Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the administration and leaders and activists of his party to stand beside people affected by heavy rainfall and flooding across the country, while ordering coordinated rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
On Friday, the prime minister spent much of the day speaking with deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs) and civil surgeons in flood-hit districts to assess the latest situation.
He also held discussions with ministers, secretaries and senior officials of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and other relevant ministries, instructing them to strengthen coordination in rescue, relief, healthcare and rehabilitation operations.
The information was confirmed by the prime minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
According to Rumon, the prime minister has assigned State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit to coordinate rescue, rehabilitation and medical services in the affected districts.
He said Amit will travel to Chittagong on Saturday with State Minister for Relief M Iqbal Hossain and other relevant officials to oversee the response to the evolving flood situation.
Rumon also said officials informed the prime minister that floodwaters have started receding in several areas, although the overall situation continues to be monitored closely.
The prime minister directed authorities to give special attention to women and children in flood-affected areas, particularly pregnant women.
He also instructed law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert to prevent theft, robbery and other criminal activities that could exploit the disaster situation.
In addition, he ordered the authorities to ensure adequate food, safe drinking water, medical services and other emergency assistance for those affected.
Meanwhile, ministers and lawmakers from the greater Chittagong region have been monitoring conditions in flood-hit areas since the onset of the disaster and remain engaged in relief and assistance efforts.