Government relief are insufficient on the backdrop of sufferings and misery of thousands of flood-hit people. People on riverbanks trapped in inhuman state, as there was no prior flood warning.
Capability of a state machine is proved while disasters hit a country. The lack of government’s initiative to protect the disaster sufferers is disappointing.
Recent flood condition also unveiled the authorities’ irresponsibility in protecting embankment and communications infrastructures from damage.
Flood is the geographical reality for Bangladesh. Water from the upstream runs down the plain lands of Bangladesh.
The government, private organisations and citizens are indifferent to the matter though the flood gradually inundated lands ranging from northern to central areas of the country.
The flood-affected people try to deal with the situation on their own.
It is government’s duty to strengthen their initiatives and be a partner of their misery by providing shelter, relief and financial support to them. It is disgraceful that, the duty is not performed satisfactorily.
Primary terminal examinations and Junior School Certificate examinations are knocking at the doors. But the candidates cannot take their preparation as their houses went under water. Education ministry has to consider the situation of the flood-hit examinees.
Concerned NGOs and government organisations should give rebate on agro loans and others financial debt taken by the flood victims.
Sufferings of the people will remain even after the flood water level goes down.
An inhuman situation may rise out of devastated houses, wiped out crop, lack of drinking water sources, and outbreak of diarrhoea and skin diseases. Government has to rebuild the damaged infrastructures.
If the poor and day labourers are employed in all of the flood-rehabilitation activities, their unemployment and poverty can also be reduced.
Food security may be at risk unless shortage of seeds could be met on emergency basis. Thousands of cattle are suffering for lack of food. It is necessary to provide relief for them too.
NGOs, voluntary organisations and citizen forums have to work beside government for the rejuvenations of the flood-hit regions.
The central and local political organisations should work together in this aspect irrespective of their political divisions.
Source: Prothom Alo
