PM orders maximum preparedness to protect lives, property amid waterlogging

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant agencies and field-level administration to remain on maximum alert and work in close coordination to protect lives and property affected by widespread waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall, and ensure prompt relief distribution and healthcare services.

The directive came during a virtual meeting from the Prime Minister's Office with divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general (DIGs) of police, deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), civil surgeons and other field-level officials from all eight divisions.

During the meeting, officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest waterlogging situation in their respective areas, including the extent of damage, the condition of shelter centres, rescue operations, relief distribution and healthcare services.

The Prime Minister said protecting people's lives and property must remain the administration's highest priority during the ongoing emergency and stressed that there was no room for negligence.

He instructed the authorities to ensure the swift distribution of relief materials, including dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines and healthcare services to affected people.

Tarique Rahman also emphasised maintaining safe conditions at shelters by ensuring adequate sanitation, uninterrupted electricity and communication facilities.

He gave special instructions to ensure healthcare services and security for women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and pregnant women.

To maintain law and order, the Prime Minister directed law enforcement agencies to remain on the highest alert to prevent any criminal activities, including theft, robbery, hoarding, misappropriation of relief goods and other offences taking advantage of the disaster situation.

He also stressed transparency and accountability in relief distribution, saying priority must be given to those genuinely affected.

The meeting also discussed disaster preparedness, rescue operations, coordination among different agencies, river water levels and regular monitoring of weather forecasts.

Officials joining from Chattogram informed the meeting that waterlogging in the port city started to ease gradually.

However, they said the situation is worsening in the Sylhet region following damage to an embankment on the Manu River, while fresh waterlogging was feared in Rangpur division.

Following the briefing, the Prime Minister instructed the authorities to take all possible precautionary measures, keep the necessary manpower and equipment ready and continue working in a coordinated manner to support affected communities.