Photo: BSS

RANGAMATI, July 12, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for disaster management and relief M Iqbal Hossain has said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is monitoring the overall disaster situation and has directed the authorities to continue providing food and relief assistance to the affected people. 

Talking to the journalists after visiting a temporary shelter center at Loknath Brahmachari Ashram at Bhedbhedi area here last night, the state minister said the government would continue extending full support to the victims of landslides and floods as long as necessary. 

"If assistance is needed for three months, the government will continue providing support for three months. Once the situation returns to normal, efforts will be made to rehabilitate the affected people. The Prime Minister and the present government are fully committed to this," he said. 

Iqbal Hossain said that all officials were working in line with the Prime Minister's directives. 

"The Prime Minister has kept all of us constantly engaged. He is providing guidance on what measures should be taken and remains informed about the activities of all ministries," he added. 

The state minister said the Prime Minister had assigned State Minister for Power Anindya Islam Amit to oversee the flood situation in the Chattogram Division, where he is expected to remain for the next six to seven days to monitor the situation. 

He added that he had been tasked with assessing the situation in the three hill districts and two other affected districts and submitting a report. 

"After visiting the area, I found that continuous rainfall and flash floods from the hills have caused significant damage. However, the local administration has managed the situation reasonably well. The government stands ready to provide additional relief assistance if necessary. Once floodwaters recede and the situation stabilizes, we will work with the local administration and other stakeholders to determine the next steps for those affected," he said. 

Lawmaker from Rangamati Dipen Dewan, government officials and local BNP leaders were present. 

Iqbal Hossain also said the cause of the current disaster and flood situation has been created over many years rather than overnight.  The navigability of the lake did not decline in a single day. We failed to give this issue sufficient attention in the past and now we must rethink our approach," he said.

He stressed that environmental degradation caused by human activities had intensified the crisis, making disaster management a major challenge.

"We must become more aware and work together to address this challenge," he added. 

During the visit, the state minister spoke with the people took shelter, offering them assurance and distributing food among them. 

Earlier, he visited Khagrachhari district before travelling to Rangamati on Saturday night to monitor flood situation and relief activities.