State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Tuesday said the government would take strict legal action against illegal hill encroachers, regardless of their influence, following the recent devastating floods and landslides in Cox’s Bazar.
“The indiscriminate hill cutting that took place in the past will no longer be allowed under the present government. No matter how influential the hill encroachers are, they will face strict legal action,” the state minister said while visiting flood- and landslide-affected areas in the district.
After inspecting several affected locations, he distributed relief materials among more than 100 affected families at Chander Para in Jhilongja Union of Cox’s Bazar Sadar.
Responding to allegations of artificial waterlogging, the state minister said authorities would investigate claims that sluice gates had been deliberately kept closed.
“If it is found that artificial waterlogging was created by keeping sluice gates closed, the matter will be investigated and those responsible will face necessary action,” he said.
The state minister assured flood victims that the government would undertake all necessary measures to rehabilitate those affected.
He said damaged roads, educational institutions and other public infrastructure would be repaired, while losses in the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors, along with damage to homes, would be assessed to ensure the speedy rehabilitation of affected families.
“The relevant government agencies will submit final damage assessment reports after the floodwaters recede completely. Based on those reports, a comprehensive rehabilitation programme will be launched,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Aninda Islam visited several flood- and landslide-hit areas in the district and spoke with affected residents about their losses and immediate needs before distributing relief assistance.
Lutfor Rahman Kajal, MP for Cox’s Bazar-3, along with the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and officials from various government departments, accompanied the state minister during the visit.
