Army, BNP stand by flood victims in Khagrachari
STAFF CORRESPONDENT, KHAGRACHARI
Thousands of people in Khagrachari are grappling with one of the most severe floods in recent memory. With no safe places left for shelter, water surrounds them, leaving many in despair. Meanwhile, elected representatives from the ruling party have gone into hiding. In this dire situation, the Bangladesh Army and leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have stepped in to offer support.
Early Thursday morning, a mountain surge from India triggered devastating floods across Khagrachari, trapping over 100,000 residents. Bangladesh Army personnel immediately launched rescue operations and distributed relief supplies to those affected.
BNP activists, on behalf of Khagrachari District BNP President and former Member of Parliament Wadud Bhuiyan, provided cooked food to flood victims throughout the district.
The floods, caused by mountain runoff, have left thousands in several upazilas of Khagrachari stranded. Much of the district’s headquarters have been submerged by the Chengi River. The Bangladesh Army has been actively assisting those in need.
On Thursday afternoon, the Khagrachari Region provided relief to flood victims in Uttara Ganjpara amid strong currents. Dry food and cooked meals were also distributed to those taking shelter at the Golabari Union Parishad in the district headquarters.
According to the Khagrachari Region, under the 24th Infantry Division, more than 800 people from over 300 hill and Bengali families received dry and cooked food. The relief operation is expected to continue.
Brig. Gen. Sharif Md. Aman Hasan, commander of the Khagrachari Region, along with Maj. Sadat Rahman, Maj. Md. Rezaul Karim Ibn Rashid, Capt. Rafid, Capt. Galib, and other region members, attended the relief distribution event.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of Khagrachari Sadar Zone Commander Lt. Col. Abul Hasnat Jewel, army personnel rescued a significant number of people stranded across the district.
Since Tuesday, Aug. 20, BNP activists, under the direction of Khagrachari District BNP President Wadud Bhuiyan, have been distributing cooked food, saline, and other essential items to flood victims.
Khagrachari District BNP General Secretary M.N. Absar stated that at least 20,000 people have received relief so far, with around 3,000 leaders and activists working on the ground. Assistance will continue until people can return to their homes.
Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner Md. Shahiduzzaman said 98 shelter centers have been opened across the district. Efforts are underway to move families at risk of landslides to safer locations. Dry food, candles, and clean water have been provided to those trapped by the floodwaters.
