Prime Minister Orders Maximum Alert to Protect Lives and Property Amid Worsening Waterlogging Crisis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed all government agencies and field-level administrations to remain on maximum alert and work in close coordination to protect lives and property as severe waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall continues to affect different parts of the country.

The directive came during a virtual meeting held on Sunday (12 July) 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 senior field officials from all eight divisions.

According to Deputy Press Secretary, Md. Sujauddoula (Sujon Mahmud), officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest waterlogging situation, damage assessments, rescue operations, conditions at emergency shelters, relief distribution, and ongoing medical services in their respective regions.

Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister said protecting the lives and property of affected people must remain the government's highest priority, stressing that there is no room for negligence during the disaster.

He instructed authorities to ensure the rapid delivery of relief supplies, dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines, and healthcare services to affected communities.

The Prime Minister also emphasized maintaining safe shelter centers with adequate sanitation, electricity, and communication facilities while ensuring special protection and healthcare services for women, children, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

To maintain public order, he instructed law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert and prevent criminal activities such as theft, robbery, hoarding, misappropriation of relief materials, and any attempt to exploit the disaster situation.

He further stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in relief distribution, ensuring that assistance reaches the genuinely affected people on a priority basis.

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

Officials from Chattogram reported that waterlogging in the region has started to recede. However, they warned that the situation in Sylhet is deteriorating due to damage to the Manu River embankment, while fresh waterlogging risks remain in the Rangpur Division.

Following the briefing, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed all authorities to maintain full preparedness, keep emergency personnel and equipment ready, and continue working in a coordinated manner to minimize the impact of the ongoing disaster.