In address to nation Dr Fakhruddin terms cyclone a national catastrophe

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said the nation is facing a catastrophe caused by the deadly cyclone SIDR and made a clarion call to all irrespective of party and opinion to stand beside the distressed people with whatever they could spare.
“There is no alternative to concerted and united efforts to effectively combat this national catastrophe,” he said in an address to the nation over radio and television in the evening, a day after witnessing the scenes of devastation along the country’s southern coast.
Fakhruddin, who cancelled his visit to Uganda to attend the Commonwealth Summit, scheduled for November 23-25, in view of the exigencies at home, expressed the hope that all irrespective of party affiliation would come forward in helping out the helpless and distressed humanity.
The head of caretaker government urged the business community to be sensitive and prove their social accountability in controlling the price hike of essential commodities.
He said the government is trying its best to deal with the post-cyclone situation with its own resources. But, given the resource constraints, the government will welcome any assistance from Bangladesh’s friendly countries, development partners and others.
Fakhruddin said the government has set up an effective mechanism to deliver the relief goods to the affected people and ensure their primary rehabilitation.
Referring to the cancellation of his visit to Uganda to attend the Commonwealth summit in Kampala, the Chief Adviser said that he does not think it wise to leave the country, even if for a brief period of time, in view of the enormity of the disaster.
“Let’s come to keep alive the indomitable and courageous people of Bangladesh devastated by cataclysm and rekindle their hope for new life,” he told the nation in an emotional address.
Expressing his gratitude to those who have expressed sympathy and extended their support so far for the distressed humanity, Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said the government has been facing the present situation through internal resources.
“But, we will welcome support from the friendly countries, development partners and others due to resource constraint,” he said adding that the government has already built up a strong management structure in conducting initial rehabilitation activities including distribution of relief materials to the distressed people.
“I have seen unimaginable destruction in the affected areas, visiting there more than once.”
“I have listened to the destitute,” the Chief Adviser said.
He said about 40,000 people had been affected by the cyclone.
“Several thousands of them are dead. The figure is rising gradually and the number of the injured is enormous,” the interim government head said.
“It is very difficult to count the missing.”
“The number of totally or partially destroyed houses is about nine lakh.”
“Although the severity of the cyclone was greater than the 1991 cyclone, the casualty figure was far less thanks to preparedness,” Fakhruddin said.
“But we should not be complacent. We have to find ways to limit damage and casualties from future natural disasters.”
The chief adviser said the armed forces launched rescue and relief operations in disaster zones and private organisations, aid agencies and other NGOs combined forces with them.
“We are grateful to all of them.”