Flood situation in Baikari union in Sadar upazila is improving gradually as the onrush of water from across the border has been stopped. Earlier on Thursday night Indians aided by their Borders Security Force (BSF), intruded into Khaitala and cut the embankment to release water that inundated vast areas of Baikari union.

People of Baikari and its adjacent unions volunteered to repair the embankment since Friday morning and the task was completed at 3:00pm yesterday.

The villagers apprehended that Indian nationals aided by BSF might again cut the embankment. So they decided to guard it.

Meanwhile, a company-level flag meeting between the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and the BSF was held at Kaijuri zero point in India yesterday afternoon. BDR Kushkhali company commander Subedar Abdul Jalil and BSF Kaijuri company commander Pramanta Barman led their respective sides.

At the meeting the BSF claimed that water from Bangladesh is submerging Indian territories but the BDR vehemently protested the comment saying that the embankment at Khaitala point was cut to release floodwaters for saving Indians from inundation. The BDR however asked the BSF to refrain from cutting the embankment again otherwise BDR will take stern action against those found cutting it.

Meanwhile, overall flood situation in Kalaroa, Tala, Sadar and Assassuni upazilas remained unchanged as rivers here fail to discharge the water quickly.

Waterlogging in those areas has brought immense sufferings to the people. Hundreds of people who have taken shelter on high lands and in schools and madrashas are facing acute scarcity of food, drinking water and medicine. Over 60,000 people of the affected areas are still marooned and their miseries increased due to incessant rainfall.

Some 30 people including children have been attacked with diarrhoea till 6:30pm yesterday. Local people alleged that the authorities have not yet started any relief operation in the area and they are virtually starving.