The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Leading economists yesterday called for taking up a massive rehabilitation programme fearing a colossal negative impact of the cyclone SIDR on the country's economy.

Prof Abu Ahmed of University of Dhaka yesterday told The New Nation that the affect of the cyclone SIDR will put pressure on the economy as a whole. The government should first assess the loss and then immediately start rehabilitation programme, he said.Prof Ahmed also said the affect of SIDR will be colossal as the country's economy received the blow in recent prolonged floods for two times.

The government should remain prepared to face such natural calamities, as these are not avoidable. Prof Mahbubul Mokaddem of University of Dhaka emphasised on relief distribution and rehabilitation of affected families as well as the farmers and also to rebuilt the damaged infrastructure.

He said shelter homes were insufficient for accommodating the cyclone risk people. The government should build more new shelter homes to save the people.

Mokaddem said new technology should be adopted so that the government can continue communication with people and the administration during natural calamities. Disaster insurance should be launched for the people of the coastal areas, so that they can start their activities immediately after the natural calamity.