has directed the concerned administrations to be on the highest alert so that no unscrupulous gangs can take advantage of the disaster to engage in theft, robbery or any other criminal activities."

Tarique, also the BNP chairman, has instructed party leaders and workers to be proactive in standing by the people in the flood-hit areas, he said.

"The field administration has been given the necessary directions to evacuate the affected people from the flood-hit areas to safe places, and to conduct their relief, medical and rehabilitation activities in a coordinated and effective manner,” Ruman said.

He said, "Since Friday morning, Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman has been talking to the deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and civil surgeons of the flood-hit districts from his Gulshan residence and taking stock of the overall situation."

"The prime minister is monitoring the flood situation all the time."

Ruman said the prime minister has assigned State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit to coordinate overall relief activities, including rescue, rehabilitation and medical treatment in the flood-hit districts. A team led by the state minister will go to Chattogram on Saturday.