She appealed to the world community while addressing the flood-stricken people at Jhaupara in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj district.

"The magnitude of flooding this time is heavier than the floods that swept the country in 1998 and a decade back in 1988," she told her audience, adding: "International assistance is necessary to cope with the damages done by the natural calamity."

The prime minister, however, assured that the government would start massive post-flood rehabilitation work immediately after the flood waters recede.

She said rationing on VGF cards and other supports of the government to the flood-affected areas would continue until the flood victims rebuild their homes and harvest new crops.

She said the government would provide farmers with seedlings free

of cost and fertilisers at reduced rates along with other necessary supports so that they can recoup the losses.

The prime minister said there was no reason to worry as BNP and the coalition government would come up with whatever needed.

The prime minister thanked the affluent people as well as organisations for donating to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the flood victims.

She distributed relief among the flood victims at Jhaupara and Safar Ali Government College. She also visited some affected areas of Araihazar.

Water Resources Minister Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed, also minister in charge of Narayanganj, State Minister for Liberation War Rezaul Karim, local MP Ataur Rahman Khan, Giasuddin Ahmed MP and Narayanganj BNP General Secretary Taimur Alam Khondokar, among others, also spoke and accompanied the prime minister during relief distribution.