Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed all relevant agencies and field administration officials to work with the highest level of vigilance and coordination to protect the lives and properties of people affected by waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall. He issued these directives while addressing a virtual meeting from his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat this noon. The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of Police, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Civil Surgeons, and other relevant field administration officials from all eight divisions of the country.
Immediate Actions and Priorities
During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed that protecting the lives and properties of the people is the administration's highest priority during this disaster. He instructed the authorities to ensure the rapid delivery of relief materials, dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines, and medical services to those affected. Rahman also emphasised the importance of maintaining a safe environment at shelter centres, along with adequate sanitation facilities, uninterrupted electricity, and communication services.
Special Attention to Vulnerable Groups
The Prime Minister specifically directed the authorities to ensure necessary healthcare and security for women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. To maintain law and order, he instructed law enforcement agencies to remain on maximum alert, ensuring that no unscrupulous groups exploit the disaster situation by engaging in theft, robbery, hoarding, misappropriation of relief materials, or any other criminal activities.
Transparency and Coordination
Rahman stressed on ensuring transparency, accountability, and priority for genuine victims in the distribution of relief. The meeting held detailed discussions on disaster preparedness, the activities of local administrations, coordination among various agencies involved in rescue operations, and the regular monitoring of river water levels and weather forecasts.
Regional Updates and Future Preparedness
Officials joining the meeting from Chattogram informed the Prime Minister that the waterlogging situation there has gradually begun to improve. However, the meeting was informed that conditions in the Sylhet region are deteriorating due to damage to the embankment of the Manu River, while there is also a risk of new waterlogging in the Rangpur Division. After being briefed on the situation, the Prime Minister instructed all concerned authorities to take comprehensive preparedness measures to address all possible risks, keep the necessary manpower and equipment ready, and continue working in a coordinated manner while standing beside the people.
