PM Tarique directs admin, BNP workers to stand by flood victims

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed the administration and BNP leaders and activists to stand by people affected by heavy rain and flooding across the country.

The PM spent almost the entire day speaking to deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and civil surgeons in several flood-affected districts to review the overall situation.

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He also spoke to ministers, secretaries and officials of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and other ministries concerned, according to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

The prime minister gave instructions for rescue, relief, medical assistance and rehabilitation efforts to be carried out in a more coordinated and effective manner, Rumon said in a PMO’s press release issued at 9:11pm Friday.

State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit has been assigned to coordinate the overall response in the flood-hit districts, including rescue, rehabilitation and medical services.

Amit is scheduled to visit Chattogram tomorrow along with State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Iqbal Hossain and officials concerned to oversee measures taken to tackle the situation.

Rumon said officials had informed the prime minister that floodwaters had started receding in some areas.

Tarique Rahman directed the authorities to pay special attention to women and children in the affected areas, particularly pregnant women.

He also asked law enforcement agencies to remain on the highest alert to prevent criminal groups from taking advantage of the disaster to carry out theft, robbery or other offences.

The prime minister instructed the authorities to ensure adequate supplies of food, safe drinking water, medical care and other emergency assistance for affected people.