NGOs seek cheap food supply, logistics for relief operation
Staff Correspondent
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) yesterday sought food supply at 'reasonable prices' and logistic support from the government for conducting relief operation in remote areas.At a meeting with the government, the NGOs also asked for water purification tablets, oral saline and some other essential items for distribution among the flood victims. The government advised the NGOs to go to outlying areas with relief materials instead of conducting city and town-based relief operation. State Minister for NGO Affairs Lutfar Rahman Khan Azad chaired the meeting while Minister for Food and Disaster Management Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf attended it as chief guest. Representatives of 38 NGOs attended the meeting held at the Press Information Department. The NGOs also said as the flood situation was worsening day by day, the government should go for an international appeal for help. The government side assured them of considering the matter. The NGO representatives said lack of transport facilities hinders their relief activities in remote areas. They urged the government to provide speedboats, other modes of transport and also helicopters to carry relief goods and godown facilities to keep the goods. They also sought flour at a cheaper price from government stock for making and distributing bread among the flood-hit people. The state minister urged them to conduct relief activities in a coordinated manner. Kamal Ibne Yusuf said the government alone cannot tackle such a massive disaster in the country. He advised the NGOs to communicate with their foreign donors for providing assistance to the flood victims. The minister lauded the role the NGOs had played in times of calamities. Later, he told journalists the government was ready to help the NGOs in their relief operation. The minister also said, if needed, helicopter and speedboats would be provided to them. He asked the NGOs to be in touch with district and upazila level government officials for coordinated relief activities. The meeting was told the government had already distributed around 30,000 tonnes of rice, about Tk 3 crore and 4,000 bundles of tin sheets among the flood affected people in 50 districts. On food supply at reasonable price, the minister said the government had already taken initiative to float international tender for additional food procurement. Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau Mizanur Rahman was present at the meeting.
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