He gave this directive during a meeting held on Sunday (July 12) afternoon at the Secretariat via a virtual platform from the Prime Minister's Office with divisional commissioners, police DIGs, district commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), civil surgeons, and other field administration officials from eight divisions of the country.
During the meeting, divisional commissioners, DIGs, district commissioners, superintendents of police, civil surgeons, and concerned officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest waterlogging situation in their respective areas, damages, condition of shelters, rescue operations, relief distribution, and progress of medical services.
The Prime Minister said that protecting people's lives and property is the highest priority of the administration in a disaster situation. There is no room for any negligence. He instructed to quickly deliver relief materials, dry food, clean water, baby food, necessary medicines, and medical services to the affected people.
At this time, he emphasized ensuring a safe environment, adequate sanitation, electricity, and communication systems in the shelters. He also instructed to ensure necessary healthcare and security for women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
Instructing law enforcement agencies to remain extremely vigilant to maintain law and order, the Prime Minister said that it must be ensured that no dishonest syndicate can engage in theft, robbery, hoarding, embezzlement of relief, or any other criminal activity taking advantage of the disaster. He also stressed transparency, accountability, and prioritizing the actual affected people in relief distribution.
The meeting also discussed in detail the administration's preparedness for disaster management, coordination among various agencies in rescue operations, regular monitoring of river water levels, and weather forecasts.
At this time, officials connected from Chattogram informed that waterlogging there has started to gradually decrease. However, due to damage to the Manu River embankment in the Sylhet region, the situation is deteriorating, and there is a risk of new waterlogging in Rangpur division.
In light of this information, the Prime Minister instructed all concerned to take comprehensive preparations to tackle all possible risks, keep necessary manpower and equipment ready, and work in a coordinated manner alongside the people.
