The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

BNP leaders Khondoker Delwar Hossain and Maj (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed Friday expressed profound shock at the loss of lives and property in the cyclone that hit the country's south and southwestern regions Thursday midnight.

BNP secretary general Khondoker Delwar Hossain conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families of the deceased and those injured during the storm, according to a telephonic message by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, acting office secretary of BNP loyal to party chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Delwar also urged the government to arrange proper treatment for the injured and provide adequate relief to those injured.

He also called upon the party leaders and activists to stand beside the cyclone-affected people and extend a helping hand to mitigate their sufferings.

BNP standing committee-nominated acting secretary general Maj (retd) Hafiuzuddin, in an impromptu press briefing at his Banani residence today, demanded of the government to provide interest- free loan to the cyclone-affected people for rebuilding their damaged houses. He also urged the government to immediately provide relief to the affected families.

The reformist BNP leader asked the party leaders and workers to stand by the cyclone-hit people. Replying to a query, he said: "We'll try provide relief to the affected people from our personal resources and the party fund."