Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed government authorities to accelerate rescue and relief operations as severe flooding and landslides continue to affect parts of southeastern Bangladesh, with at least 30 people reported dead and thousands displaced.
The Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Saleh Shibly, said on Friday that continuous heavy rainfall has created an increasingly serious situation in several districts, particularly across the Chattogram division, where many families have been forced from their homes.
According to the press secretary, the prime minister has been monitoring developments throughout the day and remains in regular contact with local authorities.
“PM directed officials to take immediate action to support affected communities, strengthen rescue efforts and ensure assistance reaches those in need without delay,” he added.
In his role as chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman also instructed party leaders and activists across the country to assist flood victims, help relocate people from high-risk areas and support ongoing humanitarian efforts.
“The government remains committed to standing beside those affected during this emergency,” the press secretary said again.
Separately, the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson, Mahdi Amin, outlined a package of emergency measures introduced to address the worsening situation in Chattogram and neighbouring districts.
He said, “The prime minister is personally supervising the response while the Prime Minister’s Office continues to coordinate closely with deputy commissioners, upazila nirbahi officers, law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities.”
Officials said, “1,057 emergency shelters have been opened across the affected areas of the Chattogram division, providing temporary accommodation for more than 12,000 people displaced by flooding.”
As part of the government’s General Relief programme, authorities have distributed Tk 2.15 crore in financial assistance and 3,450 tonnes of rice to affected residents in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.
Emergency arrangements have also been made to provide safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, baby food and regular meals for people staying in shelters and other affected communities.
Rescue operations have been strengthened with support from law enforcement agencies in the hill districts, while the Bangladesh Army has been deployed in areas where additional assistance is required.
Government representatives and local elected officials have been visiting flood-hit communities to assess conditions, distribute relief supplies and reassure residents of continued government support.
Alongside state agencies, BNP leaders and activists have joined relief activities through both personal and organisational initiatives.
Civil administration, ministries, security forces, the Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Coast Guard are working together to manage the emergency response.
The severe weather has also disrupted education. Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations in the affected districts have been postponed because of widespread flooding and landslides.
Local officials have visited the families of those killed or injured during the disaster to offer condolences and arrange financial and humanitarian support.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, the government has announced plans to improve flood resilience in the region. Authorities intend to raise the 47-kilometre Chattogram-Dohazari railway line by approximately five feet after prolonged rainfall submerged sections of the route. The tender process for the project has already begun.
The government also plans to relocate families living in landslide-prone areas by providing housing in safer locations.
According to official estimates, continuous heavy rainfall has triggered floods and landslides that have claimed 30 lives across the Chattogram division while leaving thousands of people stranded, as emergency teams continue rescue and relief operations.
