Rehabilitating flood-hit people biggest challenge, says state minister

People displaced by heavy rainfall and landslide risks in Rangamati are expected to return home within the next two to three days, although rehabilitation will remain the government's biggest challenge, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said today.

"The current government was elected by the people. It is our moral obligation to stand by them and work for them during any crisis," the state minister said, adding that the disaster could be overcome through the joint efforts of the administration and public representatives.

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The state minister was exchanging views with officials from various government departments at the Rangamati deputy commissioner's office this afternoon.

He further said the government would need to repair damaged homes, restore the road transport network and help people who had suffered economic losses resume their normal lives.

Earlier, Amit visited the Tabalchhari Omdamia Hill Municipal Junior High School shelter centre to meet displaced residents.

His remarks came as the Bangladesh Meteorological Department warned of an increased risk of landslides in Rangamati after three consecutive days of rainfall.

The district administration has launched an evacuation drive in vulnerable areas and has been using loudspeakers to urge residents living in high-risk foothill areas to move to designated shelters.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi and attended by local lawmakers, senior police officers and officials from various government departments.