Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed authorities to step up rescue and relief operations for people affected by floods and heavy rainfall across the country, urging all relevant agencies to take immediate action to ease the suffering of victims.
He has also called on BNP leaders and activists at all levels to stand beside flood-affected people and provide assistance wherever needed.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly disclosed the directives on Friday, saying the flood situation has become critical in several districts, including Chattogram, after days of heavy rain left thousands of families affected.
“The prime minister is closely monitoring the situation round the clock and remains in constant communication with the administrations concerned. He has directed all relevant authorities to take prompt measures to support flood victims and ensure an effective response to the disaster,” Shibly said.
He added that Tarique Rahman, in his capacity as BNP chairman, has instructed party leaders and activists to immediately reach out to affected communities, provide assistance and help relocate vulnerable people to safer areas.
“The people’s government stands with those affected and remains committed to serving them during this humanitarian crisis,” the press secretary said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin outlined a 10-point government response plan in a Facebook post, detailing steps taken to address the flood and landslide situation in Chattogram and neighbouring districts.
According to the post, the prime minister is personally monitoring the situation, while the PMO is maintaining regular coordination with deputy commissioners (DCs), upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs), law enforcement agencies and other concerned officials to provide necessary instructions.
A total of 1,057 shelters have been opened in disaster-hit areas of Chattogram division, where more than 12,000 people have taken refuge.
Under the government’s General Relief (GR) programme, Tk2.15 crore in cash assistance and 3,450 tonnes of rice have been distributed directly among affected people in five districts – Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.
The government has also arranged safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, baby food and three meals a day for people in affected areas.
Considering the emergency situation, law enforcement agencies have been deployed for rescue operations in hilly regions, while the Army has been sent to areas where necessary.
Members of parliament and local representatives are visiting flood-hit areas across Chattogram division to assess the situation, distribute relief materials and convey the Prime Minister’s message of support. They are staying in affected areas and assisting residents.
The prime minister has directed BNP leaders and activists, including those from affiliated and associate organisations, to actively participate in relief operations. They have already begun supporting victims through individual and organisational initiatives.
The PMO said civil administration, government ministries, law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Coast Guard are working together from local to central levels to tackle the crisis.
Meanwhile, HSC and equivalent examinations in flood-affected areas have been postponed due to flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.
Local administration officials, along with local political leaders and activists, have visited the families of those killed or injured in the disaster to offer condolences and ensure necessary support.
To reduce future waterlogging risks, the government has taken a plan to raise the 47-kilometre Chattogram-Dohazari railway line by five feet. The tender process for the project has already begun.
The government also plans to relocate people living in landslide-prone areas to safer housing.
According to government estimates, floods and landslides caused by continuous rainfall have so far claimed 30 lives and left thousands of people stranded across the Chattogram division.
