The floodwaters of unity: How Bangladesh is weathering the storm together

The floodwaters came swiftly, engulfing fields, homes, and lives in their relentless surge. Yet, in the wake of one of the most devastating floods Bangladesh has seen in recent years, something remarkable is unfolding. 

As the rivers breached their banks and the rain continued its merciless downpour, the people of Bangladesh did not cower in despair. Instead, they rose together, hand in hand, embodying a unity that transcends divisions of religion, class, and creed. In the face of this catastrophe, the country has shown the world what true resilience looks like.

Bangladesh is no stranger to floods. Year after year, the monsoon season brings with it the threat of rising waters, testing the nation's preparedness and resolve. But this year is different. The flood of 2024 is not just a natural disaster; it has become a litmus test for the very fabric of Bangladeshi society. And in this moment of crisis, the country has responded with a spirit of togetherness that is as powerful as the waters themselves.

In the worst-hit regions — Feni, Chattogram, Cumilla, Noakhali, Sunamganj, and Habiganj — the devastation is staggering. Over 4.4 million people across 11 districts have been affected, with 77 upazilas and 584 unions and municipalities submerged under water. 

Nearly 887,000 families are struggling to cope with the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has confirmed that the floods have claimed 31 lives, and the numbers continue to rise as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.

But these statistics, grim as they are, tell only part of the story. The real narrative lies in the countless acts of kindness and solidarity that have emerged in response to the crisis. This is not just a tale of survival; it is a testament to the strength of a nation united in purpose.

Take, for example, the boatmen who have turned their vessels into lifelines, ferrying stranded families to safety. Karnaphuli Shipping Boat Supply has mobilised an entire fleet, offering boats free of charge to those in need. Meanwhile, fuel station owners across the country have opened their pumps, providing free fuel to keep these rescue missions going. The Ekushey Express, a bus service typically bustling with passengers, has become a free shuttle for relief workers, ensuring that aid reaches even the most remote areas.

In an age where technology often feels isolating, it has become a bridge of connection in this crisis. Mobile operators have stepped up by offering free internet and minutes in the flood-affected regions, ensuring that people can stay in touch with loved ones and coordinate relief efforts. Even the small but essential task of charging a phone has been made possible by tower authorities who have arranged for free mobile charging stations in the hardest-hit areas.

But the response is not limited to logistical support; it is rooted deeply in the collective conscience of the nation. Record remittances are flowing in from Bangladeshis abroad, many of whom have organised helicopter services to reach the most inaccessible parts of the country. These expatriates, far from home but close to heart, have ensured that no one is left behind. One group even went so far as to offer free helicopter services to transport relief supplies to areas cut off by the floods.

At the heart of this effort is a profound sense of communal harmony that defies the divisions that so often plague society. Muslims are donating to Hindu charities, and Hindus are contributing to Muslim organisations, united by a shared goal: to help those in need. The As-Sunnah Foundation, a prominent charity organisation, has seen donations soar past 10 crores, with contributions coming from all corners of the country.

In one particularly moving instance, a group of Hindu donors made a substantial contribution to As-Sunnah's relief fund, embodying the very essence of Bangladesh's ethos of tolerance and unity.

The spirit of giving extends to all levels of society. Members of the Bangladesh Army have donated their one-day salary to the Chief Adviser's Relief Fund, a gesture that underscores their commitment to serving the nation in every possible way. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), this contribution was made "in the service of humanity," with the funds directed towards aiding those affected in the most severely hit districts.

And then there are the countless individual acts of kindness that, while not making headlines, are the true lifeblood of this national effort. A rickshaw puller in Dhaka, for example, donated his entire day's earnings to the relief fund, saying that it was "the least he could do." 

In villages across the country, mothers and sisters are taking off their gold chains and bangles, offering them as donations because "there is nothing else to give." These are not acts of charity; they are acts of solidarity, of standing together in the face of overwhelming adversity.

What is perhaps most remarkable about this response is the way it has cut across all the usual distractions. In a country where political discourse and sporting events often dominate public attention, Bangladeshis have set aside these concerns to focus on what truly matters: helping their fellow citizens. 

The recent ousting of a dictator, a topic that would normally be at the forefront of every conversation, has been overshadowed by the urgent need to address the flood crisis. Even the ongoing Bangladesh vs. Pakistan Test match, where Litton Das's half-century would typically be cause for celebration, has taken a backseat to the collective effort to provide relief.

This is the unity we have always dreamed of, the communal harmony that has often seemed just out of reach. And now, in the midst of one of the greatest challenges the country has faced, it is here, tangible and undeniable. The floodwaters may have washed away homes and livelihoods, but they have also brought to the surface the best of what Bangladesh has to offer.

This moment of unity is not just a fleeting response to a crisis; it is a profound shift in the national psyche. The younger generation, in particular, has risen to the occasion, proving that they are not just the future of Bangladesh — they are its present, leading the charge in this unprecedented relief effort. They have shown that when Bangladesh stands together, it is capable of anything — from toppling dictators to rescuing flood victims.

In every disaster, there is an opportunity to find light amidst the darkness. The floods of 2024 have been devastating, but they have also provided a chance for Bangladesh to redefine itself. In the unity that has emerged, we see a new Bangladesh — a nation that does not fear challenges but rather faces them with courage, compassion, and an unbreakable resolve.

As the floodwaters begin to recede, let us not forget the lessons we have learnt in these trying times. Let this spirit of unity continue to guide us, not only in moments of crisis but in our everyday lives. The flood may have tested our resilience, but it has also shown us that when we stand together, there is no challenge too great for Bangladesh to overcome.

It is not the flood that will define us, but our response to it. And in this response, we have found something far more powerful than any natural disaster: the strength of a united people, bound by a common purpose, and determined to build a better future together. This is the new Bangladesh — undaunted, unyielding, and united as never before.

Pranto Chatterjee is a former Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholar and an M.Tech student in Power Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, India.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.