Shafaqna Pakistan: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed solidarity with Bangladesh following the devastating floods and landslides that have caused widespread destruction, affirming Pakistan’s support for the Bangladeshi government and its people during the crisis.
Days of torrential monsoon rains have triggered severe flooding and landslides in southeastern Bangladesh, killing at least 44 people and leaving more than one million stranded. The heavy rainfall also caused landslides in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar earlier this week, claiming the lives of 16 refugees, including women and children.
In a statement, President Zardari extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the disaster.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the floods and landslides.
The president said Pakistan stood with the government and people of Bangladesh during this difficult time.
In a post on X, the prime minister said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the severe floods and landslides in Bangladesh”.
On behalf of the people of Pakistan, he extended “heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved families and said Pakistan expressed its “unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh”.
Shehbaz also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured and for the safety of everyone affected by the disaster.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was “deeply saddened by the devastating floods and landslides in Bangladesh”.
He extended his condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives and said his “thoughts and prayers” were with those displaced and affected by the disaster.
Dar also paid tribute to the “courage and dedication” of rescue personnel, armed forces, medical teams and relief workers involved in the emergency response, and reiterated that Pakistan stood in solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh.
Floods in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh disaster management ministry said on Saturday that flooding across seven districts — Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj — has disrupted daily life, isolated thousands of families, and stranded 267,918 households.
Many residents have been unable to cook for days as flood waters submerged their homes, while others are struggling after thick layers of mud covered kitchens and living spaces.
“There is still water inside our home, and we have no way to cook. The dry food we had has run out, and we spend the nights in the dark with our children because there is no electricity,” said Nurul Islam, a resident of a flood-hit area in Chattogram.
Thousands of families are relying on dry food — flattened rice, puffed rice, or biscuits that do not require cooking — and emergency relief. Washed-out roads and damaged bridges, however, have made it difficult for aid workers to reach some of the hardest-hit communities.
Army and navy personnel are ferrying food, drinking water, medicines, and other essential supplies by boat to isolated communities, as authorities step up relief efforts.
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, with seasonal monsoon rains regularly causing floods, river erosion and landslides. Scientists say climate change is making extreme rainfall more frequent and intense, increasing the scale and severity of such disasters.
Source: Express Tribune
