Govt to build sustainable embankments to tackle flood: Salahuddin

 
COX'S BAZAR, July 18: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, MP,  has said the government is planning to build durable embankments and undertake other measures to reduce the impact of floods and storm surges in the country.

"The primary objective of the government's politics is to ensure the welfare of the people. As a government elected by the people, it is our responsibility and commitment to stand by citizens in times of crisis," he said.

The home minister said the government is working under the principle of "Bangladesh first, people before power."

He made the remarks while inaugurating a project to build 100 houses for flood-affected families on the Pekua Upazila grounds in Cox's Bazar around 11:30am on Saturday. The housing project is being implemented by the Shamsul Haque Foundation.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the government has also taken support programmes for flood-hit farmers, fish farmers and livestock rearers, in addition to families whose homes were damaged.

Farmers who lost seedbeds, seedlings or cropland will receive seeds, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs, he said, adding that the government will also assess losses in the fisheries and livestock sectors before extending assistance.

He said initiatives would be taken to quickly repair schools, colleges, madrasas, roads and other infrastructure damaged by the floods.

"The government will always stand beside the people and work to ensure justice," he added.

The home minister also said the Bangladesh Water Development Board would no longer be responsible for operating sluice gates. Instead, local administrations and elected representatives would oversee their maintenance to ensure they are opened on time for proper drainage.

He noted that there is no "magic solution" to prevent floods, saying floods, cyclones and storm surges are inevitable in riverine and coastal areas.

He added that durable embankments and sluice gates have already been constructed in different upazilas of Cox's Bazar to improve flood control and water drainage.

Seeking prayers for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is pursuing pro-people and pro-poor policies so that ordinary citizens do not face additional hardship and government services reach their doorsteps.

After the programme, the home minister spoke with flood-affected families, enquired about their condition and inspected relief materials prepared for distribution.

He later visited several flood-hit areas of Pekua Upazila.

Salahuddin Ahmed arrived in his hometown of Cox's Bazar on Friday on a two-day visit. On the first day of the tour, he visited flood-affected areas in Chakaria and distributed relief among affected people. He is scheduled to return from Cox's Bazar on Saturday night.