Photo: BSS

 JHALAKATHI, April 16, 2026 (BSS) – Adviser to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and public health expert Dr Ziauddin Haider today distributed food assistance among families affected by a devastating fire in the Shmashan Ghat area under Jhalakathi municipality.

He handed over the assistance after visiting the spot around noon and talked to the affected residents.

Essential food items like rice, lentils, potatoes and edible oil were distributed among 17 affected families with the support from social organisation Human Accord Development Society (HADS). 

Dr Ziauddin Haider attended the programme as the chief guest, while President of Jhalakathi Press Club Advocate Akkas Sikder was present as special guest at the event with HADS Chairman Abdul Mannan Tawhid in the chair.

Earlier, Dr Haider visited the fire-hit area, inspected the burnt houses and spoke with the victims. He stressed the need for their quick rehabilitation.

“The area is narrow and densely populated, which may have caused the fire to spread rapidly. Most residents here are from low-income groups. In such disasters, it is important for affluent and conscious members of society to come forward,” he said.

He added that BNP always stands beside distressed and vulnerable people, and party leaders and activists promptly responded following the incident.

Dr Haider also called for identifying electrical and infrastructural risks to prevent such incidents in future, urging the authorities concerned to take prompt measures.

District Sramik Dal President Tipu Sultan, district Jubo Dal senior joint convener Robiul Hossain Tuhin and local leaders were also present on the occasion.