Ameer Shafiqur Rahman Visits Flood-Hit Areas in Chattogram, Calls for Support to Victims

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, visited flood-affected areas in Chattogram on Friday, where he met with victims, assessed the damage, and distributed relief goods and financial assistance.

Upon arriving at Shah Amanat International Airport in the morning, Dr. Rahman travelled directly to several flood-hit areas in Banshkhali upazila. He spoke with local residents to assess the overall situation and listened to the hardships faced by families stranded by floodwaters.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Dr. Rahman said it is a humanitarian and moral responsibility to stand by people affected by natural disasters. He urged affluent individuals, social and voluntary organizations, and people from all walks of life to extend support to flood victims according to their capacity.

Expressing concern over the worsening flood situation, the opposition leader said four divisions—Chattogram, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh—are currently the most vulnerable. He warned that Rangpur could face a more severe crisis if upstream gates on the Teesta River are opened, noting that such flooding has become a recurring problem every year.

Highlighting the importance of the Teesta Master Plan, Dr. Rahman said his party has strongly advocated for its implementation and that the government has also pledged to move the project forward. "We are now waiting for that commitment to be fulfilled. We understand the project is large and will take time, but people want to see sincere efforts and visible progress," he said.

According to party sources, after completing his visit to Banshkhali, Dr. Rahman is scheduled to inspect flood-affected areas in Satkania. He also plans to visit locations in Chattogram city affected by waterlogging and landslides and distribute relief among those impacted.

Continuous rainfall and flash floods triggered by runoff from nearby hills have caused flooding in several upazilas of Chattogram, including Banshkhali, Satkania, Lohagara, and Chandanaish. Landslides in different areas have reportedly resulted in casualties and widespread damage, while many families remain stranded in inundated areas.

Senior Jamaat leaders accompanied Dr. Rahman during the visit, including Assistant Secretary General and Chattogram Regional Director Maulana Muhammad Shahjahan, Central Executive Council member Shahjahan Chowdhury MP, Chattogram Metropolitan Ameer Muhammad Nazrul Islam, South Chattogram Ameer Anwarul Alam Chowdhury, Chattogram-16 MP Maulana Zahirul Islam, along with other central and local party leaders.