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Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has issued urgent directives to all relevant agencies and field administrations to work with utmost caution and coordination to protect the lives and property of people affected by floods, landslides, and waterlogging caused by excessive rainfall, ensure relief and medical services, and address this disaster-prone situation.
He issued these directives on Sunday (July 12) at noon during a virtual meeting held from the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat via the Zoom platform. The meeting included divisional commissioners, police DIGs, deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), civil surgeons, and other relevant field administration officials from all eight divisions of the country.
During the meeting, divisional commissioners, DIGs, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, civil surgeons, and other relevant officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest situation of waterlogging in their respective areas, damages, status of shelters, rescue operations, relief distribution, and progress of medical services.
The Prime Minister stated that protecting human lives and property is the administration’s highest priority in this disaster-prone situation. There is no room for negligence.
He instructed the relevant authorities to promptly deliver relief materials, dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, necessary medicines, and medical services to the affected people. The Prime Minister also emphasized maintaining a safe environment, adequate sanitation facilities, and functional electricity and communication services in the shelters. The Head of Government specifically directed ensuring necessary healthcare and security for women, children, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
At this time, Tareque Rahman instructed law enforcement agencies to be highly vigilant, stating that it must be ensured that no unscrupulous groups can exploit the disaster situation to engage in theft, robbery, hoarding, embezzlement of relief, or any other criminal activities. He also emphasized ensuring transparency, accountability, and priority for the genuinely affected individuals in relief distribution.
The meeting also extensively discussed the administration’s preparedness for disaster management, local administration activities, coordination among various agencies in rescue operations, regular monitoring of river water levels, and weather forecasts.
Officials connected from Chittagong informed the Prime Minister that waterlogging there has gradually started to recede. However, the situation in the Sylhet region is deteriorating due to damage to the Manu River embankment, and there is a concern about new waterlogging in the Rangpur division. After receiving this information, the Prime Minister directed everyone concerned to take comprehensive preparations to tackle all potential risks, keep necessary personnel and equipment ready, and work in a coordinated manner alongside the people.