The government has sanctioned adequate relief materials and there would be no scarcity of relief, he said at a review meeting on the relief and rehabilitation activities at Sylhet Circuit House.

The minister also asked the officials to take part in the post-flood rehabilitation programme with a team spirit for the greater national interest.

Divisional Commissioner Abdus Salam Khan chaired the meeting attended by officials of different departments.

The finance minister said the current flooding has caused more damage to Sylhet division than in 1988.

An assessment of the extent of damage to schools, colleges, bridges and roads was now being carried out, he said.

The government would start an extensive post-flood rehabilitation programme soon after the assessment of the damage, he added.

Saifur also underscored the need for devising new ways of facing the floods.

He said multi-storied flood shelters would be built in the flood-prone areas, with provision for using these as educational institutions during normal period.

Later, the minister formally inaugurated the development work on the Chouhatta-Rikabibazar-Circuit House Road.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the minister called on the political leaders to rise above the partisan interests for the cause of development.

Mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed, also president of Sylhet city Awami League, presided over the ceremony.

He sought continued cooperation from the minister for the development of Sylhet City Corporation.