PM Orders Maximum Preparedness to Safeguard Lives and Property Amid Waterlogging

PM orders maximum preparedness to protect lives, property amid waterlogging

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant agencies and field-level authorities to remain on maximum alert and work in close coordination to protect lives and property affected by widespread waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall, while ensuring prompt relief distribution and uninterrupted 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, conditions at shelter centres, rescue efforts, relief distribution and healthcare services.

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

He instructed the authorities to expedite the distribution of relief materials, including dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines and other emergency supplies, while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for affected communities.

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

He issued special directives 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 instructed law enforcement agencies to remain on the highest alert to prevent theft, robbery, hoarding, misappropriation of relief goods and other crimes that could exploit the disaster situation.

He also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in relief distribution, saying assistance must reach those genuinely affected.

The meeting reviewed overall disaster preparedness, rescue operations, inter-agency coordination, river water levels and regular monitoring of weather forecasts.

Officials from Chattogram informed the meeting that waterlogging in the port city was gradually receding.

However, they warned that the situation was deteriorating 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 directed the authorities to take all necessary precautionary measures, keep adequate manpower and equipment on standby, and continue coordinated efforts to support affected communities.