AL always stands beside people during disaster: PM

SYLHET, June 21 (BSS): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Tuesday the Awami League (AL) always stands beside the people during any disaster.
"In government or opposition, wherever AL remains, its leaders and activists always stand beside the countrymen and work for them. During cyclone, flood or any other disaster, we always stay beside people and will continue assistance to people" she said.
The premier said this at a view exchange meeting on the flood situation in Sylhet Division and rehabilitation of the affected people at Sylhet Circuit house.
She said that during any disaster, AL reaches the affected people fast and quickly than others. "And, AL will continue its work for the people," she added.
Sheikh Hasina, also the President of AL, extended her gratitude to the local administration, army and leaders and activists of her party and its associate bodies who worked to rescue marooned people and distribute relief risking lives.
She said AL leaders and activists went to the remote areas, where many couldn't reach, and sent pictures of those areas to me what helped ease the rescue process.
Sylhet Divisional Commissioner and General Officer Commanding of Sylhet Cantonment made brief presentations on the flood and its damage.
Divisional administration said 33 upazilas of four districts here are affected by flood where over 4.5 million people remained marooned and over 414 thousand people took refuge at 1285 shelter centres.
Besides, over 300 medical teams are working to treat the flood victims while 1307 tonnes of foodstuffs alongside 24,000 packets of dry food and Taka 24.5 million in cash were distributed.
On the other hand, 74,000 hectares of land went under water while 40,000 ponds and hatcheries were damaged due to flood water which caused losses to the tune of Tk 1.42 billion (142 crore).
At the event, Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj handed over a framed-picture of the baby boy "Plabon" who was named by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The baby born in the shelter of DC office in Sunamganj and the Premier herself named the baby born at 10 am on June 18.
Earlier on the day Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inspected the flood situation in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrakona and adjacent areas.
The premier witnessed the flood situation for herself as the helicopter carrying her hovered over the affected areas maintaining the "low fly mode".
Later, she landed at the Sylhet Osmani International Airport and then went to Sylhet Circuit House for meetings with the divisional and district administration as well as local Awami League leaders.