PM Tarique Rahman hands over new homes to flood-hit families in Chattogram

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over keys to newly built homes for families displaced by recent flooding in Chattogram’s Banshkhali, formally launching a government rehabilitation programme for the affected communities.

The prime minister visited flood-hit areas of Baharchhara Union in the afternoon and personally handed over the keys to some of the affected families at a programme held at the West Banshkhali High School and College ground on Sunday (August 9).

According to his deputy press secretary, Zahidul Islam Rony, Tarique first arrived by helicopter at Baharchhara sea beach before travelling by road to the programme venue. He spoke with flood victims and enquired about their situation and the challenges they were facing after losing their homes.

The government has constructed new houses for 100 families who lost their homes in the recent floods in Banshkhali. The handover of the keys marked the formal beginning of their resettlement.

The visit was Tarique Rahman’s first trip to Chattogram since assuming office as prime minister. His visit drew considerable public attention, with extensive preparations made across Banshkhali ahead of his arrival.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Relief and Disaster Management Asadul Habib Dulu, among other senior officials, accompanied the prime minister.

Earlier in the day, Tarique visited several major development projects in Maheshkhali, including the Matarbari deep-sea port and coal-fired power plant, as well as projects under the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA).

He later travelled to Baharchhara to attend the rehabilitation programme, where discussions focused on post-flood recovery, reconstruction and support for affected residents.

The government says the rehabilitation initiative is aimed at helping families whose homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the flooding rebuild their lives and return to stable living conditions.