State Minister for Energy calls for standing by flood victims

Chittagong: Now is not the time to blame the flood situation, but rather to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people rescued and affected by the flood – this is what State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit has called for. He made this call while talking to reporters on the flood situation and progress of relief activities in Satkania on Monday (July 13).
The State Minister said that about 117 wards of 17 unions in Satkania were the most affected on the night before yesterday. The upazila administration had delivered dry food to these wards the previous day. Although this information did not reach everyone for various reasons, the administration is working to provide assistance to the affected people quickly.
He said that the government’s goal is to reach every affected person. Relief activities are being carried out by analyzing information received from the field-level administration, public representatives, political colleagues and various local sources. No one will be left out, whether the assistance reaches someone earlier or later.
Anindya Islam Amit said that just as the government is carrying out relief activities on its own initiative, local parliamentarians are also standing by the affected people on their own initiative. In addition, various voluntary organizations are also working on the ground with humanitarian assistance. Bangladesh’s strength in dealing with this crisis is collective efforts. Therefore, he called on everyone to stand together by the flood-affected people without blaming each other at this moment.
Responding to a question about the actual extent of the damage, the State Minister said that now is not the time to give specific information. The real picture of the damage will be known when the water recedes and the administration and media reach all the affected areas. Our main goal at the moment is rescue and relief activities. We want to rescue the affected people and provide food to them.
Stating that the government will give utmost importance to the rehabilitation activities when the water recedes, the State Minister said that government assistance will be provided for the repair of those whose houses have been or will be damaged. In addition, the government will take necessary measures to compensate the farmers whose croplands have been submerged, fish ponds have been washed away or livestock have been damaged and bring them back to normal life. Considering the suffering of the flood-affected people, the government has requested various NGOs distributing microfinance to stop collecting loan installments at least for the month of July. At that time, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Mia, Superintendent of Police Md. Masud Alam and others were present.