The Surma and the Kushiara rivers in Sylhet will be dredged to restore their navigability and prevent floods in this area, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday. “The government will extend all possible assistance, including relief, to alleviate the sufferings of the people of Sylhet affected by flash floods,” he said while distributing relief among the flood victims in Sylhet. Also read: No improvement in Sylhet's flood situation Momen said 33 shelters have already been set up for the flood-hit people in Sylhet Sadar and more shelters will be set up if necessary. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has always stood by the people in any difficult time, including during natural disasters,” he added.

The government has planned to formulate the third master plan to prevent the encroachment and pollution of the country’s five rivers -- Padma, Meghna, Turag and Pungli -- and increase their navigability.

Urging the policymakers and activists to work collaboratively to ensure river rights, speakers on Friday blamed unwise decisions by stakeholders for the poor condition of rivers flowing through Bangladesh.