Situation still under control: Mainul
Monday, 6 August 2007
FE Report
Information and Law Adviser Mainul Hosein termed Sunday the country's ongoing floods a 'national disaster', saying the interim government along with people from all walks of life has taken necessary efforts to cope with the situation.
He said the government is not seeking to create any panic by declaring the current flood a disaster as the situation is still under control.
The Adviser in charge of Food and Disaster Management Tapan Chowdhury, however, said until now, it is possible to face the flood situation with the national resources.
"We firmly believe that a coordinated move coupled with a satisfactory level of official food stocks will help the government face the prevailing situation," Tapan said.
The advisers were briefing newsmen about the current floods and the government's steps towards tackling the situation at the Chief Advisers' office in the city.
Responding to a query, Mainul said the local politicians could come forward to help the flood victims without using their political banners, as it is their responsibility to stand besides the sufferers.
Since a state of emergency is now prevailing in the country, the government has to take such cautious measures, he added.
The law adviser further said: "I am happy to hear through media that some political leaders have already expressed their intention to help the flood victims without using any banner."
Replying to another question on whether or not the government needs any foreign assistance for facing the current floods, he said the government is not seeking any external help at the present stage.
Mainul also said the foreign adviser is containing talks with various donors regarding the country's current flood situation and some of them have already extended their support in this connection.
The food and disaster management adviser mentioned that he had already appealed to the finance ministry to allocate necessary fund for the flood victims.
The Ministry of Food and Disaster Management had already supplied significant volumes of rice and cash to various government agencies for distribution in the flood-affected areas.
Besides, the government has established flood control cells under its concerned ministries to help coordinate its relief operation, and also the post-flood rehabilitation programmes.
Information and Law Adviser Mainul Hosein termed Sunday the country's ongoing floods a 'national disaster', saying the interim government along with people from all walks of life has taken necessary efforts to cope with the situation.
He said the government is not seeking to create any panic by declaring the current flood a disaster as the situation is still under control.
The Adviser in charge of Food and Disaster Management Tapan Chowdhury, however, said until now, it is possible to face the flood situation with the national resources.
"We firmly believe that a coordinated move coupled with a satisfactory level of official food stocks will help the government face the prevailing situation," Tapan said.
The advisers were briefing newsmen about the current floods and the government's steps towards tackling the situation at the Chief Advisers' office in the city.
Responding to a query, Mainul said the local politicians could come forward to help the flood victims without using their political banners, as it is their responsibility to stand besides the sufferers.
Since a state of emergency is now prevailing in the country, the government has to take such cautious measures, he added.
The law adviser further said: "I am happy to hear through media that some political leaders have already expressed their intention to help the flood victims without using any banner."
Replying to another question on whether or not the government needs any foreign assistance for facing the current floods, he said the government is not seeking any external help at the present stage.
Mainul also said the foreign adviser is containing talks with various donors regarding the country's current flood situation and some of them have already extended their support in this connection.
The food and disaster management adviser mentioned that he had already appealed to the finance ministry to allocate necessary fund for the flood victims.
The Ministry of Food and Disaster Management had already supplied significant volumes of rice and cash to various government agencies for distribution in the flood-affected areas.
Besides, the government has established flood control cells under its concerned ministries to help coordinate its relief operation, and also the post-flood rehabilitation programmes.