He said these things at an emergency press conference organized at the 'Karobi' hall of the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka on Saturday (July 11) afternoon.
Mahdi Amin informed that due to continuous heavy rainfall, floods, landslides and waterlogging have occurred in various parts of the country. The suffering of people has taken a severe form, especially in the districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. The Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation in these areas.
He said that on Friday, the Prime Minister held a meeting with administrative and law enforcement officials of five flood-affected districts. Discussing with the Divisional Commissioner, DIG, District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Civil Surgeon and Fire Service officials, he gave necessary directions for conducting rescue and relief operations. Besides, the overall situation is being reviewed and necessary actions are being determined through meetings with the Divisional Commissioners.
The spokesperson informed that instructions have been given to work in a coordinated manner from the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) to the district administration, police, fire service and other government agencies. Operations are being conducted giving equal importance to these three stages: rescue operations, relief distribution and rehabilitation.
He further said that on the Prime Minister's instructions, the State Minister for Power is already stationed in Chattogram and monitoring the power situation. Local Members of Parliament and political leaders have also gone to the affected areas and stood by the affected people.
Mahdi Amin informed that the Prime Minister, as the chairperson of BNP, has instructed leaders and activists at all levels of the party to stand by the affected people. Leaders and activists of various wings and associate bodies including BNP, Chhatra Dal, Juba Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal are participating in relief and assistance activities locally.
He said that financial assistance of more than Taka 2 crore has already been distributed quickly to help the flood-affected people. Besides, more than one thousand shelters have been opened, where affected people are being provided with safe shelter and necessary assistance.
Mahdi Amin said that to reduce the suffering of the affected people, the government has also taken necessary measures in educational activities. All HSC and equivalent examinations of the Chattogram Education Board have been postponed until next July 16.
Deputy Press Secretary of the Prime Minister Md. Suzauddoulla (Sujan Mahmud) and Shahadat Hossain Swadhin and Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar were present at the press conference.
