Respect the dignity of people during relief efforts

It is often said that in times of crisis, the people of Bangladesh unite strongly, as seen in the recent flood relief efforts. The number of people from various walks of life gathering at the TSC area of Dhaka University with relief supplies and cash donations has been unprecedented. The students who are coordinating these efforts are the same ones who recently led a popular movement. Countless trucks, pickup vans, and microbuses are carrying these relief materials to the affected areas.

Since the onset of the sudden floods on August 21, people from all walks of life, including day laborers and rickshaw pullers, have been actively engaged in rescue operations, distributing relief, and providing humanitarian assistance. People of all ages and professions are bringing rice, lentils, potatoes, oil, oral saline, salt, clean water, dates, flattened rice, puffed rice, biscuits, and other dry foods to the affected areas. Many are also providing cash, clothing, life jackets, baby food, animal feed, medicine, sanitary pads, and other essential items.

The students of Dhaka University have participated in relief efforts during various disasters in the past, but nothing on the scale of this initiative. Private and voluntary organizations are also actively working in the affected areas, along with the army, police, and local administration. However, a significant challenge during disasters is the lack of coordination in relief efforts and the inability to deliver food and essential supplies to remote areas.

During the devastating Cyclone Sidr in 2007, while covering the affected coastal areas for nearly three weeks, I observed that even two or three days after the disaster, many people still had not received any assistance. The problem arises when those distributing relief tend to focus on easily accessible locations near cities and towns, leaving some people to receive aid multiple times, while others are left out entirely. Additionally, not all areas require the same kind of assistance. For instance, immediate food relief is crucial, and in situations like floods, where cooking becomes impossible due to the inundation of homes, there is a higher demand for dry foods. Clothing is also essential as floodwaters often ruin or wash away people's clothes.

Physical activities don't stop during natural disasters, so sanitary pads are in high demand, especially for women. This time, a significant amount of sanitary pads were included in relief packages, which is commendable. Furthermore, those who suffer from chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, who need regular insulin or blood sugar tests, require these medical supplies as part of the relief effort. Therefore, relief materials should not only include dates, biscuits, flattened rice, puffed rice, or clothes, but a broader range of necessities must also be considered. Thankfully, many of those involved in the current flood relief effort have been mindful of these issues, but the challenge remains in delivering food, clothing, and medicine to everyone in a timely manner.

During the time of Cyclone Sidr, many people expressed a sentiment of "We don't need relief, build embankments." Relief can provide temporary protection, but for those whose homes, crops, and livestock were washed away by the floodwaters, a sustainable embankment is much more critical. The grievances surrounding embankments are longstanding. Despite hundreds of crores of taka being spent on construction and repairs, allegations of irregularities and corruption persist, and every year during the flood season, this same discussion resurfaces.

In the age of social media, where self-promotion is rampant, some well-intentioned efforts are brought into question. Many individuals seem more interested in documenting their relief work through photos and videos for social media than in the act of providing relief itself. Music composer Tanvir Tareq posted on his Facebook wall on Sunday (August 25) about his experience at the TSC, where a young man on a loudspeaker urged those standing idly, taking photos or videos unnecessarily, to stop being "horn uncles."

Tanvir Tareq mentioned that although a record amount of relief was being collected, the distribution process was in disarray, with trucks being delayed and plans uncertain. Crowds were gathering in places like Feni and Comilla, with some media and YouTubers more interested in the spectacle of relief distribution than the actual aid effort. In several online groups, data collection is ongoing, and around 80% of the complaints indicate that the least amount of relief reached Feni's Sonagazi Union and Daulatkandi village, where many people are stranded.

A Dhaka University student stated that there is an adequate supply of relief materials, but the real crisis lies in distribution channels and planning. Organizations such as NGOs, the Red Crescent, and disaster management teams typically have experience in such planning, but their guidance and input are either lacking or minimal.

In short, one of the major challenges in relief efforts is coordination. Those who bring relief do so with the best of intentions, but without proper coordination, some people receive aid multiple times, while others are left out. Therefore, if the local administration coordinates the efforts at the sub-district level and prioritizes remote and hard-to-reach areas, the process would become more efficient.

It is essential to remember that the person standing in line for relief today or waiting on a rooftop for a food packet dropped from a helicopter may not have been in need just a week ago. Perhaps their home was well-stocked with fish, meat, vegetables, and fruit. But the sudden flood has washed everything away. Now, they have sought shelter in someone else's house or on the second floor of a school.

Once the floodwaters recede, they will undoubtedly rise again, repair their damaged furniture, return to work, and bring home a full load of groceries. The relief they seek now is temporary. They were not truly impoverished before, but the cruel twist of nature has forced them to seek shelter in someone else's home. Therefore, photographing or filming them while handing them a food packet worth five hundred takas might be embarrassing for them. They may not want their crisis-stricken face to be shown in the media or on social media. There are many such people.

It is crucial to recognize that these individuals are going through a difficult time. Their homes and belongings have been washed away. Their assets have been severely damaged. Some may have lost loved ones, and others may be injured. Altogether, they are experiencing immense trauma. In such an extremely sensitive situation, it is better not to take their photos. Journalists should, as much as possible, capture images of these individuals from a distance to respect their dignity. Many may not want their faces shown during this period of crisis. Everyone has a sense of self-respect, and this should be kept in mind.

Amin Al Rashid: Current Affairs Editor and Presenter at Nexus Television.