Local administration, elected representatives to oversee sluice gates: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that the responsibility for maintaining the country's sluice gates will be transferred from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) to local administrations and elected representatives to ensure timely water discharge during emergencies.

Speaking on Saturday (July 18) at a programme in Pekua of Cox's Bazar, where flood-affected homeless families received newly built houses, the minister said the new arrangement is aimed at improving flood management and preventing delays in opening sluice gates when necessary.

He noted that floods, cyclones and storm surges remain a natural reality in coastal regions, adding that the government has constructed embankments and installed sluice gates in vulnerable areas to strengthen disaster resilience.

The minister said the government is also extending assistance beyond housing support. Flood-affected farmers will receive seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs, while support measures will also be introduced for fisheries and livestock sectors following damage assessments.

He added that damaged schools, colleges, madrasas, roads and other public infrastructure would be repaired on a priority basis, reaffirming the government's commitment to standing beside people during disasters.

At the event, organised by a private organisation, 20 flood-affected families were handed over new homes along with beds and essential household items.