PM rolls out 10 steps to manage flood

Prime Minister's Adviser and Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin has announced ten measures taken under the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s instructions to deal with the ongoing flood disaster. 

In a Facebook post on Friday, Mahdi Amin said the prime minister had also instructed BNP leaders and activists to stand by flood-affected people, rising above political differences.

He said continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days had created a serious flood situation in the Chattogram region, affecting thousands of families. He added that the prime minister had taken quick humanitarian and effective steps to control the situation and support the victims.

According to Mahdi Amin, the prime minister is personally monitoring the disaster and regularly inquiring about the situation. The Prime Minister's Office is maintaining constant contact with deputy commissioners, upazila nirbahi officers, law enforcement agencies and other authorities to provide necessary instructions.

He said 1,057 shelters have been opened across the affected areas of Chattogram Division, where more than 12,000 people have taken refuge.

Under the General Relief (GR) programme, the government has allocated Tk 2.15 crore and 3,450 metric tonnes of rice for the five affected districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.
The government has also ensured safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare, baby food and three meals a day for people staying in the affected areas.

To strengthen rescue efforts, the army has been deployed alongside law enforcement agencies in the hilly areas. Local members of parliament and public representatives are visiting flood-hit areas, distributing relief and conveying the prime minister's message of support. 

Mahdi Amin said leaders and activists of the ruling BNP, along with its affiliated organisations, have been instructed to work beside the affected people. At the same time, the administration, various ministries, law enforcement agencies, the army and the Coast Guard are jointly carrying out rescue and relief operations from the field to the central level.

He also said HSC and equivalent examinations have been postponed in the affected areas because of floods and landslides.

According to the announcement, local administration officials and political leaders are visiting the homes of affected families to express condolences and ensure necessary assistance.

As part of long-term measures, the government has planned to raise the 47-kilometre Chattogram -Dohazari railway line by five feet to reduce future waterlogging risks. The tender process has already begun. The government also plans to provide safe housing for residents living in landslide-prone areas.

Concluding his Facebook post, Mahdi Amin expressed hope that the disaster would be overcome through the government's quick decisions, humanitarian initiatives and coordinated efforts. 

He said the prime minister stands beside the affected people with deep concern and responsibility, adding that the government remains committed to serving the people in times of crisis.