‘Army to work for only humanitarian assistance in coastal areas’

The Bangladesh Army will only provide humanitarian assistance to coastal people affected by cyclone Amphan, not maintain law and order there, said Bangladesh Army Chief General Aziz Ahmed.

"We have to be polite to everyone. We have to remember that we have come here for the humanitarian work," he instructed army members today at the Satkhira circuit house during a visit to the coastal areas.

"We are working in a special situation due to the coronavirus pandemic. Army members know how to deal with disasters. We have also trained them up on how to face the Covid-19 situation.

"The people will remember all the soldiers who stand by their side during the crisis," the army chief added.

So far, the army reconstructed 460 houses in the coastal areas and provided food assistance to 10,000 people affected by Amphan, he continued.

"Even though we have limitations, the army's assistance will continue. We have already provided three of our 16 water treatment plants to the help of coastal people with severe water crisis."

He sought cooperation from the local administration to carry out the humanitarian task successfully in the coastal areas.

Earlier, the army chief arrived in Satkhira at around 10am and attended a view exchange meeting with the district deputy commissioner and officials of the Water Development Board.

He also talked to journalists and army personnel at around 11am before leaving for Koyra upazila of Khulna at around 12pm by a helicopter.