Emergency Assistance Reaches Flood-Affected Persons with Disabilities Within 24 Hours

Chattogram, ( CTG Mail ) :

In a swift humanitarian response to the recent floods, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah ensured emergency relief reached 200 flood-affected persons with disabilities and their families within 24 hours of receiving a written appeal, underscoring the district administration’s commitment to inclusive disaster management.

The relief distribution programme was held on Monday (July 20) at Shaheed Nagar City Corporation Girls’ High School in Lalkhan Bazar. The initiative was organised by the Chattogram District Administration with support from Jagorani Chakra Foundation.

The prompt intervention came after Disabled Development and Research Centre (DDRC) Executive Director Shahidul Islam Sajjad submitted a written application to the Deputy Commissioner on Sunday (July 19). The appeal highlighted that many persons with disabilities, including children and young people with special needs, were unable to stand in long queues at conventional relief centres due to physical limitations, leaving them without access to emergency food assistance.

Responding immediately, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the relevant officials to take necessary measures without delay. He also decided to attend the distribution programme personally despite his previously scheduled engagements.

Priority Given to the Most Vulnerable

Speaking as the chief guest, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said children, women, elderly citizens and persons with disabilities remain the most vulnerable during natural disasters. He said the administration considered it its responsibility to respond quickly once the appeal was received, ensuring that emergency assistance reached those who needed it most.

He noted that the recent floods witnessed a coordinated response involving the district administration, the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Police, government agencies and development organisations. According to him, the joint effort enabled timely relief delivery across affected communities.

Call for an Inclusive Humanitarian Response

The Deputy Commissioner stressed that building a compassionate and inclusive Bangladesh requires equal attention to people with disabilities.

He said an inclusive society cannot be achieved if citizens with special needs are left behind, adding that equal access to government services and disaster assistance must be ensured for every individual regardless of physical condition.

Relief Appeal Received Immediate Response

DDRC Executive Director Shahidul Islam Sajjad praised the Deputy Commissioner for his prompt response, saying the administration assured assistance immediately after receiving the application and translated that commitment into action within a day.

He expressed gratitude for the Deputy Commissioner’s willingness to personally attend the distribution programme despite a demanding official schedule, describing the initiative as an example of responsive and people-centred public administration.