Govt rolls out 10-point relief plan

The government has announced a 10-point measure to support people affected by floods and landslides in the Chattogram region, including opening 1,057 shelters, allocating Tk 2.15 crore and 3,450 tonnes of rice for five districts, and deploying the army where necessary, said Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin.

In a statement, Mahdi Amin, also the spokesperson for Prime Minister’s Office, said yesterday that the premier was monitoring the situation in the affected areas round the clock.

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He said the PMO was maintaining regular contact with deputy commissioners, upazila nirbahi officers, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant officials while issuing necessary instructions.

According to the statement, 1,057 shelters have so far been opened across the affected areas of the Chattogram division, providing refuge to more than 12,000 people.

Under the General Relief Programme, the government has allocated Tk 2.15 crore and 3,450 tonnes of rice for Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban. The relief is being delivered directly to affected people as quickly as possible.

Mahdi Amin said instructions had been issued to ensure safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare, baby food and three meals a day for people in the affected areas.

Alongside law enforcement agencies, the army has been deployed where necessary to conduct rescue operations in the hill districts. The Coast Guard and other relevant agencies are also working in coordination from the field level to the central level.

Local lawmakers and public representatives have been asked to visit flooded areas, distribute relief and convey the prime minister’s message of support to affected communities. They, along with the local administration, have also been directed to work together to assess damage and carry out rescue and rehabilitation operations.

The prime minister has instructed BNP leaders and activists at all levels, as well as members of its affiliated and associate bodies, to remain in the field and support affected people. They have been asked to rise above political differences and ensure the highest possible assistance for disaster victims.

HSC and equivalent examinations in the affected areas have been suspended because of the flood and landslide situation.

According to Mahdi Amin, government officials, accompanied by local leaders and activists, are visiting the homes of affected families to express condolences to the relatives of those who died or were injured and ensure necessary assistance.

Meanwhile, the government has taken a plan to raise the Chattogram-Dohazari railway line by five feet to reduce the risk of future waterlogging.

The 47-kilometre railway line was submerged after days of heavy rainfall. The tender process for raising the track has already begun.

Mahdi Amin also said the government would arrange housing in safer locations for people living in areas at risk of landslides.