The government is working with the highest level of commitment and responsibility under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directives to ensure rescue, relief and rehabilitation for flood-affected people across the country, Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Saturday.
Briefing reporters at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), he said the Prime Minister has been monitoring the flood situation round the clock and coordinating the government's response through officials at both the national and local levels.
Mahdi Amin said heavy rainfall has triggered floods, landslides and waterlogging in different parts of the country, with Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban suffering the worst.
He said the Prime Minister on Friday spoke with divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general of police, deputy commissioners, police supers, civil surgeons and fire service officials in the five worst-hit districts and instructed them to remain beside the affected people and ensure effective rescue and relief operations.
The PMO spokesperson said Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to meet all divisional commissioners on Sunday to review the situation and provide further directives.
He said a coordinated government response has already been launched, involving officials from the upazila to the national level.
Following the Prime Minister's instructions, State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit is now in Chattogram to supervise relief operations, while local MPs and political leaders are working alongside the administration in the affected areas, Mahdi Amin said.
He also said as BNP chairman, Tarique Rahman has instructed party leaders and activists, including those from Jatiyatbadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal, to take part in rescue and relief work, and they are already active on the ground.
The adviser said the Prime Minister has approved emergency financial assistance of more than Tk 2 crore, while efforts are continuing to distribute rice and relief materials to affected families. Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations in the flood-hit districts of Chattogram division have also been postponed.
He said the Bangladesh Coast Guard has been deployed in coastal areas, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in border regions and the Army where required. Medical teams have also been mobilised with medicines and vaccines to deal with water-borne diseases and snake bites.
Mahdi Amin said the government has instructed Local Government Engineering Department and the Roads and Highways Department to prepare for repairing damaged roads and railways once floodwaters recede.
He said work has also begun to compensate affected households, farmers, fish growers and livestock owners, while a food-friendly programme will be launched soon.
More than 1,000 shelters are currently operating with food, drinking water and sanitation facilities, the PMO spokesperson said, adding that efforts are underway to restore communication in areas where mobile networks have been disrupted.
"The Prime Minister has directed us to work simultaneously on rescue, relief and rehabilitation. During this disaster, everyone must stand united," he said.
Mahdi Amin expressed hope that government's coordinated efforts will help ease the suffering of flood victims and ensure they receive the support they need as quickly as possible.