Adviser to the three ministries of the interim government, Nahid Islam, has warned that action will be taken against anyone who neglects to perform their duties at this time of national crisis, which has been affected by the terrible floods of the past few days. At the same time, due to optical fiber damage, the network has been cut off in some upazilas affected by floods, said the advisor on posts, telecommunications and information technology. He said that 13 percent of the flood-affected areas have sites down. Generators are being used to provide backup. 10 VSATs are ready in case of network breakdown. Instructions have been given to make mobile network free in the respective areas.
This information was conveyed in the message of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday with reference to the advisor.
Earlier in the morning, the Information and Broadcasting, Postal and Telecommunication and Information Technology Advisors went to the office of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and made a five-point demand, including sending public-private speed boats to the flood-affected areas immediately.
Nahid Islam said, at the time of the nation’s revolution, you should step down from your position. Participate in all forces rescue operations. You don’t need to give instructions anymore. He urged people from educational institutions, business institutions, political and all classes to come forward.
At this time, the information advisor said that Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) will not leave the office if the five-point demand is not implemented, including sending government-private speed boats to the flood-affected areas.
Meanwhile, the students of Dhaka University stood in front of the BIWTA office at Motijheel at 4 in the morning with a five-point demand for not providing necessary assistance to the affected areas. After an hour’s stand, the chairman sent a representative to face the students. At this time, Information Advisor Nahid Islam came and spoke to the authorities after the operation of the Shipping Control Office was stopped and said that accountability was assured. Later, the students left the position around 6:30.
Addressing the BIWTA authorities, Nahid Islam said that all public and private boats should be deployed in the affected areas immediately. Call the private institutions and tell them that there are instructions from the Chief Adviser. Open the control room within an hour.
Nahid said, our neighboring country has taken a stand against the people of Bangladesh by opening the dam without any discussion. We condemn and protest against it. If any state stands against Bangladesh, the students of Bangladesh will stop it. He also assured the students that they will not leave the office until their demands are met.
Rifat Ahmed, a student of Dhaka University, presented the five-point demand of the students:
1. Government and private speed boats should be sent to flood-affected areas at the moment.
2. Small launches at various ports should be sent to the flooded areas very quickly.
3. All the vehicles engaged in flood rescue work must be urgently supplied with fuel from the authorities.
4. All private trawlers and speed boats should be made free during this period.
5. As long as this state of emergency prevails, 24-hour control from the control room will be conducted and representatives will be sent to each area.
Meanwhile, heavy rains and the opening of Dambur and Ghazaldoba dams in India have caused severe flooding in several areas of the country, including Feni, Noakhali, Cumilla and Moulvibazar. In such a situation, millions of people have been cut off from communication. Flood victims from different parts of the country have expressed their desire to be rescued.
