Prime Minister assures cyclone relief and rebuilding

On Thursday afternoon, during a visit to the cyclone-affected areas in Kalapara, Patuakhali, Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina assured the affected residents that their damaged homes would be repaired and rebuilt.

During the inspection and relief distribution event, she highlighted the unusual severity of Cyclone Rimali, which caused extensive damage and flooding. "We aim to protect our people from such disasters," she stated.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring basic necessities for the people, saying, "The Awami League government is dedicated to providing food, clothing, housing, healthcare, and education. Continuous democracy allows us to support people during crises and promote socio-economic development. We have improved roads, bridges, and electrical infrastructure for better connectivity and services."

She assured that repairs to damaged roads are already underway and that efforts to rebuild broken embankments have started to protect against future floods. "We have taken measures to repair and reconstruct these embankments before the monsoon season to safeguard people from water surges."

The Prime Minister also instructed officials to identify and assist those whose homes were destroyed. "We will ensure that those who lost their homes can repair or rebuild them. Trust that we will take care of this."

She emphasized the government’s proactive approach to disaster management, mentioning the construction of cyclone shelters and disaster-resistant housing for the landless and homeless. "These shelters provided safe refuge during the cyclone, and we have also made arrangements for livestock. Our goal is to protect our region from such calamities."

Acknowledging the saline contamination of ponds and the destruction of fish enclosures due to the tidal surge, Sheikh Hasina noted that the rice harvest was completed before the cyclone. However, she promised support for farmers to replant lost vegetables and crops, providing necessary seeds and fertilizers. "We will ensure that farmers can start afresh."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina concluded by affirming the Awami League‍‍`s dedication to the people of Bangladesh. "We are always devoted to serving our nation. We will continue to stand by you and provide all necessary assistance. Natural disasters will occur, but our objective is to protect lives and property. This is the mission we are committed to."