The government has accelerated nationwide flood response operations, stepping up rescue, rehabilitation efforts in affected areas under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directives, Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Saturday.
Speaking at an emergency press briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Mahdi said the government is working with full commitment to ensure the safety, relief and rehabilitation of people affected by floods, landslides and waterlogging triggered by heavy rainfall across the country.
He said five districts in Chattogram Division Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban — have been hit hardest, causing severe suffering for residents.
“The prime minister is monitoring the situation round the clock and receiving updates through different teams,” Amin said.
He said Tarique Rahman has already held discussions with officials involved in administration and emergency response, including divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general of police, deputy commissioners, police superintendents, civil surgeons and Fire Service officials from the worst-affected districts.
During the meetings, the prime minister instructed officials to remain beside affected people and ensure swift rescue and relief operations, he added.
Mahdi Amin said the prime minister will hold further discussions with divisional commissioners from across the country to assess the evolving situation and provide necessary instructions.
He said all levels of government, from upazila administrations to district authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant departments, have been mobilised to coordinate relief operations.
“Every ministry is working from its respective position, and a coordinated initiative has been taken under the prime minister’s directives,” the spokesperson said.
He added that State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit has travelled to Chattogram to oversee relief activities, while local lawmakers and political leaders are working with the administration in affected areas.
Mahdi Amin said as BNP chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and affiliated organisations, including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, to participate in rescue and relief activities.
According to him, BNP leaders and activists are already assisting affected communities at the grassroots level.
The PMO spokesperson said the government has provided more than Tk2 crore in emergency financial assistance and is continuing efforts to distribute rice and other relief supplies to families who have lost homes or suffered financial hardship.
He said HSC and equivalent examinations under the Chattogram Education Board have been suspended until 16 July due to the flood situation.
Amin said the Coast Guard has been deployed in coastal areas, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in border regions and the Army in areas requiring additional support. Local law enforcement agencies are also involved in rescue operations.
He warned that flood-hit areas could face outbreaks of waterborne diseases and said medical teams have been deployed with preparations for medicine supplies, vaccines and anti-snake venom.
Government agencies, including the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and Roads and Highways Department, have been instructed to prepare for repairing damaged roads and railway links once floodwaters recede, he said.
Amin said a food assistance programme will be launched soon, while rehabilitation plans are being prepared for affected families, farmers, fish farmers and livestock owners.
More than 1,000 shelters are currently operating, with food, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities being prioritised, he added.
He acknowledged that mobile network disruptions in some areas have affected communication but said authorities, local representatives and political leaders are working together to restore connectivity.
“The government is working simultaneously on rescue, relief and rehabilitation under the prime minister’s leadership,” Mahdi Amin said, urging everyone to remain united during the disaster.
He expressed hope that the government’s coordinated efforts would help ease the suffering of flood victims and ensure timely support for affected communities.
