The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Works for restoration of roads, tele-communications and power supply along with massive relief operations are progressing fast in the country's hurricane Sidr affected areas to mitigate the sufferings of the victims.

This was informed at a meeting of the Council of Advisers held here yesterday with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair. The meeting thoroughly discussed the latest situation after the devastating cyclone, extent of devastation and damages as well as steps taken by the all levels to overcome the post- catastrophe hardship.

Making a presentation, communications secretary Dr Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman apprised the meeting that communications have been resumed in Bagerhat, Chitalmari, Khulna and Mongla roads while ferry services at six places out of 18 in the southern districts have been restored so far.

Besides, one each satellite phone was set up in Amtali, Dublar Char, Kalapara, Dashmina, Mirjaganj, Mathbaria, Bhandaria and Kathalia to maintain tele-communications with these places, said the telecommunications secretary at the meeting.

Relief and Disaster Management Secretary Dr Ayub Mia informed the meeting that the government had made an allocation of 4092 MT of GR rice for the cyclone affected people till yesterday. On the other hand, 10,000 pieces of blankets and 7.3 million water purification tablets were distributed in these areas so far and more 15,000 pieces will be sent for the victims.

Making presentation, power secretary Dr Fawzul Kabir apprised the meeting that they would be able to restore power supply across the country by November 30. He was optimistic about restoration of electricity supply before the stipulated time if everything goes well.

Giving details, he told the meeting that a total of 3221 MW power was produced today against the country's total demand of 3350 MW. He also informed the meeting that a seven-member fact finding committee has been formed to investigate the cause behind power failure at the national grid during Thursday's devastating cyclone.

It was informed that the government is actively considering formulation of a cyclone preparedness plan similar to the flood preparedness plan in the future.

The meeting put emphasis on strengthening flood protection embankments across the country to protect the land and properties from natural calamities.

After the presentation, the Chief Adviser gave some directives to the concerned ministries to restore road, telecom and power supply on an urgent basis to reduce sufferings of the cyclone victims.

Apart from this, the Council of Advisers approved a proposal of the internal procurement of Aman rice, its time limit, price and target for the year 2007. This year the procurement price of Aman paddy has been fixed at Taka 12 per KG and Aman rice at the rate of Taka 20 per KG. A total of two lakh metric tonnes of rice will be procured from internal markets this year that would be continued from November 20 this year to February 28 next year.

The Council of Advisers also approved a proposal of amending of the rules and regulations for operating passenger flight at private level in Bangladesh. With the amendments the Bangladeshi private airliners possessing government licence will be able to operate foreign flights under the government's Open Sky System policy.

It also approved another proposal to transfer the proceedings, summaries and circulars of the cabinet meetings to the National Archives.

Advisers of the caretaker government attended the meeting held at the Chief Adviser's Office here. Cabinet Secretary, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Secretary to the Chief Adviser's office and concerned secretaries were present.