“Necessary steps have taken to ensure that people and livestock in the coastal areas can safely move to cyclone shelters,” he told a press briefing after a preparatory meeting on cyclone ‘Bulbul’ at the ministry.
Danger signal number 7 has been issued for Mongla and Payra ports and 6 for Chattogram port as ‘Bulbul’ approaches.
Holidays of government officials and employees in 13 coastal districts have been cancelled. The very severe cyclonic storm is expected to hit Bangladesh on Saturday evening.
Rahman said 14,000 packets of dry food, Tk 70 lakh and 1,400mt rice have been allocated for the people of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola and Pirojpur districts.
Meanwhile, 600mt rice and Tk 30 lakh have been allocated for the people of Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar districts.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed residents of coastal districts to preserve necessary food and materials in 'Paribarik Silos' (family silo) provided by the government,” the state minister added.
Capt (retd) AB Tajul Islam, chief of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the ministry’s Senior Secretary Md Shah Kamal, among others, were present at the meeting.