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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed all government agencies and field-level officials to maintain the highest level of vigilance and coordination to protect lives and property in waterlogged areas, ensure swift relief and medical assistance, and effectively respond to the evolving disaster situation.
The directive came during a virtual meeting held via Zoom from his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla Sujon Mahmud.
The meeting was attended by divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general (DIGs) of police, deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), civil surgeons and other senior field administration officials from all eight divisions.
Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest situation in their respective regions, including the extent of waterlogging, damage to infrastructure and crops, the condition of shelter centres, rescue operations, relief distribution and the availability of medical services.
Stressing that protecting people’s lives and property remains the government’s highest priority during the disaster, Tarique Rahman said there was no room for negligence and instructed authorities to ensure the rapid distribution of relief materials, dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines and healthcare services.
He also ordered officials to maintain adequate sanitation, uninterrupted electricity and communication services at shelter centres, while ensuring the safety and healthcare of women, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities and pregnant women.
To maintain law and order, the Prime Minister directed law enforcement agencies to remain on maximum alert to prevent theft, robbery, hoarding, misappropriation of relief supplies and any other criminal activities that could exploit the disaster situation.
He further emphasised transparency and accountability in relief distribution, instructing officials to ensure that assistance reaches genuine victims on a priority basis.
According to the Deputy Press Secretary, the meeting also reviewed overall disaster preparedness, coordination among rescue agencies, the activities of local administrations and the continuous monitoring of river water levels and weather forecasts.
Officials from Chattogram informed the Prime Minister that the waterlogging situation there had started to improve gradually. However, they warned that conditions in the Sylhet region were worsening following damage to the Manu River embankment, while Rangpur Division also faces the risk of fresh flooding and waterlogging.
After reviewing the latest updates, the Prime Minister instructed all relevant authorities to remain fully prepared for any further deterioration, keep the necessary manpower and equipment on standby, and continue coordinated efforts to safeguard affected communities.