NCP asks govt to expedite rescue, relief ops in flood-hit areas

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament Nahid Islam on Friday expressed deep grief over the deaths of at least 30 people in Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Bandarban and Rangamati following days of heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides, while urging the government to intensify rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.

In a post on his verified Facebook account, Nahid said, "At least 30 people have lost their lives in Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Bandarban and Rangamati in the southeastern part of the country in the last few days due to heavy rains, flash floods and landslides. I am saddened and concerned about these unexpected deaths."

He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and said, "May Allah Almighty grant them the highest status in Paradise," while extending his sincere condolences to the bereaved families.

NCP convener said several lakhs of  people in inundated parts of Chattogram, the Chattogram Hill Tracts and Cox's Bazar remained marooned by floodwaters, alleging that effective government measures for rescue operations and relief distribution were yet to become visible in many affected areas.

He called on the authorities to immediately stand beside the affected families and ensure adequate assistance for residents of the flood-hit regions. Nahid also urged people living in foothill settlements and landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant, follow the directives of the local administration and relevant authorities, move to safer locations without delay, and assist neighbours, children, elderly people and other vulnerable residents.

Referring to the severe waterlogging in Chattogram city, he said heavy rainfall had submerged most parts of the metropolitan area, causing immense hardship to several lakh residents.

He alleged Chattogram City Corporation has demonstrated "extreme failure" in addressing the city's chronic waterlogging problem and in taking adequate advance preparations before the monsoon. Nahid also called for effective and permanent measures, supported by both domestic and foreign technical expertise, to free Chattogram city from persistent waterlogging.