The government is prioritizing the safety and relief of people affected by recent floods and landslides, according to Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu. Speaking in the Jatiya Sangsad under Rule 300, Dulu emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of those impacted and providing emergency assistance.
Casualties and Shelters
The minister reported that the floods and landslides, triggered by incessant rainfall, have claimed 19 lives in Cox’s Bazar, five in Chattogram, five in Bandarban, and one in Rangamati. To accommodate those displaced, a total of 1,057 shelters have been opened across the affected districts: 41 in Chattogram, 640 in Cox’s Bazar, 21 in Rangamati, 135 in Khagrachhari, and 220 in Bandarban.
Relief Allocations
Initially, the government allocated Tk 1 million in cash and 200 metric tons of rice for each of the five affected districts on July 7. Additional allocations were approved, including Tk 2.5 million for Chattogram, Tk 2 million for Cox’s Bazar, and Tk 1 million each for Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban. Rice allocations were also increased, with 300 metric tons for Chattogram, 250 metric tons for Cox’s Bazar, and 200 metric tons each for Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans
Public announcements through loudspeakers are encouraging people in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations. Shelters are equipped with safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, baby food, and three meals a day. The ministry’s secretary is overseeing the response on-site, while district and upazila administrations work round the clock. The Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund has allocated Tk 2 million for each affected district, with the Prime Minister closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary directives.
Long-term Solutions
Addressing the recurring issue of landslides, Dulu announced the government’s plan to rehabilitate families living on vulnerable hill slopes by constructing houses on khas land and other government land. He urged local lawmakers to raise public awareness and support the relocation initiative, aiming to reduce future casualties. State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin informed the House that 1,300 metric tons of rice had been distributed among the three hill districts and additional funds from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund were released to support emergency disaster response.
