Coastal people survive fighting droughts, floods, natural disasters: Anee

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today (4 April) said that people in the coastal regions are surviving by fighting droughts, floods and various natural disasters, and the government is working to ensure they are no longer neglected or deprived.

Anee made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a food distribution programme among fishermen during the fishing ban period under the “Hilsha Resource Development and Management Project” held on the Lakshmipur District Council premises. The programme was organised by the Department of Fisheries.

Alleging that BNP leaders and activists were subjected to humiliation, deprivation and neglect during the previous fascist regime, Anee said the government is working to ensure that such neglect and discrimination do not happen again.

He said that when water flows down from the hills, sudden water surges often cause severe disasters, while drought creates another major crisis due to water scarcity. 

“Coastal people have to fight with nature to survive by coping with both drought and floods. The upcoming monsoon and possible flooding are natural phenomena, and the government has taken preparations to tackle these challenges,” he added.

The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working with commitment since taking the oath, standing beside the people and fulfilling promises made before the election. 

“The government is taking new projects to deliver services to the people at their doorsteps. Allocation for fishermen during the hilsha fishing ban period has been increased compared to previous years, reflecting the government’s generous and respectful policy towards them,” he said.

Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said many sacrifices were made to establish a people’s government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after the fall of fascism. 

“BNP fulfils what it promises and won’t tolerate corruption, and it’s our commitment,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner SM Mehdi Hasan chaired the programme. 

Abul Khayer Bhuiyan, MP, Shahadat Hossain Selim, MP, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Zia Haidar Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Hemayet Hossain, Laxmipur Zila Parishad Administrator Sahab Uddin Sabu, Superintendent of Police Md Abu Tarek, Joint Convener of BNP district unit Hasibur Rahman and BFF Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy were present among others.