In a joint effort, the non-governmental organisation ISDE Bangladesh and the CAB Youth Group Chattogram Metropolitan have launched a humanitarian relief operation to assist those affected by the recent floods in Chattogram.
Since 20 August, 2024, over 100 members of the CAB Youth Group have been actively involved in rescue operations and supporting flood victims in Fatikchhari, Hathazari, and Mirsharai upazilas, says a press release.
Heavy rainfall, combined with upstream water, has led to severe flooding in 11 districts across the eastern and hilly regions of Bangladesh, leaving 4.5 million people homeless and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and schools.
On 25 August, 2024, ISDE and the CAB Youth Group distributed cooked food, clean drinking water, and clothing to 500 families in the flood-affected areas of Mirsharai and Fatikchhari. The relief operation was inaugurated by ISDE Executive Director and CAB Central Committee Vice President, S. M. Nazer Hossain.
Other notable attendees included CAB Chandgaon President and District Social Entrepreneurs Council Joint Secretary Mohammad Jane Alam,
CAB Chattogram Metropolitan Joint Secretary Mohammad Selim Jahangir, and ISDE Programme Coordinator Md. Jahangir Alam, among others.
The team later extended their efforts to distribute aid in the West Mithanala, Chagmadiahhat, Aburhat, and Azampur areas of Mirsharai.
As part of this relief initiative, ISDE and the young consumer rights activists of the CAB Youth Group are focusing on the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and the elderly.
They are setting up temporary shelters for displaced families, helping flood victims find safe refuge, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
Additionally, they are conducting awareness campaigns to prevent profiteering during the crisis, urging local businesses to treat flood victims with compassion.
S. M. Nazer Hossain emphasised the importance of standing by those in need during natural disasters, stating that everyone has a role to play in helping the vulnerable.
Reflecting the spirit of building a humanitarian Bangladesh, ISDE and the CAB Youth Group are taking proactive steps to support flood victims and are calling on others to join in offering assistance.
Long-term initiatives are also being planned to raise awareness and strengthen local communities' and youths' ability to combat climate change and reduce the risk of future disasters.
With the support of national and international development organisations, ISDE is conducting assessments in flood-affected areas to identify immediate needs. The organisation also plans to implement long-term relief and rehabilitation efforts to support the affected populations.
