Khagrachhari Correspondent

State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs, Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, MP, has emphasized that the current government recognizes the people as the true owners of the country. He pledged to work collectively to transform Bangladesh into a dignified and self-respecting state.

Speaking as the chief guest at a relief distribution event for flood-affected families in Mahalchhari, Khagrachhari, on Sunday, the State Minister criticized the previous administration.

He alleged that the former regime prioritized political repression, enforced disappearances, and injustice over the last 17 years, which rendered the national administration and judicial system ineffective.

Addressing the crowd at the Chaungrachhari Government Primary School premises, Barrister Helal highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, stating that the current government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting marginalized communities.

He noted that the government, district administration, and the BNP are working in unison to provide relief across disaster-prone areas, regardless of political affiliation.

During his visit to the region, the State Minister inaugurated an Open Market Sale (OMS) program at Maischhari Bazar in Mahalchhari, where rice and flour are being sold at subsidized rates. He announced that this government program will be expanded nationwide starting in August to help flood-affected populations regain their economic footing.

Regarding financial relief for those impacted by the disaster, Barrister Helal stated that the government has directed relevant institutions to waive at least one month of loan installments, including interest, for individuals who have borrowed from NGOs.

He further assured that the government is compiling a list of those whose homes were destroyed in the floods and will provide necessary support to assist in their recovery.

Sharing details on disaster response, the State Minister reported that proactive measures significantly reduced the potential scale of damage during the recent floods. To date, the government has distributed 1,300 metric tons of rice and Tk 6 million in cash across the three hill districts.

Besides.,emergency shelters have been established to protect lives and property, agricultural incentives have been launched, and free vaccinations for livestock against Foot-and-Mouth Disease have been provided.

The relief distribution event was attended by Khagrachhari Member of Parliament Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, Khagrachhari Hill District Council Chairman Shefalika Tripura, Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Anwar Sadat, Region Commander Brigadier General K.M. Obaidul Haque, and CHT Development Board Vice-Chairman Sheikh Saleh Ahammed, alongside other local officials and community leaders.

Following the event, the State Minister held a coordination meeting at the Khagrachhari Circuit House with senior officials, political leaders, and community representatives to discuss the overall situation in the hill district.