Govt prioritising post-flood rehabilitation, agriculture recovery: Minister

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu has said the government is placing the highest priority on post-flood rehabilitation, agricultural recovery and public health protection following the recent devastating floods in several districts.

He made the remarks on Tuesday night (July 14) while addressing a coordination meeting at the Chattogram Circuit House, attended by senior government officials, elected representatives and representatives from various agencies to review the flood situation caused by heavy rainfall.

The adviser said the government had responded in a coordinated manner to the severe flooding that affected Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachhari, adding that the focus has now shifted from rescue and relief operations to long-term rehabilitation.

He noted that around 412 millimetres of rainfall in a single day in the Chattogram region was an extraordinary weather event that triggered flash floods, causing extensive damage to livelihoods, agriculture and infrastructure.

He also praised the role of the administration, armed forces, law enforcement agencies, local representatives and volunteers during the disaster response.

Highlighting the government's recovery plan, Dulu said an inter-ministerial meeting, led by the Local Government Ministry, had placed special emphasis on reviving the agriculture sector. Authorities will conduct rapid damage assessments and provide seeds, fertilisers, agricultural inputs and establish seedbeds on higher ground to minimise disruptions to the upcoming cropping season.

He also warned of an increased risk of waterborne diseases after floodwaters recede, saying the Health Ministry has already stockpiled medicines, safe drinking water, water purification tablets and essential medical supplies to tackle diarrhoea and other post-flood illnesses. Local administrations have been instructed to maintain close coordination on public health measures.

The adviser reiterated that the government's disaster management strategy is based on three phases—preparedness, emergency response, and rehabilitation—and said all ministries and agencies are working together to help affected communities return to normal life as quickly as possible.

He directed the relevant authorities to prepare comprehensive damage assessment reports without delay and accelerate rehabilitation efforts, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with government initiatives.