Bangladesh forms committee to expedite flood relief efforts

The Prime Minister's Office in Bangladesh has called for immediate humanitarian assistance for those affected by severe floods and landslides in Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, and surrounding regions. Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, creating a critical humanitarian crisis for many residents and displaced Myanmar nationals.

To accelerate relief efforts, the NGO Affairs Bureau, operating under the Prime Minister's Office, has established a dedicated five-member committee. This committee will work around the clock, including holidays, to approve emergency relief projects and release necessary funds. The urgency stems from the immediate need for essential supplies such as food, safe drinking water, shelter, and medical care for the affected populations.

The bureau has instructed NGOs to coordinate their relief activities closely with local administrations, the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, and other government agencies. They are also required to provide regular updates on their progress. A dedicated hotline has been set up for round-the-clock coordination, emphasizing the government's commitment to a swift and organized response to the disaster.