PM expresses grief over Ctg waterlogging, calls for nationwide canal excavation
Tarique noted that while efforts to mitigate the issue are underway, the scale of the current inundation means that resolving the situation completely will require some time
Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman has expressed grief over the immense suffering caused to residents of Chattogram by severe waterlogging.
Addressing the 24th day of the 13th Parliament's first session today (29 April), the prime minister assured the House that the government is working tirelessly to alleviate the crisis as quickly as possible.
He made these remarks in response to a point of order raised by Saeed Al Noman, member of parliament for Chattogram-10, during a session presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
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Acknowledging that a significant portion of the port city is currently submerged, the prime minister informed the House that he has already consulted with the administrator of the Chattogram City Corporation.
Tarique noted that while efforts to mitigate the issue are underway, the scale of the current inundation means that resolving the situation completely will require some time.
Extending his sympathies to Chattogram's citizens, he stated that from his position, he felt it necessary to express regret for the ongoing hardship.
Beyond Chattogram, Tarique Rahman addressed the broader issue of waterlogging in Dhaka and across the country, describing it as a long-standing national problem.
He recalled that the late president Ziaur Rahman was a political visionary in this field, effectively managing floods and waterlogging by creating water reservoirs through nationwide canal excavation.
The prime minister announced that the current government must return to that model of canal excavation and has already initiated such programmes.
Highlighting the causes of the crisis, Tarique Rahman identified a lack of public awareness as a significant factor.
He pointed out that water flow in drains and canals is frequently obstructed by plastic bottles, polythene, and various other wastes.
He lamented that areas cleared by the government are often blocked by fresh refuse within days.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued a formal request to all lawmakers, "My humble request to all members of parliament is - let us raise public awareness. We need to teach the people how to dispose of plastic or polythene. This is our moral responsibility."
He concluded by stating that the government is working on long-term plans to eliminate waterlogging in both urban and rural areas, asserting that the problem can be significantly reduced with the cooperation of the public.
