Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has offered an apology to the residents of his constituency in Cox’s Bazar for his inability to visit the area during the height of the recent floods.
Salahuddin made these remarks on Friday afternoon while attending a relief distribution programme organised by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the Lakhar Char area of Chakaria upazila, following the recession of floodwaters.
Addressing those gathered to receive aid, the minister explained that his absence was due to being abroad at the time of the disaster.
“I could not come during the floods because I was overseas; I apologise to you for that,” he said, subsequently asking the crowd, “Have you forgiven me?” He reassured the residents that the government remains steadfastly by their side.
Earlier in the day, while distributing relief to affected people in the Phasiakhali area, Salahuddin emphasised that the government is fully prepared to manage disasters. He informed the public that an official survey is currently underway in flood-hit and damaged regions.
“Based on this survey, both government and private initiatives to assist flood-affected people are continuing,” he added.
Minister Ahmed further stated that once the assessment is complete, necessary measures will be taken to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure – including roads, educational institutions, and embankments – and to provide essential support to affected farmers to ensure a swift return to normalcy.
Following the distribution of relief, Salahuddin conducted an inspection of flood-damaged embankments, roads, and homesteads in the Chharakul area, where he spoke directly with residents about their hardships.
He also distributed aid in the Kakara, Surajpur Manikpur, and Baraitoli unions of Chakaria in the afternoon.
Accompanying Salahuddin were Shamim Ara Swapna, Member of Parliament for the reserved women’s seat; Major General Md Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of the BGB; Brigadier General Mohammad Aksar Khan, Cox’s Bazar Region Commander; Colonel Md Mohiuddin Ahmed, Cox’s Bazar Sector Commander; Md A Mannan, Deputy Commissioner; and Md Sazedur Rahman, Superintendent of Police.
