PM Orders Maximum Alert Amid Widespread Waterlogging

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant agencies and field-level administrations 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 uninterrupted relief distribution and 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 damage assessments, the condition of shelter centres, rescue operations, 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 ensure the swift distribution of relief materials, including dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines and healthcare services for affected communities.

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

He issued special directives to guarantee healthcare and security for women, children, older people, 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, the misappropriation of relief goods and other crimes that could arise during the disaster.

He also stressed transparency and accountability in relief distribution, saying priority must be given to those genuinely affected.

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

Officials from Chattogram reported that waterlogging in the port city had begun to ease gradually.

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 parts of Rangpur Division.

Following the briefing, the Prime Minister directed the authorities to take all necessary precautionary measures, keep manpower and equipment on standby and continue coordinated efforts to support affected communities.