PM orders ‘rapid response’ to help flood-affected people

The prime minister is monitoring the situation round the clock, his office says

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed government agencies to step up assistance for people affected by heavy rain and flooding across Bangladesh, while also instructing BNP leaders and activists to support relief efforts.

The prime minister has been monitoring the situation around the clock and instructed authorities to assist affected communities, Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh said in a statement on Friday.

Heavy rainfall has worsened flooding in several districts, including Dhaka and Chattogram, affecting numerous families, Saleh said, adding that Tarique has remained in constant contact with the district administrations.

He said Tarique had instructed both government agencies and BNP leaders and activists to help move residents to safer places.

Separately, in a Facebook post, Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin outlined what he described as 10 measures taken under the prime minister's direction to address the flood situation in the Chattogram region.

According to the post, the government has opened 1,057 emergency shelters across the Chattogram Division, where more than 12,000 people have taken refuge.

It said the government had allocated Tk 215 million in cash grants and 3,450 tonnes of rice under its General Relief (GR) programme for the districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.

Authorities have also been instructed to ensure the supply of safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, baby food and three meals a day for people in affected areas, the statement said.

The government has deployed law-enforcing agencies and, where necessary, the military to support rescue operations in hilly areas.

Mahdi said local members of parliament and elected representatives had been sent to flood-hit areas to distribute relief and deliver the prime minister's message of support.

The government had directed BNP leaders and activists at all levels to join relief efforts, while ministries, the armed forces, law-enforcing agencies and the coast guard were coordinating disaster response operations, he added.

Authorities have postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations in flood-affected areas because of flooding and landslides.

Local officials have been instructed to visit the families of those killed or affected by the disaster to express condolences and ensure necessary assistance.

The government has also planned to raise the elevation of the 47-km (29-mile) Chattogram–Dohazari railway line by 5ft to reduce future flood risks. The tender process for the project has already begun, according to the statement.

As per the post, the government would arrange housing in safer locations for residents living in areas vulnerable to landslides.

Amin said the government believed the disaster could be overcome through rapid decision-making, humanitarian assistance and coordinated action, adding that the prime minister remained committed to supporting those affected.

"We believe that through the government's prompt decisions, humanitarian efforts, and coordinated initiatives, we will be able to overcome this disaster, by the grace of Allah,” he wrote.

“The prime minister stands by the affected people during this crisis with deep compassion and a sense of responsibility. The people's government remains constantly dedicated to serving humanity in distress."