United News of Bangladesh

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Saturday said the government will take all necessary measures to protect people of Banshkhali from recurrent floods. He said the canals in the area have been gradually disappearing due to prolonged encroachment and pollution, causing widespread flooding even after normal rainfall. “Canals will be excavated and re-excavated to restore water flow so that rainwater can drain away as quickly as possible,” he told reporters during a visit to rehabilitation activities for people affected by the recent floods in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram. Ctg flood causes loss of Tk 70cr for fish sector The minister also said sustainable embankments would be constructed to prevent floodwaters from the hills from inundating homes and settlements. He said the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Chattogram on Sunday to participate in various programmes including the construction of homes for flood victims and distribution of relief materials. Later, the minister inspected the venue of the Prime Minister's public rally in Baharchhara of the upazila. Local MP Principal Zahirul Islam and BNP leader Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury Pappa, among others, were present.

New Burimari Express train service will begin operating from Burimari within the next 180 days, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said on Sunday. He made the announcement while speaking to journalists after a meeting with administrative officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Lalmonirhat in the afternoon. The minister said the government is working to implement Lalmonirhat Airport, four-lane road, economic zone and Teesta master plan as promised to people. He added that work on the projects will be accelerated through coordination among different ministries to ensure swift completion. Dulu also announced that a ‘Family Card’ programme will initially be launched in eight upazilas as a pilot project. Under the scheme, the poorest families will be identified in phases and brought under the card system to receive necessary facilities and benefits. He said discussions with local officials focused on development initiatives that can be implemented in Lalmonirhat within the next 180 days. Members of Parliament Hasan Rajib Pradhan and Rokon Uddin Babul were present at the meeting.