Govt launches extensive flood response campaign under PM's round-the-clock monitoring: Spokesperson

Highlights:

• Govt launches nationwide flood response campaign
• PM overseeing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts
• More than 1,000 emergency shelters opened
• Tk20 million in relief distributed to affected families
• Army, Coast Guard and BGB deployed in worst-hit areas

Prime Minister's Office (PMO) spokesperson Mahdi Amin today (11 July) said the government has launched a coordinated nationwide response campaign to address the impact of heavy rainfall, floods, landslides and waterlogging, with rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts being carried out simultaneously under the prime minister's direct supervision.

Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Mahdi said the prime minister has been monitoring the situation around the clock and has directed all relevant ministries, local administrations and law enforcement agencies to remain alongside the affected communities.

He said the worst-hit areas are the five districts of Chattogram Division – Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban – where widespread flooding, landslides and waterlogging have caused severe hardship for residents.

According to the spokesperson, the prime minister has already held meetings with deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), deputy inspectors general (DIGs), divisional commissioners, civil surgeons, Fire Service officials and other local authorities from the affected districts.

During the meetings, he instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted rescue operations and provide maximum support to affected people.

Mahdi said the prime minister is also scheduled to meet divisional commissioners from across the country to review the evolving situation and issue further directives.

He said the entire state machinery – from upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) to district administrations, police, law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities – has been mobilised to coordinate rescue and relief operations.

"Every ministry is carrying out its responsibilities under a coordinated national initiative directed by the prime minister," he said.

The spokesperson added that the State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Aninda Islam Amit, has travelled to Chattogram to oversee the implementation of the prime minister's directives, while members of parliament from affected constituencies have also returned to their respective areas to assist local relief efforts.

He said the prime minister has also called upon the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which he chairs, and all its affiliated organisations to participate in rescue and relief activities.

According to Mahdi, grassroots leaders and activists of the BNP, Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal and other affiliated bodies are working alongside local communities in the affected districts.

On government assistance, Amin said more than Tk20 million has already been distributed among affected people, while relief materials, including rice and other essential supplies, are being delivered to families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.

 He said Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations have been suspended in the affected districts and discussions are underway to extend the suspension in consultation with local authorities.

The spokesperson said the Coast Guard has been deployed in coastal areas, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been engaged in border regions, and the Bangladesh Army has been deployed where necessary. Local law enforcement agencies continue to support rescue and emergency operations.

Mahdi warned of the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases and said medical teams have been mobilised nationwide and preparations have been made to ensure the availability of medicines, particularly for snakebite treatment, as well as vaccines.

He added that government agencies, including the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and the Roads and Highways Department, have been instructed to prepare for rapid repair of damaged roads and railway infrastructure once floodwaters recede.

A food assistance programme will begin shortly, he said, while rehabilitation efforts will prioritise compensation and support for families who have suffered losses in agriculture, fisheries and livestock.

According to the spokesperson, more than 1,000 emergency shelters have already been opened, with food, drinking water and sanitation facilities being prioritised.

Mahdi acknowledged that disruptions to mobile network services in several areas have hampered communications but said local administrations, elected representatives and political leaders are working together to restore connectivity and improve coordination with affected communities.

He said the government's response is being implemented in three parallel phases – rescue, relief and rehabilitation – and stressed that national unity is essential during the disaster.

"The government stands beside every affected citizen with the highest level of responsibility and commitment," Amin said, adding that all efforts are being directed towards ensuring relief, rehabilitation and the safety of people affected by the ongoing floods and landslides.

PM's Deputy Press Secretaries Md Suzauddhowla and Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, Assistant Press Secretaries Md Nazmul Haque Khan and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar were present, among others, at the press conference.