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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed a 10-point response plan to tackle the flood situation in Chattogram and support people affected by days of heavy rainfall, according to his adviser and Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Mahdi Amin said the prime minister is personally monitoring the disaster situation and has instructed the Prime Minister’s Office to maintain round-the-clock coordination with deputy commissioners, upazila officials, law enforcement agencies and other authorities.
He said the prime minister has also directed BNP leaders and activists at all levels to actively assist flood victims, while instructing local administrations, public representatives and MPs to work in a coordinated manner on rescue, relief, damage assessment and rehabilitation efforts.
According to the spokesperson, 1,057 shelters have been opened across the flood-hit areas of Chattogram Division, providing refuge to more than 12,000 people.
Under the government’s General Relief (GR) programme, Tk 21.5 million in cash assistance and 3,450 tonnes of rice have been allocated for the five affected districts of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.
The government has also ensured the supply of safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, baby food and three daily meals in the affected areas, he said.
Mahdi Amin added that the army has been deployed alongside law enforcement agencies where necessary to support rescue operations in hilly areas.
He said local lawmakers and public representatives have been visiting flood-hit communities to distribute relief and convey the prime minister’s message of support.
The prime minister has also instructed all levels of the ruling BNP and its affiliated organisations to participate in relief efforts, while government ministries, security forces, the army and the Coast Guard continue coordinated operations, according to the spokesperson.
He said HSC and equivalent examinations have been postponed in the affected areas due to flooding and landslides.
Local administration officials have also been directed to visit the families of those killed or injured in the disaster to express condolences and ensure necessary assistance.
As part of longer-term measures, the government plans to raise the 47-km Chattogram-Dohazari railway line by five feet to reduce future flood risks. The tender process for the project has already begun. The government will also arrange safe housing for residents living in landslide-prone areas, he added.
Mahdi Amin expressed hope that the government’s prompt decisions and coordinated efforts would help overcome the disaster and reaffirmed the prime minister’s commitment to supporting affected communities.
