Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities to intensify relief and rescue efforts for people affected by floods and heavy rainfall across the country, while also asking BNP leaders and activists to stand beside the victims and assist them in every possible way.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly disclosed the directives on Friday.
He said the flood situation has turned alarming in several districts, including Chattogram, following days of heavy rainfall, leaving countless families affected.
"The Prime Minister is monitoring the situation round the clock and is in constant contact with the district administration concerned. He has instructed all relevant authorities to take swift measures to support the flood-hit people and respond effectively to the disaster," Shibly said.
He said the Prime Minister, in his capacity as BNP chairman, has also directed party leaders and activists at all levels to immediately reach out to flood victims, assist them and help move those at risk to safer places.
"The people's government stands beside those affected and remains committed to serving them during this humanitarian crisis," the press secretary said.
Separately, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin in a Facebook post outlined a 10-point package of measures taken by the Prime Minister to address the flood and landslide situation in Chattogram and adjoining districts.
He said the Chattogram region has been facing an alarming situation due to the natural disaster, with widespread flooding causing immense suffering and affecting countless families.
To bring the situation under control and ensure support for flood victims, the Prime Minister has taken a series of swift, humanitarian and effective measures, the spokesperson said.
According to the post, the Prime Minister himself is monitoring the situation. The PMO is also maintaining regular communication with deputy commissioners (DCs), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), members of law enforcement agencies and other relevant officials, while providing necessary directives.
A total of 1,057 shelters have so far been opened in the disaster-affected areas of Chattogram division, where over 12,000 people have taken shelter.
Under the General Relief (GR) programme, Tk 2.15 crore in cash assistance and 3,450 tonnes of rice have been delivered directly and promptly to people affected by the disaster in the five districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.
Following government directives, arrangements have been made in the affected areas to ensure the supply of safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, baby food and three meals a day.
Considering the emergency situation, law enforcement agencies have been deployed for rescue operations in the hilly areas, while the Army has also been deployed where necessary.
MPs and local public representatives are visiting flood-affected areas across Chattogram division to monitor the situation, distribute relief and convey the Prime Minister's message of support. They are remaining in the affected areas and standing beside the victims.
The Prime Minister has directed leaders and activists of the ruling BNP and its affiliated and associate bodies to stand by the flood victims.
They have already joined relief efforts through personal and organisational initiatives. At the same time, under the Prime Minister's direct instructions, the civil administration, various ministries, law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Coast Guard are working in coordination from the field level to the centre. Every organ of the state is standing beside the people during this crisis.
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations in the affected areas have been postponed due to flooding and landslides caused by heavy rainfall.
Local administration officials, accompanied by local leaders and activists, have visited the families of those killed or injured in the disaster to express condolences and ensure necessary assistance.
A plan has been adopted to raise the 47-km Chattogram-Dohazari railway line by five feet to reduce future waterlogging risks after it was submerged by prolonged heavy rainfall.
The tender process for the elevation work has already begun. In addition, the government will arrange housing in safe locations for residents living in areas at risk of landslides.
According to the government estimate, floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains have so far claimed 30 lives and marooned thousands of people in the division.
