The declaration will help raise more funds for the affected people, observed the three bodies-- Islamic Relief Bangladesh, Concern and Oxfam-- at a press conference organised in Dhaka to present the outcome of an assistance programme.

Funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), the programme was aimed at reducing sufferings of the waterlogged people of Jessore and Satkhira and ensuring immediate supply of essential food items.

Under the programme, the three organisations provided food and supports to 7,500 people of the two districts.

Oxfam Country Director Anil Tambey urged the government to declare the region as a 'disaster area' to help raising additional funds for waterlogged communities.

He stressed on a permanent solution of the problem after finding out actual reasons and also emphasised on proper rehabilitation of the affected people.

Nurul Amin Bugmer, programme manager of Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Programme of Islamic Relief Bangladesh, presented the keynote paper highlighting the achievements and lessons learned from the programme.

Short-term assistance is not enough for the affected people, said Nurul adding a long-term intervention is required. "The government should act promptly and intervene as quickly as possible," he viewed.

A beneficiary of the programme, Abdul Karim, also a Union Parishad member of Kultia under Monirampur upazila of Jessore, while sharing his experience at the press conference demanded setting up of high roads and sanitary latrines at the affected areas.

Iftekhar Ahmed Chaudhury, adviser of the Programme Development, Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Unit of Islamic Relief of Bangladesh, Abdul Awal of ECHO and Crerol Crawley of Concern were also present at the press conference.