‘Microcredit installments suspended for flood victims’

The installment payments on microcredit loans taken from banks and NGOs by flood-affected residents would be suspended for one month, said State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Helal.

The government is taking all necessary measures to rehabilitate families affected by the devastating floods in Bandarban, he added.

He said a list of affected families would be prepared, and they would be rehabilitated in phases under government initiatives.

The state minister made the remarks while addressing a relief distribution programme as the chief guest at the Bandarban Zila Parishad Rest House premises on Friday.

In addition, the government will provide free vaccination and veterinary treatment for livestock in the flood-hit areas.

Later, he visited several flood-affected areas in Bandarban district town and remote parts of Rowangchhari Upazila, where he distributed relief materials among affected families.

Mir Helal said the government’s objective was not limited to distributing relief but also to restoring normal life for those affected as quickly as possible.

“Alongside rehabilitation, necessary measures will be taken to rebuild damaged infrastructure and help the agricultural sector recover from the losses caused by the floods,” he said.

Among others present at the programme were Bandarban MP Saching Pryu Jerry, reserved-seat MP Madhabi Marma, Deputy Commissioner Md Saniul Ferdous, Superintendent of Police Md Wahabul Islam Khandaker, as well as officials from various government and non-government organisations, local public representatives, and political leaders.