The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has extended his deepest condolences and offered assistance to Bangladesh in the aftermath of catastrophic floods that have submerged vast areas of the country.
In a communication addressed to Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Younus, Sharif conveyed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Bangladesh, expressing solidarity with those who have suffered the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.
This message was relayed in an official press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday.
Sharif commended the resilience and bravery demonstrated by the Bangladeshi people, particularly during challenging times. He remarked, “The people of Bangladesh are renowned for their courage and fortitude,” while expressing confidence in the leadership’s ability to navigate through this trying period.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s preparedness to furnish any required assistance to Bangladesh.
The floods, triggered by heavy rains, have submerged multiple low-lying regions in Bangladesh, impacting at least eight districts in the southern and eastern parts of the country. According to disaster officials, at least five individuals have lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands have been left stranded.
Mohammad Nazmul Abedin, a senior official from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, disclosed, “Approximately 2.9 million people have been affected, and over 70,000 individuals have been relocated to shelters.”
In the southeastern region of Cox’s Bazar, three fatalities were reported as a result of the floodwaters, as confirmed by Rasedul Islam, the chief administrative officer of Ramu district.
The severe flooding compounds the challenges confronting Bangladesh’s new administration, following a period of political unrest that culminated in the resignation of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina departed for India earlier this month after extensive student-led protests brought an end to her 15-year tenure.
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Bangladesh, a South Asian nation intersected by numerous rivers, frequently grapples with flooding, particularly during the annual monsoon season. The country is classified among the most susceptible to natural disasters and climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. The army and navy have been mobilized to aid in rescue endeavors, utilizing speedboats and helicopters to access those marooned by the escalating waters.
While the monsoon rains engender widespread devastation annually, climate change is compounding the situation by altering weather patterns and intensifying the frequency of extreme events. A significant portion of Bangladesh comprises river deltas formed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, originating from the Himalayas in India and traversing through the country before reaching the sea.
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