The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday further laid emphasis on well-coordinated relief and rehabilitation efforts to fulfill the real needs of the cyclone affected people. He expressed the view while receiving donations from the representatives of different government organizations and private bodies and individuals at his office yesterday morning. The Chief Adviser said that in many affected areas situations have improved but still many things to be done for overall improvement and to bring the people to normal life.

He said the government has started immediate and long-term efforts primarily putting emphasis on ensuring safe drinking water and resolving housing problem of the victims.

The Chief Adviser said during his visits in the severely hit areas he witnessed that water has been contaminated in many areas and works are underway in full swing to make safe water available to the people but he said the government wants a permanent solution. He also said that the government would sincerely consider the issue of increasing the number of Shelter Centers, reinforcement of embankments in coastal areas and reconstruction of the disrupted communication net work.

Expressing gratitude to the donors for their outstanding support to the Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund to expedite the government efforts he said the money would immensely help the distressed people to overcome their miseries.

Terming the affected people as courageous and resilience Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said the government is going ahead for permanent solution to their problems along with fulfilling their immediate needs.

In this connection he referred to the government decision to distribute about 2.6 million VGF cards among the distressed people saying that this will also expedite the on going relief activities. The today's donors included different Government Organizations including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Privatization Commission, ERD, BEPZA, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, Bangladesh Shilpa Rin Shangstha and Chittagong Stock Exchange.

Secretary to the Chief Adviser's office Kazi M Aminul Islam and Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim were present.