Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Tajul Islam has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had instructed the authorities to make cuts in the roads if necessary to ensure quick removal of floodwaters from the Sylhet region.
The minister was speaking at an emergency press conference at his official residence in Dhaka on Saturday.
Tajul Islam said instructions had been given to immediately cut through the roads which are obstructing the water flow.
Officials from the local government engineering department and the city corporation were monitoring the situation, he added.
He said a flood control room had been opened for round-the-clock communication from the ministry.
The authorities were sending dry foods and clean water for thousands of people marooned as a result of the devastating floods.
The minister said at least 40% of the area in Sylhet was inundated till Friday. “Now almost all areas have been submerged. Water supply to hospitals has been cut off. I immediately told the city mayor that generators should be used to protect ICU patients. Everyone is trying their best from their position."
Tajul Islam said: "Our main goal now is to rescue people from the flood-hit areas and bring them to safety. Provide dry food, pure water and water purification tablets to the stranded people.
People from all walks of life, including public representatives, government officials, personnel of the army, navy and other forces, and voluntary organizations are working together to help the flood-affected people.”
Responding to a question from reporters, he said it had been possible to take immediate action as the government was prepared in advance. The government would provide necessary allocations for the damage caused to roads, bridges and other places by the floods.
