State Minister for Land and Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin spoke at a press briefing at the Chattogram Circuit House on Wednesday. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, July 9, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Land and Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has urged people living in illegally built settlements on vulnerable hills to relocate to safer places, warning that such encroachments significantly increase the risk of casualties during landslides.

He made the call while addressing a press briefing at the Chattogram Circuit House late on Wednesday after visiting landslide-affected areas in Bayezid and Hathazari, as well as inspecting flood, waterlogging and shelter conditions in Rangamati district.

Earlier in the day, after attending a Parliament session, the state minister visited the affected areas and distributed relief materials among the victims.

Speaking to journalists, Mir Helal said a landslide had occurred in Bayezid, where large cracks had appeared on several hills and a number of houses had been damaged.

He attributed such incidents largely to illegal settlements and encroachment on vulnerable hillsides, stressing the need to raise public awareness and prevent further unauthorized construction in high-risk areas.

The state minister said that under the Prime Minister's directive, the government has allocated 1,300 metric tonnes of rice to the three hill districts for emergency relief, including 500 metric tonnes for Rangamati. In addition, each district has received Tk 20 lakh in emergency assistance, with further allocations to be provided if necessary.

He said more than 3,200 emergency shelters have been prepared across Chattogram division. In Rangamati alone, authorities have identified 260 high-risk locations and established an equal number of shelters. At present, around 1,300 people are staying in 22 shelters, and the number is increasing as heavy rainfall continues.

Referring to the persistent waterlogging in Chattogram city, Helal said several sluice gates are not functioning properly, preventing the quick drainage of rainwater. 

He stressed the need for immediate repairs, saying a permanent solution to waterlogging would not be possible unless the gates are restored. He added that the matter would be taken up with the relevant authorities.

The state minister said the government remains committed to protecting people during disasters. 

He noted that the civil administration, armed forces, local government representatives, government agencies and political leaders and activists are working together to manage the situation and thanked officials, public representatives and volunteers for their continued efforts.

Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Zia Uddin and Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, among others, were present at the briefing.