Relief operations to continue until normalcy returns: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the government will continue distributing relief assistance in flood-hit areas until the situation returns to normal, while rehabilitation efforts will begin immediately after emergency relief operations conclude.

Speaking during a relief distribution programme in Patenga of Chattogram on Friday (July 17), the minister said flood-affected families have already received dry food, lentils and other essential supplies.

He added that arrangements have also been made to provide cooked meals to nearly 40,000 people.

"The government has been providing emergency assistance since the onset of the floods, and relief distribution will continue until normalcy is restored," he said.

The finance minister said the next priority will be the rehabilitation of affected communities, particularly farmers.

He noted that the government will distribute seeds, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to help restore livelihoods in flood-ravaged areas.

He also said authorities are fully prepared to tackle any post-flood health risks, with adequate stocks of medicines and necessary medical services in place to respond quickly to any disease outbreak.

Amir Khosru further assured that government support would continue throughout the rehabilitation process until affected families are able to recover.

After the relief distribution programme in Patenga, the finance minister left for Chandanaish, Dohazari and Satkania to inspect flood-hit areas and oversee additional relief efforts.