The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhublarchar

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said the government will continue its all out support to mitigate the sufferings of the hurricane Sidr affected people of the country.

"The first priority of the government is to support the affected people so that they could start their economic activities again as early as possible", he said.

The Chief Adviser said this during his day-long visit at the worst affected cyclone hit areas like Dublarchar of Bagerhat, Majerchar of Barguna and Mirzaganj of Patuakhali districts. During his visit, Dr Fakhruddin inquired about the latest condition of the victims, the ongoing relief and rescue operations, medical service being provided to the cyclone-hit areas and the immediate requirements of the affected people. The Chief Adviser directed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps in restoration of power supply, roads and telecommunications for starting normal life in the affected areas.

About agricultural rehabilitation, he said, the government would provide the farmers with all out support to this end. The Chief Adviser also distributed some relief materials and cash money among the affected people in Dublarchar, Majerchar and Mirzaganj areas.

On his arrival at Dublarchar, he was briefed by joint forces engaged there to continue relief and rescue operations about the damages of lives and properties by the devastating hurricane Sidr hit the country on Thursday night. Dr Fakhruddin was informed that Taka another 50 lakh has been allocated for the area in addition to taka 1.50 crore allocated earlier for Bagerhat district. He was apprised that the Navy boats stationed here are participating massive relief operations including supplying pure drinking water, fuel and medicine among the victims.

Later, he distributed relief materials including medicine and clothes among the victims and talked to them.

Expressing deep shock and sorrow at the damage of lives and properties by the Thursday's cyclone, he told them that the government is with the affected people and it will provide all necessary support for the victims.

After Dublarchar, the Chief Adviser flew for Barguna town from where he went to Majerchar by speed boat to see for himself the condition of the cyclone victims.

In Barguna, he was also briefed by Navy that relief, rehabilitation and rescue operations are progressing fast to mitigate the sufferings of the people.