ZCZC
BSS-26
QUADER-DISASTER-MANAGEMENT
AL govt sets rare example in disaster management: Quader
DHAKA, May 21, 2020 (BSS) – Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader
today said the government has once again set a rare example in disaster
management by facing the cyclone ‘Amphan’ properly.
“The AL government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has set a rare
example again in disaster management. It has minimised the damages and
casualties (by cyclone Amphan),” he told a virtual press briefing on
contemporary affairs from his official residence here.
Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said the government took
all necessary preparations in tackling the super cyclone.
He said before the Amphan hit the country’s coastal belt, local
administrations, voluntary organisations and the AL activists brought about
24 lakh vulnerable people to cyclone shelter centres under the direct
supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The AL general secretary said the prime minister has already directed the
authorities concerned to provide assistance for the cyclone victims and
repair the damaged polders in the coastal districts.
The super cyclone ‘Amphan’ damaged houses, crops and polders in Satkhira,
Bagerhat, Patuakhali, Jashore districts and Hatiya of Noakhali and even
caused casualties in some areas, he said.
Quader expressed gratitude to the almighty Allah as the country witnessed
lesser loss and damage in Amphan than predicted.
By the grace of Allah, he said, the doa of devotees in holy Lailatul Qudr
and the government’s preparedness contributed in minimising the loss and
damage in the cyclone.
“The Sundarbans also works as a protection wall to this end,” he added.
The road transport and bridges minister said the government and the Awami
League would remain beside the affected people in addressing the disaster
aftermaths, their rehabilitation and repairing the damaged polders.
“You should remember that you are not alone. The kind and skilled
leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will always remain beside you,” he
added.
Noting that the coastal people are dealing with natural disasters apart
from coronavirus, Quader urged the AL leaders and workers to stand by them to
help overcome the two challenges.
The cases of coronavirus infections and its death tolls have increased in
recent days due to negligence and unconsciousness of the people, he said.
“Those who are not maintaining social distancing and following health
guidelines are knowingly welcoming the virus infections and deaths,” Quader
added.
BSS/ASG/BKD/MRI/GA/1746 hrs