Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman on Friday urged the government to show visible progress in implementing the Teesta Mega Project, saying people wanted to see its commitment translated into action.
Speaking to journalists at Shah Amanat International Airport after arriving in Chattogram to inspect flood-hit areas and distribute relief, the opposition leader said flooding was now affecting large parts of the country, with the situation deteriorating most in Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh divisions.
"The problem is now mainly affecting four divisions of the country—Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. The other divisions are not in particularly good condition either, but the situation in these four divisions is steadily worsening," he said.
He warned that Rangpur Division would face the greatest risk if upstream dams on the Teesta River were opened.
Describing the situation as an "annual tragedy", Shafiqur said Jamaat-e-Islami had repeatedly called for the implementation of the Teesta Mega Project and the government had pledged to carry it out. While acknowledging that the project was large and would take time, he said people expected work to begin and wanted to see tangible progress.
Referring to the flood situation in Chattogram, he said the visit was intended to stand beside affected people, assess conditions on the ground and raise their concerns with the government.
The Jamaat chief also expressed sympathy for flood victims and prayed for those who had died in floods, landslides and related incidents.
He said Chattogram, despite being Bangladesh's commercial capital, continued to suffer severe disruption from overflowing drains and sewers even after moderate rainfall, adding that similar conditions had claimed lives in previous years.
"It is primarily the government's responsibility to solve these problems. However, as an opposition party, we also have a responsibility to bring these issues to the government's attention and advocate on behalf of the people. That is one of the main reasons for our visit today," he said.
Shafiqur said he would visit Banshkhali, Lohagara, Satkania and several parts of Chattogram city to assess the situation and provide assistance where possible.
He added that Jamaat-e-Islami would continue supporting flood-affected families within its capacity, particularly those who had lost relatives. He said all affiliated organisations had been instructed to carry out relief activities under central coordination.
Later, he visited flood-hit areas, including Gunagari in Banshkhali Upazila and Bakshirkhil in Eochia Union of Satkania Upazila, where he distributed relief materials and financial assistance among affected residents.
