Govt to set up coordination cell at Barisal for relief distribution

Dhaka, Nov 25 (UNI) The interim government has decided to set up a coordination cell in Barisal to oversee the relief distribution and post-storm rehabilitation work in the country's southwestern coastal districts battered by the November 15 hurricane.

The decision was taken at the special cabinet meeting at the Chief Adviser's office yesterday. Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed chaired the meeting which was also attended by, among others, eight advisors and secretaries of the concerned Ministries.

''In a bid to ensure smooth distribution of relief among the affected people and to rehabilitate them properly in their devastated lands, a coordination office would be set up in Barisal,'' Mr Ahmed said, The Bangladesh Today reported.

Staying in Barisal, Communication Adviser MA Matin would look after the activities and coordinate with different administrative bodies, he added.

''The Barisal Divisional Commissioner and concerned army officials would also maintain constant contact with the coordination office,'' the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, Syed Fahim Munaim, briefed the press on the meeting of the advisory council.

He said on the basis of priorities and urgent needs, the coordination office would decide the steps to be taken in the affected zones.

''To face the post natural catastrophe, the council of advisers discussed matters relating to immediate relief, safe water, medicine, proper treatment, logistic support and shelter for the Sidr-stricken people in the short and long term phases ," Mr Fahim told reporters.

The government has also taken up a plan to purify the contaminated and saline water, he added.

As part of the rehabilitation programme, the government would disburse Taka 5000 to 10,000 per family for those, whose houses had been completely damaged and flattened and were not being able to repair their dwellings, Mr Fahim informed.

''To overcome the situation and resume work, the government is planning to give credit to the fishermen and small traders in the affected region," the CA's Press Secretary concluded.

UNI